July 2025 | Laurel Magazine

L aURe L

The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

Pickleball on the Plateau

July 12 & 13

pg. 68

Fire in Her Fingers, Honey in Her Heart

July 2025

Cover Artist, Shannon Whitworth

Publisher’s Note

Welcome to our official guide to the exciting events and unique personalities that you’ll be encountering during this happy, hectic month of July.

You’ll notice that this edition of The Laurel is particularly hefty, our own version of Chunky Gal. Read this magazine carefully and plot out your calendar – extract every measure of joy embedded within these 31 days.

And, of course, look for us Out There and tell us your story!

With appreciation, Janet and Marjorie

VOLUME TWENTY-THREE, ISSUE SIX

JANET CUMMINGS Managing Partner janet@thelaurelmagazine.com

LUKE OSTEEN Editor / Writer luke@thelaurelmagazine.com

MARLENE OSTEEN Writer marlene.osteen@gmail.com

MARY ADAIR TRUMBLY Account Manager maryadiar@thelaurelmagazine.com

MARJORIE N. DEAL Managing Partner marjorie@thelaurelmagazine.com

RHODES Writer dmrhodes847@gmail.com

SARAH FIELDING Account Manager sarah@thelaurelmagazine.com

THOMAS CUMMINGS Distribution Manager jothcu@yahoo.com

MICHELLE MUNGER Art Director mungerclan5@aol.com

MARY JANE MCCALL Writer mjmccall777@gmail.com

EMILY MUNGER Account Manager emily@thelaurelmagazine.com

STEVE HUNTER Distribution

Contributing Writers: Stuart Ferguson, William McReynolds, Debbie Hall, and Deena Bouknight

Guest Writers: Jeanne Piazza, Sue Blair, David Stroud, Lance Hardin, Billy Love, Johanna Fein, Susan Gregory, Josh Bryson, Todd Holder, Anna Norton, Shelby Ward, Linda Kirkman, Danielle Hernandez, Dr. Kristin Lander, and Courtney Scarborough

Contributing Photographers: Susan Renfro, Mary Gillan Renfro, Greg Clarkson, Charles Johnson, Peter Ray, Terry Barnes, Ryan Karcher, and Colleen Kerrigan.

Copyright © 2025 by The Mountain Laurel, LLC. All rights reserved. Laurel Magazine is published eleven times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited.The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Laurel Magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel Magazine nor any of its staff is responsible for advertising errors, omissions, or information that has been misrepresented in or to the magazine. Any substantial errors that are the fault of the magazine will be subject to a reduction or reimbursement of the amounts paid by the advertiser, but in no case will any claim arising from such error exceed the amount paid for the advertisement by the advertiser. Visit us online thelaurelmagazine.com phone 828.526.0173 email info@thelaurelmagazine.com mail Post Office Box 565 Highlands, North Carolina 28741

DONNA

Pages 14-79

Photo by Susan Renfro

Twisting the Lion’s Tail

A brief history of America’s celebration of Our Independence Day is leavened with solemnity and passion.

The month is July and that means peach pie and that rhymes with July the 4th, our Independence Day.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. A new country was being birthed. Reacting to dictatorial monarchical rule and royal arrogance, the Declaration, with its eloquent assertion “all Men are created equal,” was felt deeply by the proud, original American people.

Celebrating Independence Day on July the 4th has a long and colorful history. Artifacts of these celebrations past have been gathered by our own Library of Congress. The photograph is from is an image of the broadside that was sent to the 13 Colonies, new States, and posted for all to see. There was much jubilation on this day in 1776 although the hard work of independence – drafting the Articles of Confederation and 5 years of armed insistence--were yet to come.

A year later, on July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia, early in the war with England, a spontaneous celebration occurred that was described by John Adams in a letter to his daughter Abigail:

My dear Daughter:

row gallies and guard boats, were all hawled off in the river, and several of them beautifully dressed in the colours of all nations, displayed about upon the masts, yards, and rigging. At one o’clock the ships were all manned, that is, the men were all ordered aloft, and arranged upon the tops, yards, and shrowds, making a striking appearance-of companies of men drawn up in order, in the air.

Yesterday, being the anniversary of American Independence, was celebrated here with a festivity and ceremony becoming the occasion.

In the morning the Delaware frigate, several large gallies, and other continental armed vessels, the Pennsylvania ship and

The wharves and shores, were lined with a vast concourse of people, all shouting and huzzaing, in a manner which gave great joy to every friend to this country, and the utmost terror and dismay to every lurking tory.

In the evening, I was walking about the streets for a little fresh air and exercise, and was surprised to find the whole city lighting up their candles at the windows. I think it was the most splendid illumination I ever saw. I had forgot the ringing of bells all day and evening, and the bonfires in the streets, and the fireworks played off.

I am your affectionate father, - John Adams

In the 1870s, the Fourth of July was the most important secular holiday. Independence Day was declared a federal holiday on June 28, 1870. Even far-flung communities on the western frontier managed some sort of celebration.

In a retrospective of rural life in the 1870s, Miss Nettie Spencer remembered the Fourth as the “big event of the year. Everyone in the countryside got together on that day for the only time in the year.”

“There would be floats in the morning and the one that got the eye was the Goddess of Liberty. She was supposed to be the most wholesome and prettiest girl in the countryside — if she wasn’t she had friends who thought she was. But the rest of us weren’t always in agreement on that…Following the float would be the Oregon Agricultural College cadets, and some kind of a band. Sometimes there would be political effigies.

“Just before lunch – and we’d always hold lunch up for an hour – some Senator or lawyer would speak. These speeches always had one pattern. First the speaker would challenge England to a fight and berate the King and say that he was a skunk. This was known as twisting the lion’s tail. Then the next theme was that any one could find freedom and liberty on our shores. The speaker would invite those who were heavy laden in other lands to come to us and find peace. The speeches were pretty fiery and by that time the men who drank got into fights and called each other Englishmen. In the afternoon we had what we called the ‘plug uglies’ — funny floats and clowns who took off on the political subjects of the day…The Fourth was the day of the year that really counted then. Christmas wasn’t much; a Church tree or something, but no one twisted the lion’s tail.”

In 1938, ninety-six-year-old Dr. Samuel B. Lathan recalled the Independence Day celebrations of his South Carolina childhood:

“The Fourth of July was observed at Caldwell Cross Roads. The military companies of infantry would assembly here from the surrounding counties making up a brigade. A drill and inspection were had, and a dress parade followed. There was an old cannon mounted on the field. The honor of firing it was assigned to Hugh Reed, who had been in the artillery of Napoleon’s army at Waterloo and afterward emigrated to South Carolina. A great barbecue and picnic dinner would be served; candidates for military, state, and national offices would speak; hard liquor would flow; and each section would present its ‘bully of the woods’ in a contest for champion in a fist and skull fight. Butting, biting, eye gouging, kicking, and blows below the belt were barred. It was primitive prize fighting.”

We still celebrate with barbeques and picnics, parades and fireworks, and the joyful flaunting of the colors.

Today we must call forth that same American heroism in righting the wrongs against community and providing for all the Blessings of Liberty, Justice and Equality.

Happy Independence Day!

by William McReynolds

Get Ready to Have a Blast

Fireworks and fun and musical flair! You’re invited to a dazzling fireworks display on the evening of July 3 at the Village Green in Cashiers. The party moves to Lake Glenville on July 5 for the community’s own stellar celebration.

The Cashiers/Glenville communities are double the fun during the July 4th weekend as you’ll be able to enjoy not one but two fireworks extravaganzas. The annual Fireworks Extravaganza on The Green, will take place on Thursday, July 3, at 6:30 P.M., rain or shine, on The Village Green Commons Lawn. Choose your viewing spot on the Commons lawn starting at 5:00 P.M.

Fireworks follow shortly after dark when thousands of colorful bursts light up the sky, accompanied by patriotic music.

The annual Fireworks Extravaganza on The Green, will take place on Thursday, July 3, at 6:30 P.M.

Entertainment will start at 6:30 P.M. when The Caribbean Cowboys take the stage. Local crowd favorites, the Cowboys have been keeping the rhythm for over 30 years, and they are sure to have you on your feet and dancing.

Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets and find a comfortable spot to enjoy all the evening’s events, but no tents or awnings please, and no dogs due to the nature of the event. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site with the Elevated Kitchen food truck offering food, Innovation Brewing offering beverages, and sweet treats from Crossroads Custard.

A portion of Frank Allen Road will be closed starting at 6:00 P.M. and will not reopen until after the fireworks show. Parking

will be limited along Frank Allen Road.

The Friends of Lake Glenville are presenting the 28th annual Fireworks Over the Lake on Saturday, July 5, at approximately 9:30 P.M, but you’ll want to get there much earlier so you can enjoy the annual July 4 Gala Boat Parade that lines up at 8:00 P.M. and starts promptly at 8:30 P.M.

There are great viewing opportunities off 107 N along the roadside from near Hamburg Baptist Church (south to the pullover/open areas along the lake). Be sure to have your vehicle entirely off the road and be mindful of traffic. Fireworks are held rain or shine, unless dangerous conditions develop, such as lightning.

The Friends of Lake Glenville organize and finance this event and relies exclusively on private contributions from sponsors and attendees. If you’d like to contribute or enter a boat, visit FriendsOfLakeGlenville.com.

by Mary Jane McCall

Boom Ya’ll

With rockets, hot dogs, fireworks and live music, the entire town of Highlands is a Fourth of July celebration. Plus, there are ducks.

It takes a village to throw a Fourth of July party like Highlands does, so trust us when we say a lot of people are involved in seeing that we celebrate the day in style – The town of Highlands, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, Highlands Fire Department, and community organizers have been hard at work planning a Fourth full of fun and excitement, complete with games, food, music, and fireworks.

Start Friday, July 4, with a rocket launch, traditional games, and a free hot dog lunch at the Town of Highlands Ballfield. The Boy Scout rocket launch will be from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M., immediately followed by traditional field games that the whole family will enjoy. No one leaves hungry because the Rotary Club of Highlands will be serving free hot dogs from 11:00 A.M. until all the hot dogs are gone.

The MAMA (Mtn. Area Medical Airlift) Helicopter will be landing at Noon, so be sure to see this life-saving medical marvel of the skies and thank their devoted team. Cool off by frolicking in the Highlands Fire Department’s annual Ladder Truck Spray Down.

Convene at Mill Creek Bridge at 2:00 P.M. for the Highlands Rotary Club’s annual Duck Derby. Purchase a rubber duck and cheer your colorful plastic friend to victory as it floats over the finish line. Tickets are available from Rotary members, so buy a few while you’re enjoying your hot dog.

Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park is the place to be at 6:00 P.M. to hear the lively sounds of Diverse Groove, a high-energy group playing, you guessed it, diverse favorites from a wide range of Genres. Plan to dance the night away and if you don’t believe us, take a look at the band’s Facebook page – trust us,

you’ll be dancing. Bring a picnic or purchase a bite from an area restaurant to enjoy while watching the show.

Following the concert, settle in with your most comfortable lawn chair or find a parking spot close to town to watch the annual fireworks display, which starts just after dusk. This dazzling show always exceeds expectations as the skies fill with explosive color. All together now, let’s practice saying “ooohhh...ahhhhh” so we’ll be ready when we find ourselves exclaiming over the magnificent display.

Please note that this schedule may be subject to lastminute changes.

by Mary Jane McCall

Center for Life Enrichment in July

The Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment is alive with the sound of music throughout the month. To register, visit clehighlands.com.

The Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment’s 2025 program season is in full swing! Whether you enjoy the moving melodies of chamber music or the upbeat rhythms of rock and roll, CLE has a musical experience for you!

On Wednesday, July 16, and Thursday, July 17, CLE presenter and musician Tom Dell will lead a fascinating two-part presentation on “The Origins of Rock and Roll – The Early 1960s.” Dell will transport attendees to the early 1960s, prior to the British Invasion by groups such as the Beatles and Rolling Stones. He will begin by examining the slow demise of Rockabilly, whose stars included Ricky Nelson, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Attendees will listen to some of the “safe” performers of the time, such as Fabian, Bobby Darin, Frankie Avalon, and Connie Francis, followed by some of the “threats to teenage ears” like Little Richard, Link Wray, and Bo Diddley, with their raucous sounds and question-

able lyrics. Dell will also trace the rise to prominence of Motown, which brought a fresh sound to white America, as well as Rhythm and Blues.

On Saturday, July 19, Ben Arnold will lead a presentation titled “The Canonic Phenomenon of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring: Primitivism, Myth, and Modernity.” This program, in collaboration with the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, will explore one of the most outstanding orchestral works of the twentieth century: Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. Following the enormous success of his earlier ballets, Stravinsky unleashed a new era of modernism with Le Sacre du Printemps and its primitive subject matter, barbaric dissonances and rhythms, and radical style. This lecture will discuss the Rite of Spring’s controversial premiere and innovative musical characteristics that influenced generations of composers, choreographers, chroniclers, poets, and artists.

On Monday, August 4, Emory music professor and jazz musician Dwight Andrews will present “Jazz Meets Classical: Uncovering the Hidden Connections Between America’s and Europe’s Musical Traditions.” Andrews will explore the relationship between “America’s classical music” and the classical music of the European tradition. His presentation will include musical excerpts, provocative observations from musicians, and engagement with attendees to “hear” the connections when “Jazz Meets Classical.”

For more information, or to register for these and other CLE programs, visit clehighlands.com.

by the Center for Life Enrichment

Tom Dell

Dwight Andrews Ben Arnold

Scan to learn more.

Groovin’ on the Green

The summer’s musical passion reaches a crescendo with the July 25 Groovin’ on the Green concert by McIntosh & The Lionhearts (sponsored by Landmark Realty Group), 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. at the Village Green in Cashiers.

Spalding McIntosh

The July sunshine blending into long, cool twilight serves as the proper stage for the July 25 Groovin’ on the Green concert by McIntosh & The Lionhearts.

Songwriter Spalding McIntosh is a Western North Carolina native. His band, McIntosh and the LionHearts are known for their high- energy, heart felt performances of his compositions on home, love and the challenges of manhood, all in a tight rolling groove. “Little Things” is the band’s debut release and they’re ready to party. Their audience is invited to join in the fun as they reel through their playlist.

“We here at The Village Green love being able to offer free and fun family programming, that’s accessible to everyone in our community, and that can be enjoyed without having to drive down the mountain,” says Ashlie Mitchell, the Village Green’s executive director.

• Rain or Shine, concerts will go on

• General admission is free and concerts are open to the public

• Donations are encouraged and accepted to support The Village Green and this beloved event! Donations will be collected at each concert and individuals are welcome to donate through The Village Green’s website at villagegreencashiersnc.com/concerts/

• Groovin’ is family-friendly and fun for all ages

• Concerts are held on select Fridays from 6:00 – 8:30 PM

• Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnics, however, local food and beverage businesses will be on site for purchase

• Dogs are welcome as long as they remain leashed and with their owners at all times

• A limited number of 10×10 tent rentals are available for purchase at villagegreencashiersnc.com/concerts. These tents

will be set up on the Commons Lawn, providing a comfortable, shaded space to enjoy the show.

• The Village Green is a 13+ acre nonprofit park system that is not funded by any government, state, or federal entity. We rely solely on the generosity of private contributions to continue our treasured community events and programs, like Groovin’ on The Green. Schedule of Performances:

• July 25: McIntosh & The Lionhearts

• August 1: Martin & Kelly

• August 22: The V8s

• August 29: Gotcha Groove

by Luke Osteen

Scan to learn more.

Highlands’ Rich Harmonies

You’re invited to join the fun – Highlands’ Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine Outdoor Concert Series are gracing the sweet summer twilights. For more information, visit highlandschamber.org or call (828) 526-2112.

From now until September, the vibrant tunes of live music fill the air in downtown Highlands every Friday and Saturday night. Shows on both nights are free and take place from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M.

Friday Night Live showcases traditional mountain music and exceptional local talent on Main Street’s Town Square. The Friday night concerts are part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina, an initiative of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership and the NC Arts Council that works to sustain the rich music traditions of the region.

The Friday Night Live season schedule is as follows:

July 4 – Diverse Groove: Special holiday Friday concert in Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park

July 11 – Nitrograss

July 18 – Johnny Webb Band

July 25 – ABC Combo

August 1 – Ezra & Katie

August 8 – McClain Family Band

August 15 – Shawn Lane Trio, featuring Lane Brothers

August 22 – Spare Parts Bluegrass Band

August 29 – The Foxfire Boys

September 5 – Silly Ridge

September 12 – Johnny Webb Band

September 19 – Curtis Blackwell & Dixie Bluegrass Boys

September 26 – Nitrograss

Saturdays on Pine features a variety of popular, regional bands and musicians at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

The Saturdays on Pine season schedule is as follows:

July 5 – Silly Ridge: Special holiday Saturday Concert in Town Square

July 12 – Shane Meade & The Sound

July 19 – The Breakfast Club

July 26 – The Boomers

August 2 – High 5

August 9 – HC Oakes Band

August 30 – Southside Station

September 6 – The Parks Brothers

September 13 – Continental Divide

September 20 – Brandon Crocker Trio

September 27 – Shedhouse Trio with Darren Nicholson

The Outdoor Concert Series is made possible by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.

There will not be a Chamber-presented concert on August 16 and August 23 due to other events being held at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park. by Luke Osteen

Magic Through the Visual Arts

If you’re a full-time Plateau person, a part-time resident, heck, even if you’re just passing through, consider this an invitation to The Bascom’s Community Day 2025, set for 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 5.

Each July, The Bascom celebrates what it does best –bringing people together through the visual arts.

Community Day, now a beloved tradition more than a decade strong, invites residents and visitors alike to experience the joy of creativity, connection, and shared place.

On Saturday, July 5, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., The Bascom’s six-acre campus will come alive with free, art-filled festivities for all ages. Guests can take part in hands-on activities, explore the grounds, and enjoy classic summer treats like fresh-popped popcorn and snowcones.

This year’s Community Day features an inspiring lineup of artist and community demonstrators.

The Jackson County Green Energy Park returns to dazzle audiences with live glassblowing demonstrations that showcase the power of repurposed energy and the beauty of glass.

Frank Vickery, The Bascom’s Director of Ceramics, and Ester Lipscomb, Ceramics Artist-Educator, will guide visitors in throwing clay on the potter’s wheel.

Additional activities include beadmaking, jewelry design, and a creative project led by Caryn Raming, The Bascom’s Community Engagement Associate. The Art League of Highlands-Cashiers will also be on hand, offering opportunities to engage in collaborative art-making.

Highlands-Cashiers Hospital will host its beloved Teddy Bear Clinic, helping children learn about medical procedures and reduce anxiety through play. Children will receive a stuffed animal for a “check-up” with caring hospital staff in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Inside the galleries, The Bascom’s summer exhibitions reflect on legacy, growth, and artistic innovation. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, two retrospectives trace the institution’s evolution: Inspiring & Empowering: A Journey Through The Bascom’s Exhibition Legacy and Looking Back: A Retrospective of The Bascom’s Artists-in-Residence Program.

Also on view is The Rain Crow, a poetic exploration of Southern landscape and memory by 2025 Photography Resident Margaret Adams.

The Bascom Shop will be open throughout the day, offering a curated selection of handmade work by regional artists in a variety of mediums – ceramics, textiles, woodturning, glass, and more—celebrating the depth and diversity of creative practice in the region.

Visitors can also explore the Atrium Series in the Greehey Atrium, which showcases exceptional works not typically available for purchase at The Bascom, offering a unique opportunity to acquire distinctive pieces from soughtafter makers.

Whether you’ve visited many times or are just passing through, Community Day is an invitation to create, connect, and feel at home in the heart of the Plateau’s creative community.

The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts is located at 323 Franklin Road in Highlands.

by Bianca Mitchell, The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts

Scan to learn more.

Meet at the Markets

The twin Farmers’ Markets in Cashiers and Highlands are serving up a full menu of palate pleasers, as well as a complete compliment of goods, greens, sweets, and savories. Both are the products of a proud farming tradition.

Andrea Gabbard and Jane Chalker

If you shop at the local Farmers’ Markets (Highlands Farmers’ Market in the Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in Highlands or Locally Grown on the Green at 160 Frank Allen Road in Cashiers), you know them from the ground up. With the support of the farmers and the community, these markets continue to grow like butterweeds – but only the delicious, edible kind of greens.

Highlands Farmers’ Market has been active about 16 years. It was the inspiration of Andrea Gabbard. Along with mission groups from the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation and Highlands United Methodist Church, she and her husband Kevin went to Haiti with their son and daughter. The mission members, including Jane Chalker, were so moved by the experience, they wanted to continue helping the Haitians, so they sold flowers weekly to raise money to return.

That launched the first Farmers Market at the Highlands Park (before it was Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park). Others joined, selling everything from produce to a variety of goods, like thrift items and crafts. Many at the park contributed to the Haitian cause.

…they wanted to continue helping the Haitians, so they sold flowers weekly to raise money to return.

One of the remarkable spin-offs of the mission is that five members of different mission groups have gone into ministry.

Highlands Farmers Market shifted locations a few times before settling at the newest version of the original space, Kelsey-Hutchinson. Over the years they moved from the park to Highlands School’s front driveway to Bryson’s parking lot and

back to the park as it’s known today.

Jane continues to support the cause by selling Haitian coffee and handcrafted metal work, both manufactured by the locals of Haiti.

The market also features a table manned by Dr. John Baumrucker which raises funds for his ongoing Bolivian mission that serves the people of Montero.

While the Highlands Market continues to blossom, a few policies have changed. New members must be vendors only of local, fresh, hand-grown/prepared food and plants. No crafts, art, stitchery, etc. Just edibles or flowers.

Visit on Saturdays, 8:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. If want to join this historical gang, contact Don Deal at (828) 342-8239.

by Donna Rhodes

photo by Susan Renfro

Food & Wine 2025

The Highlands Food and Wine Festival is coming to town November 13-16 – complete with its own glorious soundtrack.

Highlands Food & Wine celebrates a decade of what they call “Hitting the High Notes.”

What began as a boutique food-andwine gathering has evolved into a four-day sensory celebration that draws nationally known chefs, sought-after vintners, and a genre-crossing slate of musicians to the Plateau.

The weekend opens with Thursday’s sold-out Grand Tasting, where culinary craftsmanship meets the effervescence of Champagne and live music sets the tone for the days ahead.

Friday’s Smoke Signals keeps it loose and flavorful with elevated street food focused on things smoked, grilled, and barbecued, paired with small-batch cocktails and a crowd-pleasing musical lineup.

On Saturday, downtown Highlands becomes the stage for Main Street, a celebration of sound and flavor that winds through the heart of town. And Sunday’s Shot at Redemption brunch sends everyone off with biscuits, Bloody Marys, and soul-stirring gospel – both

literal and figurative.

But make no mistake: while the food and drink are exceptional, the music is what turns Highlands Food & Wine into something unforgettable.

This year’s lineup reads like a curated journey across roots, rock, soul, and beyond. Friday brings Railroad Earth, the genre-blurring collective known for their blend of progressive bluegrass, Celtic fiddling, and improvisational groove. Their music doesn’t just fill the air—it shifts and drifts like mountain mist, grounded in tradition and lifted by exploratory spirit. Sharing the stage are Paul McDonald and The Mourning Doves, bringing raw-voiced Americana with a Southern rock sensibility.

Saturday is a double dose of Nashville flair. Country rocker Nikki Lane opens with her signature blend of vintage cool and honky-tonk swagger. She’s followed by The Wallflowers, led by Jakob Dylan, whose gravel-edged voice and timeless songwriting will echo down Main Street. But Sunday belongs to legends. The Blind

Boys of Alabama close the weekend with harmonies that have been moving souls for over eight decades. Winners of six Grammy Awards and recipients of a Lifetime Achievement Award, these gospel masters recently claimed the 2024 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album with Echoes of the South. And, in a fullcircle moment they return to Highlands exactly 10 years after performing at the very first Gospel brunch.

Founded in 1939 in Talladega, Alabama, the group has featured a changing roster of musicians over its history, the majority of whom are or were vision impaired. Their ability to find light in darkness, both literally and musically, transforms their Sunday brunch performance into something approaching the sacred.

At Highlands Food & Wine, music doesn’t play second fiddle – it plays in perfect harmony.

by Marlene Osteen

Jakob Dylan of The Wallflowers

Railroad Earth

Nikki Lane Scan to learn more.

Mary Badham and Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird

Meet Actress Mary Badham

Mary Badham

Actress Mary Badham illuminates To Kill A Mockingbird ’s eternal message at Highlands Cashiers Film Festival, September 18-21 at Highlands Performing Arts Center. For tickets and a complete lineup of events, visit highlandscashiersfilmfestival.com.

When Mary Badham, the eternally-eight-year-old

Scout Finch in the 1962 film To Kill A Mockingbird, introduces its screening at Highlands Cashiers Film Festival (September 18-21 at Highlands Performing Arts Center), she’ll remind its audience to open their hearts to its timeless message.

“This film has always been a wonderful teaching tool – for tolerance, for strong families and good parenting, and for strong, compassionate communities,” Ms. Badham says.

She’s spent years showcasing the movie at film festivals around the world and underlining its message of courage and moral clarity. In 2012, she attended a screening of To Kill a Mockingbird with President Barack Obama at the White House to mark the 50th anniversary of its release.

Ms. Badham says that once the film is presented, she’ll entertain questions from the audience and spotlight the genial behind-the-scenes atmosphere that infused the production.

“Gregory Peck was precisely the gentleman that he was in front of the camera, playing my (on-screen) father Atticus Finch,” she

says. “On weekends, he’d invite my family to spend time with his family, and he was like a kind father to me. Always – even after the film came out and the years separated us.”

The production also fostered a lifetime friendship with Highlander Collin Wilcox Paxton, who electrified audiences with her portrayal of Mayella Violet Ewell.

“We were close and kept in contact over the years, over the decades,” Ms. Badham says.

The screening of To Kill A Mockingbird and the presentation by Ms. Badham is just one of the events on the Highlands Cashiers Film Festival’s near-to-bursting schedule.

“Join us for four unforgettable days, including competition film screenings, workshops, emerging filmmakers, and panels with acclaimed industry presenters and award-winning professionals,” says Alison Knapp, who with Darren Whatley is pulling together this massive endeavor. “We will showcase all genres, including features, documentaries, shorts, and international films.”

If you’re as big a film buff as I am, you’re going to be astonished at the richness of the lineup – screenings of classics like 1938’s The Adventures of Robin Hood, restored to its brilliant widescreen Technicolor glory; and the Gregory Peck-Audrey Hepburn romantic comedy Roman Holiday, introduced by Catherine Wyler, the daughter of its director/ producer William Wyler; and new masterpieces like the darkly humorous Ghostworld, introduced by star Illeanna Douglas, unforgettable as Roberta Allsworth – balanced by Master of Ceremonies and online Film Freak Central critic Walter Chaw; Robert Hoffman on the world of Technicolor; Plateau-resident and Oscar-winner Wesley Wofford on Hair and Makeup; Steven Poster, the cinematographer of the unforgettable Donnie Darko; and Art Director Bill Brzeski on his work on Matilda and Stuart Little 2

In a lovely bit of Plateau synergy, Brzeski’s presentation will be preceded by a series of songs performed by the young actors of last month’s Highlands Youth Theater’s Matilda.)

Tickets for the festival and the parties and special events staged around it are on sale right now – highlandscashiersfilmfestival.com.

by Luke Osteen

Gregory Peck and Collin Wilcox Paxton in To Kill a Mockingbird

A Tennessee Bluegrass Band

The cool mountain twilight provides the setting for the Tennessee Bluegrass Band’s July 16 Orchard Session at The Farm at Old Edwards.

Tennessee Bluegrass Band

In an idyllic setting away from urban and daily pressures where time slows and the noises of the city recede, the music comes into focus.

This is the promise of the Orchard Sessions at The Farm at Old Edwards. On Wednesday, July 16, that promise delivers something remarkable when the Tennessee Bluegrass Band brings their mountainbred mastery to these Carolina foothills. This isn’t your grandfather’s bluegrass – though he’d surely approve. These five musicians have absorbed decades of tradition while forging something unmistakably their own.

Sonny Osborne, the legendary banjo picker, puts it plainly: “These five people have just begun, and in my opinion, are going to be heard from on a major scale. They are that good.”

The quintet emerged from Nashville’s competitive music scene where seasoned professionals in their twenties decided to pursue something pure.

Lincoln Hensley commands the banjo with the precision of Sonny Osborne’s unofficial apprentice, while Tim Laughlin anchors the mandolin with experience from touring with Larry Sparks and Dale Ann Bradley.

At the heart of their sound, John Meador’s tenor voice carries the clarity that made him the cornerstone of Kentucky JustUs, supported by his wife Gracie on bass – a musician who grew up understanding that family and music are inseparable.

Then there’s Aynsley Porchak on fiddle, fresh from ETSU’s bluegrass program and already claiming first place in the Grand Master Fiddle Championship in both the US and Canada—an accomplishment never before achieved. When she draws her bow across those strings, you hear Kenny Baker’s ghost nodding approval. What makes this band compelling isn’t just their individual credentials – it’s

how they dissolve into something larger than their parts. Their passion for making music combines the ideas of the past with modern-day creativity, creating arrangements that honor tradition while breathing new life into every note. The Farm’s orchard setting seems destined for this music. Bluegrass was born in the mountains, where voices carried across valleys and instruments spoke the language of land and sky.

Here, beneath Carolina branches, with light bites and evening air, the Tennessee Bluegrass Band will remind us why this music endures – not because it’s old, but because it remains true.

Doors open at 6:00 P.M., with music until 8:00 P.M. At $25 for Old Edwards guests and members, and $50 for the public, it’s an evening that promises to linger long after the last note fades. Reserve your seats at oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions.

by Marlene Osteen

Bursting at the Bindings

There’s nothing sleepy about our twin libraries in the midst of a busy Plateau July.

Martha Novak

Maggie Bailey

Your first thought for a packed day of summer fun might not be your local library – but you’d be wrong. This July, the Hudson Library in Highlands and the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Library in Cashiers are bursting at the bindings with concerts, crafts, curious creatures, and more. From drumbeats echoing through reading rooms to mayors spilling community secrets over coffee, Hudson Library Highlands and Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library are serving up summer programming that’s anything but humdrum.

At Hudson, Thursdays are a mini festival every week. The day begins with Family Storytime at 10:40 A.M. and shifts into high gear with the afternoon Kids Zone lineup. On July 3, EcoSplash! invites kids to roll up their sleeves and dive into the science of local rivers. July 10 brings Drum Life – a high-energy percussion experience where everyone gets in on the rhythm.

The month continues with Lego Club (July 17), a science-fueled mystery show (July 24), and STEAM Adventures (July 31) to wrap it all up.

Meanwhile, mystery lovers are in for a treat when local author Maggie Bailey drops by on July 18 at 2:00 P.M. to discuss her latest page-turner, Quilty as Charged. But the fascination doesn’t stop there – earlier that same day at 11:00 A.M., residents can grab their coffee and chat with Highlands Mayor Pat Taylor during Community Coffee, where local insights flow as freely as the caffeine

In Cashiers, the Albert CarltonCashiers Community Library is buzzing with its own brand of mountain magic. For adults, there’s Mah Jong Mondays, Thursday afternoon matinees, and a string of standout programs: author Martha Novak discusses Blood Mountain (July 9), gardening experts host Blue Ridge Garden Quest sessions (July 11 and 25), and a social media

Q&A (July 15) aims to demystify the digital. On July 23, local history takes the spotlight with a Horace Kephart program presented by the Cashiers Historical Society.

For all ages, the fun gets louder – and sweeter. Community Jams on July 13 and 27 turn the library into a music hall, while the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival brings jazz and ice cream to the lawn on July 16. Kids can also enjoy weekly storytimes, STEAM projects, movie mornings, a colorpopping science show (July 11), tie-dye bears (July 18), and a squirmy session with real live worms (July 25).

So go ahead – rethink your idea of a summer hot spot. On the Plateau, libraries aren’t just cool. They’re cool and happening.

by Marlene Osteen

Paint Your Pet is Back!

Pet Portraiture reaches peak prominence when it leads to a pair of painting parties for Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.

Paint Your Pet is back and bigger than ever!

Last year’s inaugural Paint Your Pet event at the Sapphire Valley Resort Community Center completely sold out, so this year… we’re hosting two Paint Your Pet nights in Sapphire, and a brand new Paint Your Pet in Highlands!

Join us for a fun-filled two hours of creativity and love for the four-legged members of our family.

No painting skills necessary. Chances are, the less artistic you feel you may be, the more fun you will have. Just send us a head shot photo of your pampered pet when you register (chhumanesociety. org/paintyourpet-2025) and that evening you’ll have a personalized line drawing sketch of your pet on a 16” x 16” canvas ready for you to paint. Brushes, paints and aprons will all be supplied. Attendance is limited, so register early!

Paint Your Pet takes place at the

Sapphire Valley Resort Community Center on Thursday, July 10, and Friday, July 11, and at the Highlands Community Building on Thursday, August 7. Times are 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., and check-in begins at 4:30 P.M. Cost is $50 per person. There will also be some awesome prizes we will raffle during Paint Your Pet, so bring some extra bucks (raffle tickets are $10 each) to support the shelter pets and a chance to win some great prizes!

The fun doesn’t stop at 7:00 P.M.!

At the Sapphire Valley Paint Your Pet, our animal-loving friends at Slopeside Tavern are offering a special dinner promotion for Paint Your Pet participants. In case your tummies are growling while you are creating your pet’s masterpiece, walk right next door to Slopeside Tavern after the event and present your Paint Your Pet ticket, and not only will you enjoy great food and friendly service, Slopeside will donate

25 percent of each dinner’s purchase price to support CHHS. Thank you to our awesome event partners: Be a Light Painting, Sapphire Valley Resort, Slopeside Tavern, The Village Hound, and Cashiers Valley Real Estate.

Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, one-and-half miles east of the Cashiers Ingles in between Cedar Creek Club and Lonesome Valley on Highway 64. Tax-deductible donations to support our lifesaving work can be mailed to: CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717. For more information visit chhumanesociety.org or call (828) 743-5752.

by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

MTC: The Burnt Part Boys

After a heartbreaking postponement for Mountain Theatre Company last season, due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, MTC’s long-awaited production of The Burnt Part Boys is set to make its debut this August.

After a heartbreaking postponement for Mountain Theatre Company last season, due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, MTC’s long-awaited production of The Burnt Part Boys is set to make its debut this August. The cancellation hit the cast and crew hard, halting months of passionate preparation and artistic momentum. Under the direction of Scott Daniel with vocal direction by Lori Nielsen Lindsay, the company returns this summer with renewed determination and heart. This powerful, folkinfused musical about grief, hope, and resilience resonates even more deeply after a year of waiting - and the MTC cast is ready to give it the debut it has always deserved.

Returning to the MTC stage after appearing in Rock of Ages, Alex Pletikapich will star as younger brother Pete, a youngster who is deeply inspired by movie heroes and renders The Burnt Part useless. Spencer Bethers (MTC’s Home for the Holidays: Sounds of the Season) will join as older brother Jake, a roughhouse brother who has taken over the lead role as caretaker in their home. Alongside Bethers, Michael Robert Krebs will be seen as Chet, the best friend of Jake who also works in the mine in the town. Dusty, the fun-loving, saw-playing best friend of Pete will be played by William Field. Katie Berger Wood will reprise her role as runaway Frances (The Burnt Part Boys, Freefall Theatre). Al Dollar, a recent BroadwayWorld winner for “Best Performer in a Musical” in MTC’s Catch Me If You Can will return to the MTC stage. Rounding out the cast of miners includes Terrance McQueen (MTC’s Forever Plaid ) and James Arthel Reilly.

After its world premiere in 2010, The Burnt Part Boys became one of the most imaginative and heartfelt original musicals in recent memory. Set in an Appalachian mining town that was the scene of a tragic disaster many years before, Pete is fighting to claim his past. His older brother Jake is hoping to forge a future. With their friends, they each embark on a life-altering journey to the mine that took their father’s life. By

heart as it finds the peaks and valleys of darkness within us all.

The creative team includes Set Design by Scott Daniel and Jeff Weber with Weber Scenic (MTC’s Catch Me If You Can), Sound Design by Bo Garrard (MTC’s Resident Sound Designer), Lighting Design by Mike Wood, and Costume Design by Beck Jones (RuPaul’s Drag Race). Follow along with our new series; Harmony in Highlands: The Making of The Burnt Part Boys on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@ mountaintheatrecompany where you can get a first-hand look behind the scenes in our orchestration recording, building the costumes, rehearsals with the cast and more.

turns magical, inspiring, raucous, and playful – the story is set to a driving and haunting mid-century bluegrass-inspired score. MTC is grateful to hone in on the talent of national and local talent in our orchestra with Matt Stern on the piano, Nico Remy on the drums, Olivia Massey on the viola, Jackson Hopper on the upright bass and featuring Master Fiddler Meade Richter, with guitar and music direction by Bo Garrard. The Burnt Part Boy s is an empowering and thrilling theatrical experience for all ages. This heartwarming adventure with a book by Mariana Elder, music by Chris Miller and lyrics by Nathan Tysen, this musical will be sure to capture your

Students under the age of 18 who are residents of Macon, Jackson, Transylvania, or Rabun Counties receive free Green Level tickets reserved in advance to any of MTC’s productions in our mission for #Theatre4All. Performances are Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:00 P.M.; Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 P.M. Tickets range from $68 - $78. You can currently check out MTC’s in repertory productions of The Marvelous Wonderettes and Forever Plaid now through July 13th at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. Tickets and more information are available at mountaintheatre.com.

by Erin Leigh Knowles Mountain Theatre Company

19th Annual Songwriters’ Round

Thanks to a generous troupe of Nashville songwriters and musicians, Blue Ridge School is enriched through Songwriters Round, Saturday, August 23, at the Keller Pavilion at the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau in Cashiers.

Rivers Rutherford

On Saturday, August 23, the music will matter more than ever.

That’s when Rivers Rutherford returns to the stage at the Keller Pavilion at the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau in Cashiers, joined this year by acclaimed songwriter Tim Nichols, whose credits include the Tim McGraw anthem Live Like You Were Dying. Together with a circle of Nashville talent, they’ll bring stories, lyrics, and laughter to the 19th Annual Songwriters’ Round – a cornerstone fundraising event for the Blue Ridge School Education Foundation.

This isn’t your typical benefit concert. The format is intimate and conversational: just a few musicians, a handful of guitars, and a lifetime of hits. Guests are treated not just to music, but to the stories behind the songs.

“It’s polished like a country club,” says Foundation Vice President Ali Moody, “but it feels like you’re on someone’s back porch.”

The night begins at 6:00 P.M. with a buffet-style barbecue dinner provided by The Local Restaurant in Glenville. Expect pulled pork, traditional fixings, and plenty of seconds. The music starts at 7:30 P.M. A cash bar serving beer and wine keeps the evening festive.

Tickets are $220 per person or $2,200 for a reserved table of 10 and are available at brsfoundation.com/songwriters-round or via the QR code on event materials.

But beyond the entertainment value lies the event’s true purpose: supporting education in a community where it’s needed most. Blue Ridge School is designated as Title I due to the high number of low-income families it serves.

The foundation works to bridge gaps that county funding cannot fill, providing resources that dramatically enhance educational opportunities.

“We try to make sure these kids have the resources that the county won’t fund,”

says Chuck Self, Foundation President. The impact is substantial – last year alone, the event raised $60,000 after expenses, and $12,000 in additional donations beyond ticket sales. This marked the biggest net gain in the fundraiser’s 18-year history.

These funds support everything from field trips to Charleston and Washington, D.C., to college scholarships for graduating students. The foundation has equipped every classroom with smart boards and laptop computers, extends beyond basic county provisions to truly lift the educational experience for students, teachers, and staff.

Doors open at 6:00 P.M., but the impact of the evening lasts far beyond the final song. With 490 guests expected, and more than 40 volunteers supporting the effort, it’s a night of music that strikes the right chord – for education, for equity, and for the future.

by Marlene Osteen

CLE Presents 2025’s Porchfest

For the ambitious Highlands Porchfest, set for Sunday, September 21, the entire downtown will serve as the musical venue. For more information, or to help (this’ll require a lot of hands), visit highlandsporchfest.com.

Highlands Porchfest is a freeto-attend music event for our community, organized and presented by the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment each year. This year, the festival will take place on Sunday, September 21, from 1:00 to 6:00 PM. Approximately 35 musicians from every genre will perform live at various Highlands businesses/locations.

The Highlands-Cashiers Center For Life Enrichment (CLE) is a non-profit organization that has been serving the plateau for over 32 years. CLE delivers opportunities for life gratification and enrichment, and is dedicated to creating innovative programs to support our wonderful community.

Our goals are simple:

• Support local and regional musicians showcasing their talents to the community.

• Support local businesses and boost local revenue by hosting musicians at various businesses.

• Encourage diverse and inclusive community culture by engaging musical and attendance participation for ALL demographic groups in our community.

• Keep it Local: Porchfest is organized by CLE’s board, staff, and volunteers. No outside event producers or marketing agencies are commissioned. Vendors are hired locally whenever possible.

CLE’s Porchfest committee is still finalizing the stellar lineup of musicians for this year’s festival, but a few fan-favorites confirmed to be returning include: Andrew Wooten, Breeze Cable, Madison Owenby, Zorki, Spalding McIntosh, and Lindsay Beth Harper. We’ll have the full lineup finalized before the next Laurel Issue, including some newcomers.

Same as musicians, our committee is working to finalize venues, and possibly even add some new ones for “pop up performances” this year. Currently,

we have The Bascom, Town Square, Western Carolina Brew and Wine, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founder’s Park, Stubborn Bull, Stubborn Buddha, High Country Wine & Provisions, Highlander Mountain House, Park on Main, Mountain Life Properties and First Presbyterian Church confirmed.

The Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment can only bring Porchfest to our community, free of charge, because of generous donations and sponsors from our community. All sponsorships and in-kind donations are tax deductible because CLE is a 501(c)3 organization. Any proceeds from this Porchfest event will fund future community enrichment programs through CLE.

Folks can visit our website for more information on PF sponsorships/ advertising opportunities. They can also call (828) 526-8811 or email office@ clehighlands.com.

by Audra Bullard, Center for Life Enrichment

Highlands Twilight 5k

The Rotary Club of Highlands will celebrate 80 years of Service Above Self with The Twilight 5K Race on Saturday, August 16, starting at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park and winding throughout the community.

For 80 years, the Rotary Club of Highlands has quietly transformed the community – one project, one dollar, one helping hand at a time.

On Saturday, August 16, that legacy of service steps into the spotlight with its sponsorship of The Twilight 5K Race, launching at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

Founders Park, with its open green space and nods to Highlands’ past, couldn’t be a more fitting backdrop.

“It’s where Highlands comes together, and it’s filled with markers of our history,” says Rotary Club president Randy Foster. “It felt like the perfect place to invite past presidents, longtime members, and the entire community. We want this event to reflect that spirit.” Foster knows that spirit well.

A Rotarian since 1991, he joined the

Highlands club after making the move here full time five years ago. When asked to serve as president, he saw an opportunity to honor the club’s legacy in a big way.

The race starts at 6:00 P.M. at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park. The 5K course is undulating, beginners or walkers will find it friendly, yet the faster runners will be challenged. Race Day registration and check-in will start at 4:00 P.M. Early packet pickup is slated for 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. Friday, August 15, at Highlands Recreation Park.

In commemoration of its 80th year anniversary, the Rotary Club of Highlands will honor those runners 80 and over with a special prize. Highlands Rotary will also invite any former Rotarians to join the celebration, with recognition of past presidents and special guests.

The ABC Band will perform at the event

starting at 7:30 P.M.

For more information and to register, visit runsignup.com/highlandstwilight5k.

Last fall’s Highlands Twilight 5K raised nearly $30,000 for a new playground at the community recreation center. In all, the event has raised more than $250k for children focused charities in Highlands.

Recent Highlands Rotary golf tournaments contributed $25,000 toward renovating the Community Building kitchen.

The annual Fourth of July hot dog roast and Duck Derby continue to provide crucial support for local charities. The club’s emergency response efforts recently delivered 100 heaters to western North Carolina communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. by Luke Osteen

2025 Cashiers Designer Showhouse

The elegant 2025 Cashiers Designer Showhouse opens its doors on August 22. For more information about the Showhouse and the Cashiers Historical Society, visit cashiershistory.org or call (828) 743-7710.

Who among us hasn’t imagined handing over the keys to our dream home and letting a team of the country’s most talented designers take it from there –each room individually styled, each space transformed by a different creative mind?

That fantasy becomes reality, at least for a little while, at the 2025 Cashiers Designer Showhouse.

For 28 years, the Cashiers Historical Society has transformed exceptional homes into showcases of design excellence, and this August, their signature fundraising event takes on new dimensions at Saratay Falls. The Designer Showhouse represents the Historical Society’s largest annual undertaking, generating crucial revenue that sustains their mission to preserve the Cashiers Valley’s heritage while creating a cultural celebration that draws visitors from across the Southeast and beyond.

This year’s venue breaks new ground—literally and figuratively. The modern rustic home at Saratay Falls sits on what was once an untouchable private family estate where Fowler Creek cascades 50 feet into hidden swimming holes.

Developer Loudermilk Custom Homes has been building in Cashiers for four years, spending that time opening this exclusive enclave off Whiteside Cove Road.

The Showhouse marks the fifth residence completed in the Saratay Falls development, with Loudermilk planning two additional custom homes. Twelve interior designers, with Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine as the media partner,

have transformed rooms that capture sweeping forest vistas through walls of contemporary glass balanced against rustic timber elements.

“This was a wonderful way to support the community and enjoy the creativity of these designers,” explains Showhouse Chair Rowanne McKnight of Sixth Street Creative, whose art consulting expertise helps coordinate the complex collaboration between designers, artists, and vendors throughout the nine-day celebration.

The Historical Society has crafted programming that transforms a home tour into an immersive cultural experience.

The Stargazer Gala opening night party at Blue Star Ranch sets the tone with Western-inspired festivities on a 170-acre horse property, complete with bespoke hat customization and lively dancing. Weekend workshops invite direct participation: creating all-natural candles with beeswax and coconut oil alongside the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, a hands-on floral workshop where you’ll learn the art of arranging fresh blooms into stunning creations, and collaborative art-making with showhouse artists Jessie Mackay, Cynthia Perryman, and Brenda Sulmonetti using oil paint sticks on large seasonal canvases.

Panel discussions bring celebrated architects Tim Adams and Brandy Long together with renowned interior designers Barrie Benson and James Farmer at Canyon Kitchen, Lonesome Valley, exploring how innovative design can honor natural environments.

Book signings feature Tim Adams presenting Traditions Made New-author and Nashville designer Eric Ross showcasing Embracing Southern Homes, and you will have the opportunity to spend the afternoon with beloved cookbook author Anne Byrn as she shares stories, chats with guests, and offers a layer cake demonstration.

The inaugural art gallery auction transforms the home’s garage into an exhibition space for 12x12 paintings by North Carolina artists Laura Moser, Shannon Jones, and Shannon Whitworth, as well as artists from around the country. Every showhouse visitor can bid on pieces, creating a new revenue stream that supports the Historical Society’s archives, educational programming, and preservation work.

Running August 22-30, the 2025 Designer Showhouse offers something rarer than exceptional design: the chance to step inside someone else’s creative vision while supporting a cause that matters.

In a world of virtual tours and Instagram glimpses, here’s an opportunity to walk through rooms where imagination meets craftsmanship, where every detail tells a story, and where your presence helps preserve the stories that came before.

The keys are waiting.

by Marlene Osteen

Where Nostalgia Meets Elegance

It’s no mystery why the Cashiers Annual Antique Show has been a Red Letter Event on the Plateau’s calendar for the last 46 years. Find out for yourself August 8 through 10 at the Village Green.

For 46 years, the Cashiers Annual Antique Show has brought the best of the best in Fine Antiques to the mountains.

Each year we strive to surpass the previous one. Before we know it, this year’s show will be here – August 8, 9, and 10.

Online ticket sales are coming in and cards have been sent to the 1,900 people on our mailing list. Posters are popping up in store windows and cards with information can be found all over surrounding counties as the show time nears.

The popular early buying on Friday is already receiving ticket orders, which are also good for the entire show. Regular show tickets are also available online at Cashiersannualantiqueshow.com and they are also good for the entire show.

We are delighted to announce that Rachel Lewicki, owner of Secret Garden in Highlands will be catering our show

this year. She plans to offer cool summer fair and iced drinks at two locations –the Grass Patio (the grassy space to the left front of the Lewis Building with patio tables and umbrellas) and the bandstand off the elevated walkway (also with seating). Rachel plans to be set up for the early buying crowd with muffins, etc., so that all attendees wull be able to fuel their buying pleasure. Remember, please, no food or drink will be allowed

in the tent.

A list of exhibitors and their location is available on our website as well at on our Facebook page. Each attendee will be offered a printed program with maps, exhibitors, etc., and blank pages to make notes.

As in most mountain towns, parking will be challenging, so be inventive – carpooling, designated driver, or hired driver to drop off and pick up at a designated time. Your driver would probably love an iced drink or cold summer salad to go.

By the way – no alcoholic beverages or smoking, please. Keep our beloved Village Green clean and fresh.

The Post Office would appreciate it very much if you would not block customers during business hours (they will tow).

by Hazel M. Giles

Dahlia Festival Nature’s Fine Art

The Dahlia Festival, set for September 4 through 6 at The Bascom: Center for Visual Arts, is an endlessly enchanting celebration of this most astonishing blossom.

Did you know that there are more than 57,000 cultivated varieties of the beautiful and versatile dahlia?

Like its namesake, the 15th annual Dahlia Festival, hosted this year by The Bascom, is proudly showing its adaptability by moving the festival entirely to the beautiful Bascom campus. What better venue to showcase the dahlia as nature’s visual art?

Held this year on September 4-6 at The Bascom, nature and art combine for a creative celebration of botanical design and visual art. Visitors will enjoy Petals and Perspectives, a floral showcase opening on September 4 at 5:00 P.M. This event coincides with the Dahlia Festival and Exhibition Reception, marking the beginning of the Dahlia Festival and The Bascom’s fall exhibition season.

The festival’s signature event, the single bloom competition, begins on Friday, September 5 from 3:30 until 5:00 P.M., and again on Saturday, September 6, from

10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M.. Dahlia growers of all ages from across the plateau enter their carefully cultivated single blooms and the hundreds of colors, sizes and varieties are awe-inspiring.

Throughout the festival visitors will experience Petals and Perspectives a dazzling floral showcase where area nonprofits will have created stunning floral arrangements as interpretations of works of art in The Bascom’s galleries, offering a creative dialogue between botanical design and visual art.

On September 5 and 6, the Studio Member Pottery Show will be held in the Bascom’s Studio Barn. Guests can browse a curated selection of handcrafted wall pockets and vases, each adorned with fresh dahlias, and all available for purchase.

Gardeners, growers and flower enthusiasts won’t want to miss The Dahlia Dialogue, an educational talk on dahlia cultivation on Saturday, September 6, at 11:00 A.M.

“This event brings together so many elements of The Bascom’s mission—community engagement, regional partnerships, and the celebration of the arts across disciplines,” said Executive Director Billy Love. “It’s one of our most joyful traditions, and we’re thrilled to welcome visitors back for another year.”

An added delight is that The Bascom’s fall exhibitions will be on display throughout the festival as well: Community Call: History of Highlands; Chatov: A Retrospective of Works by Roman, Constantin, and Marc Chatov; and Forms of Inspiration: Ceramic artists of the Bascom Clay Symposium

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit thebascom.org or follow @TheBascom on social media. by Mary Jane McCall photo by Bianca Mitchell

Pickleball on the Plateau

Taking it to court! Everyone’s invited to participate in the Second Annual Pickleball on the Plateau Tournament –July 12 and 13 at Highlands Rec Park.

Get ready for an exhilarating weekend of competition, camaraderie, and community spirit at the Second Annual Pickleball on the Plateau tournament, hosted by the Mountaintop Rotary Club and many of our local sponsors!

Join us on July 12 and 13 at the Highlands Rec Park courts on 4th Street for an event sure to excite pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels. Play will be going on from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Saturday and Sunday.

Following the success of our inaugural tournament last year, which attracted around 50 players, we are thrilled to expand this year’s event. This year, players may come from not only North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina, but potentially from even farther afield! Our tournament will feature men’s and women’s doubles on Saturday, and mixed doubles on Sunday. Players will be grouped according to their skill level,

ensuring competitive matches and an enjoyable experience for everyone.

…an opportunity to gather as a community and support a noble cause.

Tournament Schedule:

Saturday, July 12: Men’s and Women’s Doubles

Sunday, July 13: Mixed Doubles

This is not just a chance to compete but also an opportunity to gather as a community and support a noble cause. All tournament proceeds will be donated to our local youth organizations, helping to continue the amazing offerings that we have for the growth of our young community members.

Don’t miss out on the chance to be part

of this exciting event! Come out to watch the matches, support your favorite players, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere that only a Highlands pickleball tournament can offer.

For more information about the tournament, contact us at highlandspickleballtournament@gmail.com.

We can’t wait to see you there for a fantastic weekend of pickleball fun and community engagement!

Special thanks to our sponsors so far: Fision Fiber Optics by Hotwire, David Bock Builders, Highlands Chiropractic & Wellness, Ameriprise, Morgan Stanley, Plateau Fitness, Blue Ridge Legacy Law, Deborah Berlin, Annawear, Don Leon’s, Highlands Nursery, Bombshell Hair Boutique and Joyce Keeton Dog Training. We welcome your sponsorship, please contact us for information.

by Dr. Sue Aery

Boots & Bourbon

Boots & Bourbon: A Spirited Evening for a Powerful Cause, slated for August 7 at Chimney Pond Farm in Glenville, is a powerful boost for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Macon and Jackson counties.

Kick up your boots and raise a glass – Boots & Bourbon returns on Wednesday, August 7, for an unforgettable evening of mountain elegance, handcrafted drinks, and heartfelt impact.

Hosted at scenic Chimney Pond Farm (Glenville), this lively summer evening supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina in Macon and Jackson counties.

Guests will enjoy bourbon tastings from Weldon Mills, a craft cocktail bar, Southern-inspired buffet by Village Pantry, and live music by Young Mountain Magic that will have you dancing in no time.

But the true spirit of the evening is about more than just great food and drink. It’s about coming together as a community to create brighter futures for local youth.

Every dollar raised helps BBBSWNC match children in our area with trained, caring mentors – someone to show up, listen, and make a lasting difference.

Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast, a fan of live music, or simply someone who believes in the power of community, Boots & Bourbon offers the perfect mix of fun and purpose.

…enjoy bourbon tastings from Weldon Mills, a craft cocktail bar, Southern-inspired buffet by Village Pantry, and live music by Young Mountain Magic…

Mentorship through BBBSWNC isn’t one-size-fits-all. From traditional one-on-one pairings to school-based and group mentoring, the programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of the children served.

And right now, the need is real. In Macon and Jackson counties, many kids are waiting for a mentor. Your presence at Boots & Bourbon brings them one step closer.

Come be part of something meaningful – and help ignite the potential of the next generation.

Tickets and sponsorships are available now at bbbswnc. org or by calling (828) 399-9133.

by Danielle

Hernandez, Big Brothers Big Sisters

Scan to learn more.

Cashiers Cares for the Community

Cashiers Cares, which has enriched local non-profits for 18 years, will stage a charity golf tournament at Trillium Links & Lake Club on September 15.

Hard to believe, but this will be the fourth year for Cashiers Cares fundraiser at Trillium Golf Club. The ladies are already at work with plans for the event on Monday, September 15. Player cost is $250/player and various levels of sponsorship are available. The tournament is limited to 96 players and fills up fast.

It will be a Scramble Format starting at 10:00 A.M. Light breakfast will be provided by Crossroads Custard to start the day off right. Players receive a cart lunch to keep their strength and spirits up. After play there is an Awards Ceremony with prizes for top winners and food and drink for all players. A big part of the fundraiser is the chance to win raffle prizes provided by the many local merchants, such as restaurants, clothing, car detailing. The special donations of foursomes to local

private country clubs is always a huge draw and important to the success of the event.

The photo was taken at one of our Gold Sponsors business, Appalachian Golf Cars in Sapphire. Thanks to them and others whose support makes the event successful.

residents with much needed services, which range from children to hospice services. Since inception over $800,000 has been distributed by funds raised by an all-volunteer organization. All info and registration can be found at cashierscares.org. by Pam Kerr, Cashiers Cares

We are in our 18th year of helping local charities that provide our underserved residents with much needed services…

Cashiers Cares was able to distribute over $110,000 to 10 local nonprofits for 2024 in large part due to proceeds from the Annual Golf Tournament.

We are in our 18th year of helping local charities that provide our underserved

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Twinkling Greenery, Timeless Tunes

Summit Charter School launches its 2025 Festival of Trees with its exclusive Toast to the Trees, set for July 29. To learn more about Toast to the Trees, visit summitschool.org.

Toast to the Trees returns for our Benefactors and Corporate Sponsors at the Garland level and above.

This summer event kicks off the Festival of Trees and celebrates our top supporters with a night of gratitude and fun. Join us at the newly renovated Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley, where an enchanting woodlands theme will meet the magic of the holidays, transforming the space into a dreamy forest scene. Venue styling is by the talented Growing Studio.

This is our fifth year and the event has sold out every single year! We are very grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Cashiers Valley Real Estate, for their continued support. We are especially excited for the event to be at Canyon Kitchen this year, which has undergone a significant and exciting renovation. From twinkling greenery to timeless tunes, this year’s bash promises a

delightful evening, blending nature’s beauty with the holiday spirit.

We’re also thrilled to introduce this year’s Toast hosts: our dear friends Sharon and Joe Pryse, who made history as our very first donors to the Festival five years ago! Known for throwing a fantastic party, we’re thrilled to have Sharon and Joe at the helm of Toast this year.

We are proud to once again showcase the finest offerings from our wine and spirit partners: North Carolina’s Weldon Mills, named the best distillery for four consecutive years, will bring their artisanal spirits to the event.

JP Bourgeois will provide a rare collection of wines, as well as bubbles from Phillippe Fontaine Champagne – a family-owned champagne house that brings elegance and heritage to each bottle. Canyon Kitchen Executive Chef Ed Selle will curate a menu paired to perfection with our libations, enhancing

the evening’s magic.

As we raise our glasses to toast our generous donors, we also raise our spirits in anticipation of another year of fostering local education and community support.

At Toast, what you wear is half the magic – style takes center stage alongside the festivities. For this year’s Forest Formal Attire, think whimsical meets woodland elegance. Guests are encouraged to wear nature-inspired attire: flowy fabrics, earthy tones, floral details, and touches of magic. Whether it’s a hint of mossy green, a crown of wildflowers, or a cloak fit for a forest guardian, let your imagination wander.

To learn more about Toast to the Trees and the Cashiers Festival of Trees and the good things that are delivered every day at Summit Charter School, visit summitschool.org.

by Melissa Hudson, Summit Charter School

The Vineyard at High Holly offers a gorgeous, scenic venue for your special occasion. From live music to intimate wine tastings, Barrel & Vine offers something truly special. Join them for unforgettable events that celebrate exceptional food, wine, and community in a setting like no other.

The Barrel & Vine menu evolves with nature, highlighting fresh, local ingredients in every carefully crafted dish. Each bite tells the story of the Vineyard’s surroundings, from vibrant summer produce to hearty winter flavors. Discover what’s in season at the table, where every meal is an experience.

Explore the art of pairing with curated wine flights designed to complement these thoughtfully prepared chefinspired creations. Whether you’re a sommelier or simply a wine enthusiast, our pairings promise a flavor journey worth toasting—and remembering.

July Events

Open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 12:00 - 6:00 P.M.

Thursday, July 3: Live Music with David Crisp 2:00-5:00 P.M.

Friday, July 4: Live Music with Jordan Denton 2:00-5:00 P.M. (Special BBQ 12:00-6:00 P.M.)

Sunday, July 6: Live Music with Monica Spears 2:00-5:00 P.M.

Friday, July 11: Live Music with Madison Owenby 3:00-6:00 P.M.

Sunday, July 13: Live Music with Tim Austin 2:00-5:00 P.M.

Friday, July 18: Live Music with RA Nightengale 3:00-6:00 P.M.

Sunday, July 20: Live Music with Rail Town Music 2:00-5:00 P.M.

Friday, July 25: Live Music with Zorki 3:00-6:00 P.M.

Sunday, July 27: Live Music with Breeze Cable 2:00-5:00 P.M.

Happenings at The Vineyard at High Holly

The Vineyard is set for a lively July, brimming with exquisite cuisine and irresistible music to keep the summer spirit alive.

JULY

JULY

“July, with its days of blue skies and time that seemingly stands still, holds a special place in my heart.” — Daisaku Ikeda

“July, with its days of blue skies and time that seemingly stands still, holds a special place in my heart.” — Daisaku Ikeda

Bluegrass, 10 AM-1:30 PM, Highlander Mountain House.

Forever Plaid, 2 PM, PAC.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist Church. The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM. Laurel Cover Artist Reception, 5:30-7 PM, High Country Wine and Provisions, Highlands. Amazing Moths, 8:30 PM, Highlands Nature Center.

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The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM.

Locally Grown on The Green, 11 AM-3 PM, Village Green.

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Forever Plaid, 2 PM, PAC.

Camp Historical Society, 5 PM, Cashiers Historical Society.

Live Music, David Crisp, 5 PM, Highlands Smokehouse. Patriotic Concert, 6 PM, Lewis Hall, Village Green.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

The Marvelous Wonderettes, 7:30 PM, PAC.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. The Marvelous Wonderettes, 2 PM, PAC.

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Live Music, David Crisp, 2 PM, Vineyard at High Holly. Tastings, 4-6 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. Fireworks Extravaganza, 6:30 PM, The Village Green. Jammin with Zorki, 6:30-8:30, High Country Wine & Provisions. Trivia, 7 PM, High Dive. Forever Plaid, 7:30 PM, PAC.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.

The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM.

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Take Me Out to the Ballfield, 9 AM, Town Ball Field, Highlands.

Yankee Doodle Dandy Day, 11 AM4 PM, Sapphire Valley Resort.

Duck Derby, 2 PM, Mill Creek Bridge.

Live Music, Jordan Denton, 2 PM, Vineyard at High Holly.

Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place.

Live Music, Diverse Groove, 6 PM, KH Park.

Fireworks! 9 PM, Highlands.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.

Community Day, 11 AM, The Bascom.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Community Day, 11 AM, The Bascom. The Marvelous Wonderettes, 2 PM, PAC.

The Marvelous Wonderettes, 2 PM, PAC.

Live Music, 3-6 PM,

Highlands Wine Shoppe.

Live Music, Monica Spears, 2 PM, The Vineyard at High Holly.

Sinatra Sunday, 2-7 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe.

Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, The Village Green.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. The Marvelous Wonderettes, 7:30 PM, Highlands PAC.

Music Bingo, 7 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Bluegrass, 10 AM1:30 PM, Highlander Mountain House.

Pickleball Tournament, 8 AM-5 PM, Highlands Rec Park.

Cassis Trunk Show, 10:30 AM, Joan Anderson Interiors.

Sinatra Sunday, 2-7 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe.

Forever Plaid, 2 PM, PAC.

Live Music, Tim Austin, 2 PM, The Vineyard at High Holly.

Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, The Village Green. Music Bingo, 7 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Bluegrass, 10 AM1:30 PM, Highlander Mountain House. Summer Colors Fine Art Show, 10 AM-5 PM Sapphire Valley Community Center.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist Church. Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, PAC. Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist Church.

Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, PAC.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist Church.

The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM.

Live Music HCCMF, 5 PM, The Village Green. Under the Stars, on the Rocks, Chef Trey Smith, 6 PM, Skyline Lodge.

Hunters in the Sky, 6:30 PM, Highlands Nature Center.

The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM.

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Luxury Event, 10 AM-5 PM, Bijou. Locally Grown on The Green, 11 AM-3 PM, Village Green.

Live Music, HCCMF, 2 PM, First Presbyterian Church, Highlands. The Marvelous Wonderettes, 2 PM, PAC.

Camp Historical Society

Family Night, 7 PM, Cashiers

Historical Society.

Forever Plaid, 7:30 PM, PAC.

Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

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Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Luxury Event, 10 AM-5 PM, Bijou. Cassis Trunk Show, 10:30 AM, Joan Anderson Interiors. Beth Poindexter Luxe Trunk Show, 11 AM-5 PM, Josephine’s Emporium. Forever Plaid, 2 PM, PAC. Tastings, 4-6 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe.

Live Music, David Cheatham, 6 PM, Trailborn Highlands. Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. The Marvelous Wonderettes, 7:30 PM, PAC. Trivia, 7 PM, High Dive.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Luxury Event, 10 AM-5 PM, Bijou. Cassis Trunk Show, 10:30 AM, Joan Anderson Interiors.

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Andrea Show, Main Street Gifts.

Trunk Show, Josephine’s Emporium. The Marvelous Wonderettes, 2 PM, PAC.

Live Music, 3 PM, Vineyard.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place.

Live Music, 6 PM, Town Square.

Live Music, 6 PM, Village Green.

Friday Night Vibes, 6:30-8:30 PM, High Country Wine & Provisions. Forever Plaid, 7:30 PM, PAC.

Live Music, Rail Town Music, 2 PM, Vineyard at High Holly.

The Modern Gentlemen, 4 PM, Highlands PAC.

Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, The Village Green.

Sinatra Sunday, 2-7 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe.

Music Bingo, 7 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Bluegrass, 10 AM1:30 PM, Highlander Mountain House.

Live Music , HCCMF, 5 PM, The Village Green.

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Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist Church. The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM.

Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, The Village Green.

Live Music, The Embers, 7 PM, Sapphire Valley Resort. Salamander Meander, 8 PM, Highlands Nature Center.

The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM.

Locally Grown on The Green, 11 AM-3 PM, Village Green.

Family Concert, HCCMF, 3 PM, Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library.

Live Music, Tennessee

Bluegrass Band, 6 PM, The Farm at Old Edwards.

Live Music, Melissa McKinney, 6 PM, Trailborn Highlands.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place.

Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Family Concert, HCCMF, 3 PM, Highlands First Presbyteria Church. Tastings, 4-6 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe. Pol Roger Champagne Dinner, 6 PM, The Farm at Old Edwards. Zahner Lecture Series, 6 PM, Highlands Nature Center.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. Trivia, 7 PM, High Dive.

Bazaar Barn,10 AM-2 PM.

Live Music, RA Nightengale, 3 PM, Vineyard at High Holly.

Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.

Joy Garden Tour, Village Green.

Summer Pottery Studio Show, 10 AM-5 PM, The Bascom.

Live Music, Johnny Webb Band, 6 PM, Town Square, Highlands. Friday Night Vibes, 6:30-8:30 PM, High Country Wine & Provisions.

Rodney Marsalis’ Philadelphia

Big Brass, 7:30 PM, PAC.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist Church.

Live Music, Breeze Cable, 2 PM, Vineyard at High Holly.

TL&LC’s Swingin’ Soiree, 6 PM, The Farm at Old Edwards.

Sinatra Sunday, 2-7 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe.

Music Bingo, 7 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, PAC.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist.

Art League of Highlands Cashiers meeting, 4:30 PM, The Bascom.

Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, PAC.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist Church. The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM. Mountain Heritage Series, 3 PM, Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Center.

Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, The Village Green.

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The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM.

21 23

Locally Grown on The Green, 11 AM-3 PM, Village Green.

Forever Plaid, 7:30 PM, PAC.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place.

Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Tastings, 4-6 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe. Martinis, Mozart & More, HCCMF, 5:30 PM, Farm at Old Edwards.

Live Music, Remedy 58, 6 PM, Trailborn Highlands. Zahner Lecture Series, 6 PM, Highlands Nature Center.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. Rotary Club Bingo, 6:30 PM, Highlands Community Building.

Live Music, Justin Osborne, 8:30 PM, Highlander Mountain House. Trivia, 7 PM, High Dive.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.

Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM.

Live Music, 6 PM, Town Square.

Live Music, 6 PM, Village Green.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. Friday Night Vibes, 6:30-8:30 PM, High Country Wine & Provisions.

Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist Church. The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM. Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, The Village Green. Salamander Meander, 8 PM, Highlands Nature Center.

Live Music, 3-6 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe. Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, PAC. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.

Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, PAC.

Live Music, Silly Ridge, 6 PM, Town Square, Highlands.

Live Music, Silly Ridge, 6 PM, Town Square, Highlands. Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. Forever Plaid, 7:30 PM, PAC. Friends of Lake Glenville, Boat Parade, 8 PM, Lake Glenville.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. Forever Plaid, 7:30 PM, PAC. Friends of Lake Glenville, Boat Parade, 8 PM, Lake Glenville.

The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM.

Locally Grown on The Green, 11 AM-3 PM, Village Green. Mountain Heritage Series, Tim Barnwell, 3 PM, Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library.

Village Nature Series, 5:30 PM, The Village Green.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Jewelry and Treasure Trunk Show, Gold-N-Clipper. Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:30 PM, Cashiers Methodist Church Choir Room. Zahner Lecture Series, 6 PM, Highlands Nature Center. Live Music, Juan, 6 PM, Trailborn Highlands. Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. Trivia, 7 PM, High Dive.

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Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.

Live Music, 3-6 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe.

12

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Luxury Event, Bijou. Cassis Trunk Show, 10:30 AM, Joan Anderson Interiors. Andrea Show, Main Street Gifts.

12

Beth Poindexter Luxe Trunk Show, 11 AM-5 PM, Josephine’s Emporium. Forever Plaid, 2 PM, PAC.

Live Music, 6 PM, KH Park.

24 25 26 15 14 18 17 16 19 5 20

Pop-up Pipers, 4:30 PM, Highlands.

Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, PAC.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place.

The Marvelous Wonderettes, 7:30 PM, PAC.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.

19 5

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Luxury Event, Bijou. Cassis Trunk Show, 10:30 AM, Joan Anderson Interiors. Andrea Show, Main Street Gifts. Beth Poindexter Luxe Trunk Show, 11 AM-5 PM, Josephine’s Emporium. Forever Plaid, 2 PM, PAC. Live Music, 3-6 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe. Pop-up Pipers, 4:30 PM, Highlands. Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, PAC. Live Music, 6 PM, KH Park. Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. The Marvelous Wonderettes, 7:30 PM, PAC.

Live Music, 3-6 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe. Joy Garden Tour, Village Green. Summer Pottery Studio Show, 10 AM-5 PM, The Bascom. Summer Colors Fine Art Show, 10 AM-5 PM, Sapphire Valley Community Center.

Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, PAC. Live Music, 6 PM, KH Park. Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place.

Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM.

Live Music, 3-6 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe.

26

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.

Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, PAC. Live Music, 6 PM, KH Park.

Live Music, 6 PM, Village Green.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Live Music, 3-6 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe. Joy Garden Tour, Village Green. Summer Pottery Studio Show, 10 AM-5 PM, The Bascom. Summer Colors Fine Art Show, 10 AM-5 PM, Sapphire Valley Community Center. Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, PAC. Live Music, 6 PM, KH Park. Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Live Music, 3-6 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe. Live Music, HCCMF, 5 PM, PAC. Live Music, 6 PM, KH Park. Live Music, 6 PM, Village Green. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge. Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. A Taste of California Wine Dinner, 6:30 PM, Old Edwards Club.

Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.

Live Music, 6-9 PM, Happs Place. A Taste of California Wine Dinner, 6:30 PM, Old Edwards Club.

View the complete Highlands Cashiers Plateau Calendar

ON THE HORIZON

August Events

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

Cashiers 47th Annual Antique Show

The Village Green

With 40+ exhibitors from across the country and as far away as Great Britain, antique lovers will find a myriad of treasures of 18th and 19th European and American Furniture, including formal and country pieces, as well as lodge looks. cashiersannualantiqueshow.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

The Rotary Club of Highlands’ Twilight 5K 6 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

While many avid runners will find the course challenging enough, beginners, stroller pushers, and walkers can tackle it without becoming overwhelmed. There are some ascents and descents along the Plateau route. highlandstwilightrun.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

Mountaintop Art and Craft Show

Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

From pottery and photography to weaving and basketry, you’ll find a wide variety of art and crafts. One thing our show specializes in is rustic furniture and wood accessories. Enjoy live music. Dogs and children welcome. highlandsartshow.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12

Salamander Meander

8 PM, Highlands Nature Center

Join Naturalists on a nighttime search for our secretive salamander friends. highlandsbiological.org

AUGUST 22 - 30

Cashiers Designer Showhouse

Each year, top designers from the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau and across the Southeast bring a stunning home to life with inspired design and fresh ideas. From bold statements to timeless touches, they blend creativity with the latest trends. cashiershistoricalsociety.org

September Events

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Bel Canto

4 PM, Highlands Performing Arts Center

This yearly recital series is an affiliate of The Bascom, and proceeds go to supplement music education at two preschool programs, music education at our public schools, a college scholarship in the performing arts, and to the acquisition of art for special art exhibitions.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Porchfest

1-6 PM, Highlands Downtown Highlands will transform into a stage for the third annual Porchfest - a one-day, family-friendly musical event that’ll see musical acts performing across the town. An impressive event presented and organized by the Center for Life Enrichment. highlandsporchfest.com

EVENT SERIES

Locally Grown On The Green Wednesdays | 11 AM | The Village Green

Friday Night Live Fridays | 6-8:30 PM | Town Square

Highlands Marketplace Saturdays | 8 AM-12:30 PM | KH Park Saturdays on Pine Saturdays | 6-8:30 PM | KH Park

THURSDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 -6

Dahlia Festival

The Bascom

The Dahlia Festival, set for September 4 through 6 at The Bascom: Center for Visual Arts, is an endlessly enchanting celebration of this most astonishing blossom. thebascom.org

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 - 21

Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival

Highlands Performing Arts Center

The Highlands - Cashiers Film Festival is a annual film festival, showcasing influential & classic movies ranging from 1930 - present, as well as independently produced movies, submitted worldwide. highlandscashiersfilmfestival.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Highlands Heritage Jamboree

4:30-7:30 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founder’s Park Longtime residents, newcomers and visitors will come together to enjoy traditional bluegrass by some of the genre’s most acclaimed musicians, clogging by the award-winning Bailey Mountain Cloggers and a bagpipe performance by the beloved Highlands Bagpipers. visithighlandsnc.com

Village Nature Series Select Dates | 5:30 PM | The Village Green July 30, Aug. 19, Sept. 30

Pop-Up Pipers First Saturdays | 4:30-5 PM | Around Highlands Orchard Sessions Select Dates | 6-8 PM | The Farm at Old Edwards July 16, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8

Old Edwards Chef Dinners Select Dates | 6:30 PM | The Farm at Old Edwards | July 17, Aug. 24, Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 14, Nov. 15 Groovin’ On The Green Select Fridays | 6:30 PM | The Village Green | July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 22, Aug. 29 Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays & Saturdays | July 5 - August 10

& CREATION Pages 86-101

Granny Burrell Waterfall

Though her little waterfall is next to Frolictown, be on your best behavior –Granny’s almost certainly watching.

Oh, to learn the naming origins of some of the trails, gaps, waterfalls, etc. in this region. Chunky Gal, Old Butt Knob, Boogerman, Junnywack, and Sweatheifer are all North Carolina Appalachian Mountains hiking spots.

Granny Burrell is another one. A waterfall and a trail named in this individual’s honor is located in Panthertown Valley, just 8 miles north of Cashiers and about the same distance from Sapphire Valley.

Although research could not dredge up information about the actual person for whom the falls and trail’s moniker are attributed, she must have been an important and beloved grandmother known by previous generations – so much so that a favorite outdoorsy spot bears her name.

Perhaps Granny Burrell visited the spot as a young girl, sliding the 12 feet from Panthertown Creek down the wide slippery, slide-like rock into the pool below. Maybe she partook in the same thrill as a perky aging grandmother and someone

felt she deserved recognition.

Regardless of how Granny Burrell Falls and Trail was bestowed its name, it behooves visitors and residents alike to add this outdoor excursion to a must-do list. Whether the springy and spry or contemplative and meandering sort, it is for all ages a wonderful hike during all seasons. Additionally, it is a refreshing and exhilarating cooling off spot in summer months.

Not convinced? To “wet” – no pun –your appetite for this excursion, visit ncwaterfalls.com/panther4.htm and watch a short, 1:46 minute YouTube video featuring the falls.

To get to Granny Burrell Falls, hikers have options. The best course of action is to purchase ahead of time a U.S. Geological Survey map of Panthertown at store.usgs.gov/product/530601; that way, future hikes can be planned in the area. Or, visit https://www.panthertownmap.com/order/guides-guide to order a more extensive map and guide.

Granny Burrell is listed as #TR486 on Panthertown maps, and the trail is a .31 mile path connected to such intersecting trails as Mac’s Gap and the Great Wall trail.

However, the best way to get there might also be to type in “Granny Burrell” into the AllTrails app and it will pull up the Granny Burrell, Frolictown, and Wilderness via Panthertown Trail, which is listed as a 3.1-mile loop with an elevation gain of 475 feet.

With AllTrails, users can get directions as to where to park and then start the route on the app so that they can see where the trail leads.

GaiaGPS is another excellent and precise app that offers a detailed map with a dot following the course so it is easy to stay on the path.

Consider paying homage to Granny Burrell, whoever she was, by enjoying her namesake trail and waterfall. by Deena Bouknight photo by Andrew Renfro

On Wings Like Eagles

Unimpeachably majestic, the Bald Eagle makes a triumphant return to the skies and waters of the Plateau.

In July our thoughts naturally turn toward our Country’s avian symbol, the Bald Eagle.

This indigenous North American bird presents us with some surprises. First, imagine the surprise on the faces of early explorers and colonists when first seeing one. Although there are large birds in Europe – geese and bustards which are not perching birds – there’s nothing like a large soaring eagle that screeches out its presence while soaring, perches on treetops and builds huge nests.

There is nothing bald about the Bald Eagle. The “bald” part of its name is taken from the Old English word balde meaning white. The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) typically weigh in at 9 lbs. and have wingspans over 7 feet.

Bald Eagles occupy the highest reaches of the forest and sky. They soar on broad, flat wings, catching thermal convection currents that hold them aloft effortlessly.

They dive at speeds upwards of 100 miles per hour. They perch and nest in the tallest trees in the forest.

One to three eaglets occupy the nest for about 10 weeks before fledging. After fledging they linger around the natal nest for several weeks before launching independent lives in the forest. Maturity, breeding, and their own nest come four or five years later. They are known to live 20 years in the wild. In captivity one lived to 50.

Males court females with calls and flight displays. Courtship also involves chasing and acrobatic coupling not seen elsewhere in the avian world. The highflying male and female, at apex, lock talons, facing each other, and go into a spectacular tumbling free fall that ends moments later with the ground rapidly approaching and the pair breaking off into flight at the last second. How’s that for forming a pair bond!

Bald Eagles were in steep decline in

the 20th century until they were given protection. After DDT was implicated in eggshell failures among nesting birds and banned, eagles made rapid and full recoveries in some states.

In 2007 they were removed from the official list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.

Today you can find Bald Eagles on the Plateau near large bodies of water and rivers. Imagine a large Bald, swooping down suddenly and catching a large fish in its able talons and just as suddenly flying away with a triumphant SCREEEEECH

Spectacular squared!

Happy July birding from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society.

by William McReynolds, Highlands Plateau Audubon Society photo by Ed Boos

Shopping the Joy Garden Tour

The Joy Garden Tour, set for July 18-19, has been sold out! But that doesn’t mean that you can’t participate – the Garden Shops at Lewis Hall will host 20 curated vendors offering garden accessories, plants, sophisticated clothing, antiques, and gifts.

As we were putting the finishing touches on this issue, Ashlie Mitchell sent us this note:

“Thanks to our incredibly generous Benefactors and the interest in this year’s gardens, the event is completely sold out! However, the Joy Garden Tour Shops will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday to satisfy all of your gardenthemed shopping needs!”

We’re sorry that this beloved event won’t be open to the readers of this issue. This year’s theme, Celebrating Hydrangeas, shines a spotlight on one of the region’s most iconic blooms. Tourgoers will explore four private gardens, each carefully curated and located just minutes from the Crossroads. These gardens are rarely open to the public and promise a truly enchanting experience filled with seasonal beauty and creative landscape design.

But if we take a broader view, it’s not all bad news.

First of all, the sold-out status means that the essential funds raised are a critical benefit for The Village Green, the 13.2-acre nonprofit park that serves as the cultural and natural centerpiece of the area.

Secondly, throughout the weekend, the Garden Shops at Lewis Hall will host 20 curated vendors offering garden accessories, plants, sophisticated clothing, antiques, and gifts. Stop by the Garden Shops located at 160 Frank Allen Road inside Lewis Hall on Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., and Saturday from 10 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

All proceeds from the Joy Garden Tour directly support The Village Green’s mission to preserve and enhance the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and

sense of community in Cashiers.

Ashlie closed with this note:

“On behalf of the 2025 Joy Garden Tour Committee and everyone at The Village Green, we extend our deepest thanks for the incredible support shown for this year’s Joy Garden Tour! This cherished fundraising event plays a vital role in sustaining The Village Green and all that it brings to our community—from natural beauty and cultural events to the shared sense of belonging that makes The Village Green so special to so many!”

For more information please email director@cashiersgreen.com. You can learn more about the tour at villagegreencashiersnc.com/jgt2025.

by Luke Osteen

Twilight in the Garden Soirée

Highlands Biological Foundation’s Twilight in the Garden Soirée, set in the midst of the enchanting garden of Lori and Ed Heys’ Highlands home on July 28, is a celebration of the Plateau’s precious natural heritage. For tickets or more information, visit highlandsbiological.org or call (828) 526-2221.

Each summer, Highlands comes alive with the energy of celebration and community, and no gathering captures that spirit quite like the Highlands Biological Foundation’s annual Soirée. Mark your calendar for the season’s most anticipated event: the Twilight in the Garden Soirée, taking place Monday, July 28, from 6:00 PM until dark.

This elegant affair is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting its mission to foster biological research and education in the unique and biodiverse Southern Appalachian region. By attending, guests not only enjoy a magical evening but also help advance environmental stewardship, discovery, and education throughout the Plateau.

This year’s Soirée will unfold in the enchanting garden of Lori and Ed Heys’ Highlands home, a property renowned for its vibrant summer blooms, particularly its breathtaking collection

of dahlias. As twilight settles over the mountains, guests will be treated to an unforgettable evening of fine food, curated drinks, live music, and warm

camaraderie, all set against a backdrop of swaying blooms and mountain skies. Join us for this special event, and experience an evening of inspiration, community, and conservation. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to our mission, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts and learn more about how your support makes a lasting impact on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. All proceeds benefit the educational and conservation programs of the Highlands Biological Foundation.

Tickets can be purchased online at highlandsbiological.org/soiree2025/ or by calling our office at (828) 526-2221. We encourage you to reserve your spot early, as space is limited and this event is expected to fill quickly.

by Marissa Nieddu , Highlands Biological Foundation

Zahner Conservation Lecture Series

The Zahner Conservation Lecture Series, staged at Highlands Nature Center, explores where the wild things are.

Dr. Kelly Oten

Photo by Dr. Kelly Oten

Philip S. Prince

Sonya Carpenter

Christopher Parker

The Highlands Biological Foundation is announcing the return of its annual Zahner Conservation Lecture Series. Each lecture is designed to inspire curiosity, foster stewardship, and deepen our collective connection to the natural world. These programs are made possible through the generous support of individuals and local organizations.

Zahner Lecture Series will offer “Co-habitate; Living with Nature” at Highlands Nature Center 6:00 P.M. July 10. The Highlands Plateau is rich in biological diversity and appreciated for its natural beauty. Development pressure is increasing in Highlands, and threatens to have a negative impact on our natural resources. Therefore, neighbors must work together to ensure the natural resources we all appreciate such as clean air and water are protected. This is the vision for the new community-based organization, Co-habitate, which is

dedicated to engaging and educating our neighbors on the intrinsic value of our ecosystem and seeking solutions to environmental degradation due to the pressures of development. Co-habitate co-founders Sonya Carpenter and Canty Worley have a vision for this work.

“Lesser Known Medicinal Mushrooms of the Southern Appalachians” will be offered by Christopher Parker, Mycologist and Co-Owner The Forest Farmacy at 6:00 P.M. July 17 at Highlands Nature Center. Discover the medicinal properties of six lesser known mushrooms native to our eastern woodlands. Participants will learn what species have antibiotic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties from an experienced mycologist.

Zahner Lecture Series offers “Understanding Helene as a Geologic Event in Southern Appalachia...and What is a ‘Geologic Event” Anyway?’” with Philip S. Prince, Ph.D., Project

Geologist, Appalachian Landslide Consultants at Highlands Nature Center, July 24 at 6:00 P.M. Hurricane Helene’s impacts on rivers and slopes in the southern Appalachians exceeded all recorded storms, establishing a new benchmark for flooding and landsliding from Haywood County to southwest Virginia.

And closing out July is “The Good, the Bad & the BUGly” on July 31 at 6:00 P.M at Highlands Nature Center. Dr. Kelly Oten, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at NC State University, explains that insects are all around us and play very important roles in our forest ecosystems. Find out when to worry about a tree pest and what to do when things get a little bit bugly.

All of these lectures are free and everyone is welcome. For information, call (828) 526-2221. by Marissa Nieddu , Highlands Biological Foundation

Superior Fruit

Mr. Kelsey’s love of horticulture would lead him to Highlands’ peculiar frost-free apples and the founding of this unusual town.

As Highlands celebrates the 150th anniversary of its founding it’s interesting to look back at the history of its formation.

Many are familiar with the tale of town founders Samuel Kelsey and Clinton Hutchinson connecting hypothetical lines between major cities of the day and proposing Highlands as a connecting commercial hub, but less known is Kelsey’s attraction to the area for its botanical possibilities.

Samuel Kelsey’s first foray into horticulture was as a young man when he and his brother successfully ran a nursery on the family homestead in New York. He then moved to Illinois, where he ran a commercial nursery for a decade.

In the 1860s he was a professor at Ottawa University in Kansas and a consulting forester for the Santa Fe Railroad, conducting large scale experimental tree plantings in the hot Kansas prairie. Kelsey’s expertise was evidenced as

one of the founders of the Kansas State Horticultural Society. In the early 1870s he helped co-found Hutchinson, Kansas, with Clinton Hutchinson, after which they turned their eyes toward the east.

Scientist and apple farmer Silas McDowell of Franklin coined the term “thermal belt” in 1858, which he described as a temperate zone on a mountain in which frost and freezing temperatures were less likely to occur. Some of his numerous articles, including his “Theory of the Thermal Zone” published in 1861, were read by Kelsey in Kansas, who saw in Western North Carolina the opportunity to not only found another town, but also pursue his horticultural passions. Kelsey’s journal entries from Highlands early years detail trips to neighboring farmers to obtain apple scions for grafting or meeting with Silas McDowell to discuss fruit cultivation.

Hutchinson soon sold his interest to

Kelsey and returned to Kansas, leaving Kelsey to market the venture alone. It is insightful that Kelsy’s first promotional brochure in 1876 prominently touted that the Blue Ridge Highlands offered “superior fruit, farming, and grazing lands.” It would be more than a decade before the second brochure in 1887 would instead call Highlands “the greatest health and pleasure resort in the United States.”

So, it seems that Kelsey came to realize there was more profit in real estate than in apples. But he did form the Kelsey Highlands Nursery, later involving his son Harlan, which became known as one of the first nurseries advocating the use of native plants.

HCLT is proud to conserve the incredible biodiversity that first attracted Samuel Kelsey, and so many since, to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. by Lance Hardin, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust photos by Andrew Renfro

A Waterfall for Everyone

Tallulah Gorge State Park offers a quintet of spectacular waterfalls.

Big Laurel Falls

Tallulah Gorge State Park has a waterfall for everyone. The park is home to five waterfalls.

Hikes in the park vary in difficulty ranging from easy to very difficult. The easiest waterfall to discover is L’Eau d’Or Falls. The translation of L’Eau d’Or from French to English is Golden Water. The beginning of the trail is inside the beautiful Interpretive Center. It is surfaced with recycled rubber and is only a tenth-of-a-mile long. We found the trail well maintained and not steep at all. The best view of L’Eau d’Or Falls is from overlook number two. The triple-tiered waterfall is 45 feet high. The stairs to the gorge floor begins just beyond Overlook Number Two.

For those who are more adventurous and in really good shape, the trail continues on to the floor of the gorge. In some sections, the gorge is almost 1,000 feet deep. To reach the floor it is necessary to descend 310 stairs to a 200-foot suspension bridge that is 80 feet above the gorge.

From the bridge, another 200-stair decent is necessary to reach to the bottom.

Other waterfalls can be viewed along the way to the floor. A rugged trail continues once at the floor. A free permit is required to go to the floor. One hundred permits are issued each day. The permits are not issued during adverse weather conditions.

It is important to remember that if you go down, you must come back up.

Cindy and I put our heads together and decided we could probably make it to the floor. After a little more thought, we decided that the only way we could make it back up was if they brought in a helicopter to rescue us. I guess that happens to people in their late 70s.

Directions:

From Highlands, take Highway SR 106 for 15 miles to US 441. Turn left on US 441 drive approximately 18 miles to the park entrance on the left. The entrance road leads to the Interpretive Center.

by Ed and Cindy Boos

At a Glance Waterfall Guide

Enjoy this sampling of area waterfalls, for a deep dive visit thelaurelmagazine.com/recreation.

HIGHLANDS

Bridal Veil Falls

From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 2.3 miles west on US 64; Waterfall GPS: N35.07180 W-83.22910. Difficulty: You can park your car in a little parking area and walk 50 feet.

Dry Falls

From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 3.15 miles west on US 64 to a parking area on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.06884 W-83.23869. Difficulty: There are lots of steps you must go down to get behind Dry Falls.

Bust Your Butt Falls

From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 6.35 miles west on US 64 to the pullout on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.09268 W-83.26573. Difficulty: Don’t stop on the road itself!

Glen Falls

From the junction of US 64 and NC 106 in Highlands, drive 1.75 miles south on NC 106 and bear left at the sign for Glen Falls. Take Glen Falls Road, not Holt Road. Drive 1.05 miles to the parking area. Waterfall GPS: N35.03128 W-83.23829. Difficulty: There’s some climbing involved here.

Upper Middle Creek Falls

From the intersection of NC 106 and US 64, follow NC 106 South for 9.3 miles. Exactly 1 mile before you reach the Georgia state line, and about 0.3 miles after NC 106 crosses Middle Creek, a yellow School Bus Stop sign will be on the right. Park on the right side of the road right at the sign. Waterfall GPS: N35.00714 W-83.32916. Difficulty: The four-tenths of a mile hike is not strenuous but it can be confusing.

CASHIERS

Silver Run Falls

From US 64 in Cashiers, head south on NC 107 for 4.05 miles – there’s a pullout area on the left. Waterfall GPS N35.06599 W-83.06558. Difficulty: No difficulty.

Whitewater Falls

From US 64 west of Lake Toxaway, take NC 281 for 8.5 miles and turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls into a parking area. Difficulty: Not strenuous, though the paved path is a bit uneven.

Cashiers

Sliding Rock

Cashiers Sliding Rock, a million miles from the cares of the 21st century, is easy to get to. From the Cashiers Crossroads, travel south on NC 107 to Whiteside Cove Road. Head down the road for 2.6 miles to where the road crosses the Chattooga River and pull over just across the bridge. Difficulty: A piece of cake.

Spoonauger Falls

From Cashiers, travel on NC 107 8.2 miles. The name changes to SC 107 – travel for 4.9 miles. Turn right onto Burrells Ford Road. Drive approximately 2.0 miles to the Chattooga Trail parking area on the left (look for the Forest Service Bulletin Board) Hike north on the Chattooga Trail, which roughly parallels the Chattooga River for 0.25 mile, then cross Spoonauger Creek. Immediately on the right will be a side trail. Difficulty: There’s nothing tricky.

Schoolhouse Falls

From US 64, take NC 281 North for 0.85 miles and bear left on Cold Mountain Road. Stay on the road. When it becomes unpaved, travel about 0.1 miles. Take the road on the right and travel for 0.1 miles to a parking area. Take the trail to the right of the information kiosk. At the intersection, proceed straight on Panthertown Valley Trail. Turn left onto Little Green Trail. Schoolhouse Falls is about 0.15 miles ahead. Waterfall GPS N35.16330 W-83.00674 Difficulty: The hike isn’t challenging. Scan

Liz Harris & Jessica Hoheisel

As sisters and brokers, we bring a powerful blend of synergy, passion, and market expertise to the CashiersHighlands area. With deep roots in the community and a shared commitment to excellence, we’ve combined our individual successes to create a powerhouse real estate duo—offering our clients twice the knowledge, strategy, and personalized service.

Liz, has been a leader in the region’s luxury real estate market for over 20 years and is currently the top ranked broker in Cashiers and the 2nd ranked broker on the Highlands/Cashiers plateau for 2024. Specializing in exclusive club communities, land and estates, and lakefront properties, she pairs strategic marketing with a keen eye for staging, ensuring every listing reaches its full potential.

Jessica’s solution oriented attitude is the driving force behind her career. Mentored by Liz Harris over the past five years, she’s quickly becoming an expert in high-end real estate, seamlessly navigating transactions and building strong client relationships. Possessing an innate ability to understand and connect with people, and a sharp eye for market trends, she helps buyers and sellers navigate the real estate process with confidence and ease.

Together, we offer a full-service real estate experience, combining elite marketing, expert negotiation, and an extensive network of industry professionals. Whether buying, selling, or investing, we ensure a smooth, strategic,

“Liz and Jessica have guided us through the purchase and sale of several homes in Cashiers and we could not speak more highly of their expertise, attention to detail or the care and services they provided us as clients.You would be hard pressed to find a more knowledgeable agent; they have led us to a few of our best investments. This team will just about bend over backwards to find you the perfect real estate for your family. We are so grateful for their professionalism and assistance.” –

“Liz has successfully been my Broker on two occasions. First, she coordinated with other Brokers to get top-dollar for my home in Mountaintop. Next, she was able to secure a property I really wanted after it was just sold to someone else, and find a solution that satisfied everyone. In a word she is tenacious, and gets the job done.” – CHRIS E

Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club

6 BR / 5.5 BA / 2.32 ACRES Nestled in the prestigious Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club in Cashiers, NC, this exceptional estate offers mountain chic luxury with breathtaking views of Whiteside Mountain. The property features a gently sloping yard, surrounded by beautiful terraces and multiple outdoor spaces to take in the stunning scenery. Crafted with the finest materials, the home boasts reclaimed wood and stone accents throughout the ceilings, walls, and floors. Large floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the home in natural light, accentuating its exquisite craftsmanship. Four masonry stone fireplaces, custom doors, intricate trim details, and high-end finishes throughout create a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. This residence includes six spacious bedroom suites, with a primary suite on the main level, four guest suites upstairs, and a bunk room suite on the lower level— providing privacy and comfort for family and guests. The top level features a spectacular lookout with sweeping mountain views and a cozy sitting room with a bar, perfect for relaxation or entertaining while soaking in the panoramic landscape. On the main level, the great room offers a striking stone fireplace, reclaimed wood beam details, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Entertaining flows seamlessly from the great room into the expansive kitchen and dining areas, and out to the adjoining covered and open stone patios,

for $14,500,000

complete with a fireplace—ideal for enjoying cooler mountain evenings. The lower level is designed for exceptional entertainment, featuring a spacious family room, game room, sitting room, artist studio, and a covered stone patio with a built-in firepit. This estate is the ultimate blend of luxury, nature, and mountain living, both within the home and at the Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club. Mountaintop is an exclusive, invitation-only retreat offering a refined North Carolina mountain experience. Members enjoy world-class golf, lake recreation, and unforgettable outdoor adventures in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The mountain lodge-inspired clubhouse is the centerpiece of the community, featuring luxurious amenities including a fine-dining restaurant with golf course views, a renovated spa, a state-of-theart fitness center, resort-style pool, tennis courts, and more. The Outdoor Pursuits center offers a range of activities for all ages, including croquet, indoor basketball, pickleball, volleyball, a kids’ treehouse playground, and a dog park. Just a short drive away, the Mountaintop Lake Club provides boat rentals, dining, private beach access, and fishing. Escape to the mountains and experience the refined mountain lifestyle this home offers — the ultimate in mountain living. MLS 1000479

Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club

6 BR / 6 BA / 2 HBA / 1.85 ACRES Welcome to this masterfully conceived custom estate nestled within Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club—a byinvitation private enclave celebrated as one of the most prestigious clubs on the Cashiers/Highlands Plateau. This extraordinary residence is a visionary collaboration between renowned architect T.S. Adams, whose award-winning designs epitomize refined living, and the expert craftsmen at Harris Custom Builders, one of the area’s premier luxury home builders. Together, they have created a home that is as timeless as it is forwardthinking—a true modern mountain masterpiece. As you arrive, a dramatic stone arch sets the stage,opening into a private motor court and revealing a bold steel-and-glass front elevation that hints at the architectural brilliance within. Beyond the stone-clad foyer, the great room opens to a breathtaking wall of glass that frames the stunning long-range mountain vistas and serene meadow views overlooking a private, luxury horse farm below. Warm, inviting, and impeccably crafted, the main level is enveloped in rich white oak paneling and anchored by a sculptural floating staircase with oak treads and hand-laid stone walls. A designer kitchen and expansive living spaces flow effortlessly

for $12,250,000

onto the Carolina porch—ideal for al fresco dining or fireside evenings with the mountains as your backdrop. A peaceful side yard and garden, accented by dramatic rock outcroppings, further enhance the connection to nature. The main-level primary suite is a private sanctuary, offering panoramic views and a spa-inspired marble bath. Upstairs, you’ll find three beautifully appointed guest en-suites and a secluded office. The terrace level is made for entertaining, featuring a temperature-controlled stone wine cellar, a generous family room with full bar, two additional guest suites, and a second Carolina porch that invites year-round enjoyment. Four beautifully crafted stone fireplaces throughout add a sense of warmth and continuity, reinforcing the home’s understated luxury and seamless blend of natural materials and modern design. Located within the gates of Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club, this residence offers access to one of the Southeast’s most coveted lifestyle communities—where world-class golf, lake and sports recreation,member service, and unmatched natural beauty converge. Architectural vision. Artisanal construction. Elevated mountain living. This is the legacy home you’ve been waiting for. MLS 1000965

4 BR / 4.5 BA / 1.48 ACRES Welcome to this exquisite new construction home now completed and ready to move-in! Conveniently located in the highly sought-after neighborhood of Cedar Hill, just minutes from the heart of Cashiers. Offering long-range, expansive views from the Primary Suite, Living Room, Kitchen, and Guest Suites, this property blends luxurious living with breathtaking scenery. The Main Level is designed for both comfort and elegance, featuring a spacious Primary En-Suite with a dualsided fireplace, seamlessly warming both the bedroom and the bathroom. Adjacent is a charming study, complete with its own cozy fireplace, perfect for quiet relaxation. At the heart of the home, you’ll find the vaulted-ceiling Living

for $4,395,000

Room, featuring a full-stone fireplace and a glass-enclosed wine storage room, ideal for showcasing your collection. The open-concept Kitchen offers two large islands and connects to a Breakfast Nook, Keeping Room, and Formal Dining Room—perfect for both casual meals and elegant entertaining. A wellappointed Laundry Room and spacious Walk-In Pantry enhance the home’s functionality. Upstairs, discover three additional very spacious En-Suite Bedrooms and an office. The unfinished space above the three-car garage offers potential for additional square footage, ready for your personal touch. Don’t miss the chance to own this one-of-a-kind property with luxury finishes, unparalleled views, and a prime location in Cedar Hill. MLS 105907

Wade Hampton Golf Club

4 BR / 4 BA / 0.84 ACRES This beautifully renovated home blends timeless character with modern luxury. The great room serves as the heart of the home, featuring vaulted ceilings and a stone fireplace that creates a welcoming atmosphere. Natural light pours through large windows, while the open flow leads seamlessly into the beautiful kitchen and formal dining room. Completing the living areas, a charming Carolina Porch with its own fireplace provides a relaxed outdoor setting for enjoying morning coffee or entertaining guests. The Primary En-Suite is a true retreat, offering a serene ambiance and glimpses of the mountains beyond the golf course below the property. A spacious, remodeled bath with dual vanities, a large walk-in shower, and an expansive walk-in closet completes this retreat. The main level also features a cozy study, a second bedroom, and a beautifully appointed guest bath, ensuring comfort and convenience for both residents and visitors. The Terrace Level offers even more living space, with a cozy

for $3,695,000

family room anchored by a stone fireplace and a full wet bar—ideal for relaxing or hosting. Two generously sized en-suite bedrooms offer privacy and comfort, while the terrace-level Carolina Porch extends your living space outdoors, inviting you to take in the fresh air and views. Every detail in this home has been thoughtfully curated with exquisite custom furnishings and decor, creating a refined yet welcoming atmosphere throughout. Outside, the gently rolling lot boasts terraced gardens, lawn spaces, and an inviting outdoor fire pit. Situated just minutes from the charming mountain village of Cashiers and located within the gates of the prestigious Wade Hampton Golf Club, this home offers the perfect balance of privacy, luxury, and convenience. With its impeccable renovation, stunning surroundings, and thoughtful design, this home is an exceptional find for those seeking a peaceful mountain retreat. MLS 32855

4 BR / 3 BA / 1 ACRE — Located just minutes from the heart of Cashiers, this sophisticated and recently updated mountain residence is tucked within the low-density enclave of Stonefly—where privacy, serenity, and natural splendor converge. Residents enjoy privileged access to tranquil hiking trails and the pristine Chattooga River, winding gracefully through the community. Thoughtfully designed for elevated mountain living, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home boasts an open-concept layout connecting the great room, dining area, and kitchen—creating an ideal setting for both intimate gatherings and entertaining.

3 BR / 2.5 BA / 1.35 ACRES Nestled just minutes from the heart of Cashiers, this charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom mountain cottage offers year round views of Whiteside Mountain, Shortoff Mountain and is a perfect blend of comfort and nature. Set within a serene community, the property fronts a greenspace and features a boutique lake stocked for catch-and-release fishing. Inside, the inviting open-concept living area features a cozy living room with a fireplace, dining room and expansive windows that showcase the mountain and forest views. The well-appointed kitchen includes granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample storage. A spacious Carolina porch provides the perfect spot to unwind and take in the fresh mountain air. A primary en-suite

Starting at $2,285,000

Rich textures, fine finishes, and a beautiful stone fireplace anchor the living space, while expansive windows and doors invite the outdoors in. Step onto the spacious Carolina Porch to take in a view of the iconic Whiteside Mountain, and unwind beside the outdoor fireplace—an idyllic setting for year-round enjoyment. Additional features include an attached two-car garage, gently terraced gardens, and manicured lawn spaces that blend beautifully into the surrounding landscape. A rare opportunity to own a refined retreat where nature and mountain elegance meet—just moments from Cashiers’ dining and shopping. MLS 1000631

$1,425,000

can be found on the main level with two additional guest rooms, an office and bathroom on the second level. The home also includes a two-car carport with a bonus space above, offering great potential for expansion, as the property is already equipped with a 4-bedroom septic system. Beautiful garden spaces can be found around the front of the home and terraced down the back yard which features a built-in stone patio and firepit area. Whether as a full-time residence or vacation retreat, this mountain cottage offers the ideal balance of seclusion and convenience! Call or text Liz Harris today at 828.342.3194 for a personal tour of this property! MLS 1000305

In-Town Cashiers Garden Cottage Offered

2 BR / 3.5 BA / 0.54 ACRES Tucked away in the heart of Cashiers, this charming mountain cottage offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and natural beauty. Built less than two years ago, the home sits on over half an acre of unrestricted land with lush garden spaces and serene creek frontage, creating a private oasis just a short stroll from Cashiers Lake and beloved local favorites like Cornucopia Restaurant, Brookings Fly Shop, and The Wine Cellar. Inside, cozy mountain cottage ambience abounds with a wood-burning fireplace at the center of the main level, and which also includes a spacious

3 BR / 3.5 BA / 0.33 ACRES Discover this pre-construction sale of a charming new cottage, perfectly situated just outside the gates of Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club and a quick 4-minute drive to downtown Cashiers. Nestled in a serene, sunlit setting, this home boasts picturesque views of the community meadow and glimpses of the prestigious Whiteside Mountain. The main level features an open-concept living area that seamlessly flows onto a spacious covered porch and wraparound decks, ideal for outdoor entertaining. You’ll find the primary bedroom on this level, along with

for $1,295,000

Primary En-Suite and thoughtfully designed living areas. Upstairs, you’ll find a Guest En-Suite, an Office, and a versatile Bonus En-Suite Room. Offered fully furnished and move-in ready, the home is perfectly equipped for immediate enjoyment. Outdoor living is elevated with a large screened-in Carolina Porch complete with its own fireplace, plus a stone grilling and dining patio nestled among the gardens. The expansive backyard, bordered by a gentle creek, offers tranquility and space to unwind, while glimpses of Chimneytop Mountain from the front porch and upstairs suite add a touch of scenic magic. MLS 1000555

for $1,295,000

a versatile office or nursery space. Upstairs, two generously-sized bedrooms with en suite baths await, complemented by a roomy loft area perfect for a second living space or family room. Located in the new Laurel Meadow community, this low-maintenance home allows you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without the hassle—including HOA maintained landscaping! With only eight homes in this quaint neighborhood, you’ll find the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility, all at an exceptional price point. Don’t miss out on this idyllic retreat! MLS 106184

Photo by Susan Renfro

Fire in Her Fingers. Honey in Her Heart.

Cover artist Shannon Whitworth’s creations are infused with a reverence for nature.

If you are lucky enough to own a Shannon Whitworth painting or one of her soul-satisfying albums, you’ve experienced the Whitworth magic. Her harmonies and images reach from deep water to high sky. Everything she creates is part of a Carolina confluence that flows through and around her just like the French Broad tributaries wrap around her farmland and family.

Shannon lives with one foot in the Low Country and the other in the Blue Ridge. Images in her mixed media landscapes and figurative works intertwine with nature, story, dream, conservation and connection.

In one painting, three water birds, two flying in opposite directions, and

one below in small scale expresses a resonance of family: mother, father, and child.

Shannon speaks of that painting’s conception: “We had just discovered I was pregnant. Excited, nervous, joyful and in shock, we walked down to the river. Parenthood was really happening. And at that moment two herons flew together and split off. It was a lift-off of something meant to be, a new beginning, a new story and direction for both of us. There is power in images that keep coming together, then separate. One bird flew to the French Broad River and the other up the East Fork, to a familiar place we call ‘Rachel’s’.

“I am a heart-led person,” Shannon says.

“My parents were in education. But I was drawn to the arts and a career in education wasn’t the blueprint for me. Even so, my mom gave me this classic refrain: ‘Make little decisions with your head and big decisions with your heart.’”

That’s exactly what Shannon practices. She set up a serene studio in a barn next to her farmhouse.

There, musical instruments, fly rods, canvases, and paints hang, thrumming with the rhythms of her Muse. The studio is her chrysalis into which she finds respite and a place where her higher calling pulls her.

How she builds her canvases is similar to her music – combining her poetry, lyrical prayer, sometimes amulets.

She says, “I layer pieces of collage, hand prints, meditations, heart-stories. It’s a journal of where I’ve (or my patron’s) been and where I want to go. All these components are embedded in my surfaces. And color stories. If I am working with a patron, I do the same, intermingling his/her family history and essence into his/her commission. My marks and words are a kind of map, grounding me and my visions. This practice allows me to combine that creative flow with the grounding nature of a simple blessing and hopefully share it with people in my circle. In this process, I absorb it in myself.

“Today’s current of world-consciousness is unsteady. We are so distracted, getting swept away with news and opinions. I try to utilize this practice and welcome in that peace and quiet that the creative

process can reward.”

Shannon and her husband, Woody Platt (who used to play in Steep Canyon Rangers, often with Steve Martin), created a campaign called Rescue Carolina in response to the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

“These efforts have helped us put emergency funds in the hands of families, survivors, and organizations which do the real recovery,” she says. Their assistance flowed right into the start of some exciting projects and concerts creating a confluence of sorts, pulling together folks on like-minded missions.

To learn more about contributions to the Carolinas, check out Shannon’s efforts through shannonwhitworth. com or Instagram.

On Instagram, read more about the stunning setting for her artwork at Red Wolf Gallery in Brevard, and Josephine’s Emporium, 40 Burns Street in Cashiers. Don’t miss the Emporium’s open house featuring Shannon’s and Laura Moser’s exhibitions, with some special musical guests on July 31.

Meet Shannon at The Laurel’s July Cover Artist Reception at High Country Wine and Provisions in Highlands on Tuesday, July 1, 5:30 - 7:00 P.M. – and raise a glass to her. RSVP to info@ thelaurelmagazine.com.

by Donna Rhodes

Shannon Whitworth

Scan to learn more.

Summer News at The Bascom

Inspiration and creation are offered throughout the season at the Hughes Children’s Studio.

The arrival of summer brings renewed energy to The Bascom’s studios, where creativity flourishes among young artists from across the Plateau.

Central to this summer season is the Hughes Children’s Studio, where a diverse schedule of youth workshops offers students the opportunity to explore artistic expression in a variety of mediums.

At the heart of these programs is The Bascom’s commitment to innovative arts education – supported in part by the annual Education Fellowship.

This year, The Bascom is pleased to welcome Leslie McDonald as the 2025 Education Fellow. Leslie is an experienced visual arts teacher who has spent the past 18 years teaching at Walhalla Middle School in South Carolina, where she cultivates a love of art among her students. A lifelong learner herself, Leslie enjoys exploring new

ideas and techniques in watercolor, and she brings a spirit of curiosity and adventure to her teaching.

Outside the classroom, Leslie finds inspiration in the natural world, notably through her recent completion of the Foothills Trail, a 77-mile trek through the Appalachian foothills.

In addition to welcoming a seasonal educator, The Bascom is thrilled to introduce Caryn Raming as its new Community Engagement Associate. Caryn brings decades of teaching experience across public schools, private studios, and summer arts programs.

She holds a BA in Studio Art (1991) and a BFA with an Art Education Concentration (2023) from Western Carolina University, where she was recognized with the BFA Art Education Outstanding Prospective Teacher Award.

Caryn’s teaching philosophy – rooted in listening, integrity, and honest hard work – reflects her commitment to fostering

inclusive, community-driven learning environments. At The Bascom, Caryn will play a key role in supporting youth programming, developing community partnerships, and expanding access to the arts on the Plateau year-round.

This summer’s offerings include hands-on workshops in clay, watercolor, printmaking, felting, mixed media, and more—inviting young artists to explore diverse mediums and discover their creative voices. Workshops will run throughout the summer, and scholarships may be available for those in need of financial assistance, in keeping with The Bascom’s commitment to making the arts accessible for all.

Please join us in welcoming Leslie McDonald and Caryn Raming to The Bascom this summer. We look forward to an inspiring season ahead! by Bianca Mitchell, The Bascom: Center for Visual Arts

Rodney Marsalis’ Philadelphia Big Brass

Rodney Marsalis’ Philadelphia Big Brass will bring its dynamic sound and driving rhythm to Highlands Performing Arts Center, Friday, July 18.

The Highlands Performing Arts Center is set to host an evening of extraordinary music as Rodney Marsalis’ Philadelphia Big Brass takes the stage on Friday, July 18, at 7:30 P.M.

Hailed as America’s premier large brass ensemble, this group is celebrated not only for its virtuosity but also for its profound commitment to connecting with diverse audiences and inspiring a love for music in everyone.

Founded with roots on the vibrant streets of New Orleans, The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass operates as a family-owned and familyoperated endeavor.

Guided by the wisdom of family patriarch Ellis Marsalis, the ensemble has crafted a unique concert format that intentionally breaks down traditional genre barriers. Their performances are designed to forge a powerful connection between the audience and musicians, making classical and contemporary brass

music accessible and exciting for all. The group is particularly passionate about engaging with young people, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations through the power of music.

Comprising a veritable “dream team” of brass virtuosos, the ensemble made a spectacular debut at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center in Verizon Hall. They quickly established themselves with a residency at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts and a special feature on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered. Their performances are remarkably versatile, ranging from captivating solo trumpet features and intricate brass quintets to their 11-piece ensemble’s full, majestic sound, often complemented by percussion.

Their diverse programming includes festive holiday concerts, engaging mini-concerts tailored for schools, and traditional brass concerts that can feature an optional organ or choir. One

of their notable programs, Brothers on the Battlefield: The Power of Love, offers a poignant musical journey from the Civil War through the Civil Rights Movement, showcasing their repertoire’s historical and emotional depth. This concert promises a memorable evening, blending exceptional musical talent with a heartfelt message of unity and inspiration. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the unparalleled artistry of Rodney Marsalis’ Philadelphia Big Brass.

Visit highlandsperformingartscenter. com or call (828) 526-9047 for tickets and more information.

by Jeanne Piazza, Executive Director, Highlands

PAC

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Deborah Bryant, Weaving Connections

For fiber artist Deborah Bryant, a lifetime of learning and passion has led to the Summer Colors Fine Art Show, set for July 19-20, and a brilliant presentation to the Art League of HighlandsCashiers, July 28.

Deborah Bryant

July is always a busy month for the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers.

Two events will take place this month. On July 19-20, the League sponsors its signature Summer Colors Fine Art Show in the Sapphire Valley Community Center with show hours from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. both days. More than 30 of the area’s finest artists gather to display and offer for sale works of art in various mediums, Paintings in oil, acrylic, pastel, pencil and charcoal will be present, as well as works in wood, fiber and photography. This free show continues to grow in popularity.

One of the exhibitors at the show will be Deborah Bryant, a fiber artist, who will also be the guest speaker at the Art League’s July meeting at The Bascom on July 28. Refreshments are served at 4:30 P.M. with her presentation following at 5:00 P.M..

Ms. Bryant’s journey in fiber began

at the young age of seven on a visit with her grandmother. Her mother and grandmother taught her to crochet. Little did they know that those lessons would awaken in Deborah a life-long fascination of turning one form of fiber into another beautiful and useful work of art

In high school she learned to spin wool, first on a drop spindle, then on a spinning wheel. She attended college at Warren Wilson College near Asheville and had the opportunity for study abroad in England and Scotland. There she learned more about sheep and wool production.

Upon returning stateside, she enrolled in the Professional Crafts Program at Haywood Community College and completed the two-year course in Fiber, officially becoming a weaver. She met her husband nearby, and they decided to make their home, raise their family and pursue their careers in Western North Carolina. Her weaving studio took shape

on their property.

She says of her work, “I am endlessly excited by how colors interact with each other, so I work with blending many shades and hues of color together to create a vibrant look.

All work showcases my own handpainted warps, a dye technique used to interpret personal color inspirations. I am also intrigued by varying textures of yarns as they capture light and shadow, giving the fabric depth and interest. These qualities in my work are best appreciated up close and by handling the piece and letting each detail unfold.”

We hope you will join us for this free, informative presentation.

by Zach Claxton, Art League of Highlands Cashiers

Summer Colors Fine Art Show

The Highlands-Cashiers Summer Colors Fine Art Show is set for July 19-20 at Sapphire Valley Community Center in Sapphire. For information, visit artleaguehighlandscashiers.com.

As summer unfurls its wonders, it announces one of the mountain’s finest delights: the Highlands-Cashiers Summer Colors Fine Art Show, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. July 19-20.

The show, a project of the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers, lives up to its name with layers of color inspired by Nature’s magic. Gaze at waterfalls of azure, sunsets of glistening gold, emeralds of a thousand greens heralding the Nantahala forests – all captured on canvas, paper, cloth, clay, and textural surfaces that draw your heart into their majesty.

This splendor, portrayed by some of the region’s finest artists, will fill the halls and walls of the Sapphire Valley Community Center. Be ready to breathe in the beauty: oil paintings, watercolors, mixed media, pottery, wood, sculpture, fiber artists, jewelry artists, and more.

Thirty-plus artists are juried into the event, so expect the best of the best. This year’s juror/judge was an exceptional find.

…lives up to its name with layers of color inspired by Nature’s magic.

League board member John Cannon arranged for his mentor and friend, the esteemed watercolorist Fred Rawlinson, to participate, demonstrate, and judge the 2025 showing. Rawlinson taught at Memphis College of Art and taught privately. His exceptional work is treasured by many from Memphis to New Orleans.

Highlands-Cashiers Summer Colors Fine Art Show is a family destination.

That means plenty of free parking and restroom facilities. The show is sheltered and indoors. No food on campus, so plan drinks and treats before or after your visit. There will be plenty of flyers, posters, road signs, and local publication announcements to tell you more about the event.

While you are at the show, consider becoming a League member. Meetings are at The Bascom April-October. You don’t have to be a Rembrandt to join. If you just like art and want the group’s camaraderie, then consider yourself a candidate for membership.

The artists also take pride in helping those in need. This year’s contribution is to the Boys and Girls Club and the area’s community outreach.

by Donna Rhodes

Public Art Initiative

The Vision Cashiers Public Art Initiative brings texture, color and wonder to the WALK CASHIERS campaign. It’s a bouquet of startlements delivered to pedestrians.

Children from The Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau with Doug McAbee’s “Albert” in 2023. Scan to learn more.

Something unexpected is happening along the quiet trails and tucked-away green spaces of Cashiers. It might be a towering metal sculpture emerging from a stand of trees or a bronze figure poised beside a boardwalk.

The effect is the same: you stop, you look, and you wonder —what’s going on here?

That very question is at the heart of the Vision Cashiers Public Art Initiative.

The initiative was launched by the Vision Cashiers Public Art Task Force as an extension of the WALK CASHIERS campaign – a long-range effort to improve walkability, connectivity, and livability through a five-mile network of sidewalks, boardwalks, and trails known as the Cashiers Greenway Ramble. Inspired by successful public art trails in neighboring communities, the Task Force saw an opportunity to use art to draw attention to the landscape.

This isn’t decoration for decoration’s sake. The installations are created by both established and emerging Southeastern artists, selected for their ability to create works that interrupt the familiar and make viewers see the land differently.

A key partner in the effort is The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts, which brings deep regional arts knowledge and logistical support to the project. Many of the installations are placed in collaboration with The Bascom, whose team helps identify artists and coordinate installations. The Bascom also offers artists $1,500 honorariums, while Vision Cashiers covers site-specific installation costs. All sculptures are available for purchase, offering artists exposure to new audiences while giving collectors the chance to make a work permanent.

One early favorite is “Albert,” a whimsical sculpture near the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau. Installed originally on loan, the piece quickly became a

source of inspiration for the children who saw themselves reflected in its playful form.

“Albert has a moon and clouds, which represent us reaching our dreams,” said Lucy, one young club member. Thanks to grants and private donations, the sculpture was purchased and made a permanent part of the Club’s landscape.

This July, Wesley Wofford’s “Reawakening”—a bold figurative work from a nationally recognized sculptor—will be installed at Slab Town, continuing the trail’s evolution. And this summer, young artists from the Boys and Girls Club will join the conversation by creating their own works for display along the trail as part of a collaborative program with The Bascom.

To walk the trail or learn more about the initiative, visit VisionCashiers.com/ Public-Art.

by Marlene Osteen photo by The Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau

The Art of Pat Calderone

Originally from Minnesota, Pat Calderone found her Muse in the mountains. Nearly three decades on, she still finds her inspiration in the mysteries of nature.

The morning light filters through the trees surrounding Pat Calderone’s mountain home, casting the same ethereal glow that illuminates her nature-inspired paintings. An accomplished artist, Calderone’s name has become synonymous with fine art in Highlands, creating works in watercolor, acrylics, charcoal, and mixed media as layered and complex as the mountain landscape that inspires them.

A native of Minneapolis, Calderone moved to Highlands nearly three decades ago with her partner.

“I’m a southern girl by choice,” she says, and it’s clear the mountains chose her back. The trees, storms, and wild creatures that animate this

landscape have become co-conspirators in her creative process. The deck behind her home serves as both sanctuary and

studio, where she watches storms roll across the peaks and finds inspiration in the interplay of light and shadow, weather and wilderness.

Calderone’s artistic evolution mirrors the landscape that surrounds her – organic, unpredictable, and deeply rooted.

Beginning with the precise discipline of watercolor, she gradually broke through what she calls “purist boundaries,” layering acrylics over pastels over watercolors, each medium preserved with fixatives like geological strata. Her 2017 pilgrimage to France ignited a creative explosion, introducing French phrases and European sensibilities into her already rich visual vocabulary. Her canvases range from intimate 18-inch portraits to commanding

six-foot bears that seem to step from the surrounding forest into her studio. Each piece captures what she describes as the “spirit” of her subjects – whether a Cherokee-inspired figure connecting to ancestral lands or a pheasant caught in a moment of perfect stillness. The work is unmistakably hers: nature-inspired yet deeply human, wild yet accessible.

Beyond her own artistic practice, Calderone has become a cultural cornerstone of the region. As past president of the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers, she has nurtured countless emerging artists through private instruction and mentorship. Currently seeking gallery spaces, her work is shown regularly across the region.

She also teaches, opens her studio by appointment, and mentors other artists with generosity and grit. Today, her home studio serves as both

creative sanctuary and intimate gallery space, where visitors can experience her latest explorations of

feminine mysticism and Mother Earth symbolism by appointment.

With decades of work behind her –enough to “fill up four books,” she notes with characteristic understatement – Calderone continues to find wonder in the daily miracles of mountain life. Her three-panel masterpiece of red-haired women surrounded by butterflies and flowers stands as testament to her belief in art’s power to capture “amazing pieces of humanity.”

“I’m always discovering something – some shade, some shape I’ve never quite seen,” she says. “As long as that keeps happening, I’ll keep painting.”

Those interested in experiencing her work firsthand can arrange a viewing by calling (828) 371-0376. In choosing to become a Southern artist, Pat Calderone found not just a new home, but her truest artistic voice.

by Marlene Osteen

Martinis, Mozart & More

Magic and music are brewing when the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival stages its Martinis, Mozart & More at The Orchard House at The Farm at Old Edwards, Thursday, July 24. Reservations are essential and can be made by calling (828) 526-9060. Because some evenings deserve to be as memorable as the music itself.

The Vega Quartet

For one evening only, elegance, artistry, and a well-shaken martini share the stage. On Thursday, July 24, at 5:30 P.M, the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival invites guests to Martinis, Mozart & More, one of its most beloved summer traditions—equal parts concert and celebration. Held at The Orchard House at The Farm at Old Edwards, the evening is a carefully orchestrated soiree.

Surrounded by views of green hills and lush gardens, guests sip cocktails, mingle with friends, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres before taking their seats for a program that blends classical brilliance with contemporary soul.

This is chamber music reimagined for the social set—where the dress code is cocktail chic, and the atmosphere is anything but stuffy. The Orchard House transforms into the kind of venue that makes you wonder why all concerts aren’t held in spaces this breathtaking,

with natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling glass and manicured gardens providing a living backdrop.

The evening’s musical heart belongs to the Vega String Quartet, joined by flutist Ransom Wilson and harpist Elisabeth Remy Johnson. Mozart’s Concerto for Harp and Flute anchors the classical side, while Ravel’s Sonatine for Flute, Cello, and Harp adds French impressionist color, and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah provides an unexpectedly moving contemporary touch.

The Vega Quartet has earned praise from The New York Times for their “clean intoxication,” and watching them perform in this intimate setting reveals why. Their sound is both precise and passionate, technically flawless yet emotionally immediate. It’s the kind of performance that makes converts of classical skeptics.

But the music is only part of the magic. Old Edwards Executive Chef Chris

Huerta treats the pre-concert reception like an opening act worthy of the main event, with Southern-inflected hors d’oeuvres that showcase regional ingredients. The martinis are mixed with the same attention to detail as the musical arrangements.

This celebration exists within HCCMF’s extraordinary 44th season (July 5-August 10), which brings Grammywinning guitarist Sharon Isbin, former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove, and rising piano star Zitong Wang to these mountain stages.

At $125 per person (including two drink tickets), the evening seamlessly blends world-class performance with mountain hospitality. Thanks to sponsors Dianne and Myron Mall, Jack Sapolsky, Richard Bordeaux, and Barbara Guillaume this tradition sets the standard for sophisticated yet genuinely fun classical music. by Marlene Osteen

Art and Craft Show

Back and somehow even bigger, Mountaintop Rotary’s Art & Craft Show returns to Highlands’ Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on August 23 and 24. For more information on the show, visit highlandsartshow.com or visit their Facebook page for the latest updates.

Danny O’Driscoll

Phillippa Mead

Mountaintop Rotary’s Art and Craft Show continues celebrating its summer run with shows on August 23 and 24 at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in Highlands.

This year over 120 of the most respected and sought-after artisans from throughout the southeast and beyond will showcase their art, many of whom return year after year. An even greater testament to the success of this show is that, as its reputation has grown, it attracts more gifted artisans.

Renowned wildlife artist Danny O’Driscoll is one such artist who enjoyed his first visit to this show in June and is happy to be back for the August show. Danny has been a successful self-employed professional artist for 52 years and has been showing at art festivals for over 43 years, earning his living and raising a family entirely through his artistry. He’s shown at shows throughout the United States,

including the prestigious Southeastern Wildlife Expo in Charleston, South Carolina, and has also long been a favorite at shows in the NC High Country. His acrylic wildlife paintings feature wildlife from the mountains to the sea and are unparalleled in their realism. You must look closely to realize that it is a painting and not a photograph.

Phillippa Mead of Rosemead Images enjoyed her first foray into the world of art and craft shows at this show in June, and she’s hooked. Recently moving to this area from Naples, Florida, her photography has evolved and flourished as she has found herself transitioning from portraits to scenery, inspired by our natural beauty.

You’ll find yourself connecting with her and her partner, Ted, through their images of landscapes, flowers, waterfalls, sunsets, and unique objects, as well as automobiles.

We’re sure there is a story behind the

interest in automobiles, and Phillippa invites you to visit their booth to hear more and see her breathtaking works.

The Sip and Stroll will be back! On Saturday, August 23, enjoy beer from Western Carolina Brew and wine and charcuterie from High Country Wine and Provisions.

Come sip and stroll through the art. There will also be live music, a kid’s zone, the Teddy Bear Hospital hosted by Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, members of the PAC Youth Theatre will also be performing scenes from their recent hit show Matilda, and more.

While the delightful works of art, family fun, and music are what draw the crowds, let’s not forget that this effort is Mountaintop Rotary’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Attendance and parking are free, but donations are welcome and encouraged.

by Mary Jane McCall

and Pippa Seichrist

The First Thing You Remember

A mother’s simple question, “What’s the first thing you remember?” sparks a deeply moving memoir shaped by love, listening, and perseverance.

“What’s the first thing you remember?”

That’s the question Pippa Seichrist asked her newly adopted 13-year-old son from Ukraine in the memoir My Life Before. She wondered if the boy would understand her question – or speak enough English to answer.

The boy’s response was so remarkable she wrote it down. The memory he shared was, at the same time, naive, worldly, and shocking.

Pippa, who lives full-time on the Plateau with her husband Ron, would go on to capture that memory – and many others – in a book that documents their family’s extraordinary journey.

Together, the Seichrists restored Satolah Creek Farm, an early 20thcentury homestead along Highway 28, south of Highlands.

Over the years, they’ve transformed it into a community gathering place and working farm, offering seasonal events, wedding celebrations, and stays for those looking to unplug and reconnect.

Co-authored by Pippa and her son Andry, My Life Before tells the story of how a mother and son – separated by language, culture, and thirteen years of very different life experiences – built a family through listening, trust, and deliberate love.

The memoir is told in alternating

perspectives: his memories, revealing and unsentimental, paired with her reflections on what it means to parent a child shaped by a past she didn’t witness but chose to honor.

The book’s beginning is as compelling as its content. When Andry responded to that first question with an account that ended with the devastating observation:

“In Ukraine, there is no hope—and that’s why everyone drinks,”

Pippa, moved by his storytelling, began transcribing his memories. What started as simple conversations grew into awardwinning stories, and ultimately – after 17 years of recording and listening – this powerful memoir.

Andry

But the family’s journey started even earlier when Pippa and her husband Ron decided to adopt. They brought home six-year-old Olya from Ukraine. When she learned English, she told them she had two brothers. Within six months they found Dima, who had been adopted by a family in Spain. It took five years to find and adopt her oldest brother, Andry, who was living in an orphanage in Bucha, a different part of Ukraine.

As Pippa describes it, the book is about curiosity – the fierce, determined questioning of a parent asking: Who is my child? What is important to him? What shaped him? And how do I become the best parent I can to this remarkable boy?

What unfolded was the story of a child who had endured so much, yet retained a striking perspective, deep storytelling instincts, and a guarded but generous spirit. Through listening, he grew to trust her – and together, they all became a family.

Andry’s recollections of his childhood in post-Soviet Ukraine are candid and textured. He describes roaming the countryside freely, surviving on instinct in a village where the collapse of the collective farm brought poverty, alcoholism, and instability. Yet he insists his childhood wasn’t bleak – it was simply unstructured, with moments of joy and kindness mixed in.

“There were great parts of my childhood,” he says. “But also hunger and no supervision.”

Bringing him home was only the beginning. At first, Andry called them “Olya’s mom” and “Olya’s dad.” When Pippa gently suggested he could call them Mom and Dad, he replied, “How can you be my mom? You just met me.” Her response: “Because I decided to be.” He looked at her, smiled sideways, and said, “Okay, Mom.”

Now grown, Andry owns Grass Stone Wood, a thriving landscaping company serving clients across the HighlandsCashiers Plateau. His work, like his story, is rooted in observation, patience, and care.

With war casting its shadow across Ukraine again, My Life Before resonates even more deeply.

Some of Andry’s friends have lost their lives defending their country; others are still fighting.

Now Andry helps his former orphanage friends who remain in Ukraine – purchasing military equipment for those fighting and supporting families affected by the war – because, as he simply puts it, “I help them because I can.”

by Marlene Osteen

Two-Man Symphony

Ellie’s Groove Steel Pan Band brings a rich, mellow sound filtered through Caribbean playfulness.

Ellie’s Groove

Ellie’s Groove Steel Pan Band doesn’t just play music – they charm it out of steel and air.

The band is a two-man symphony of shimmer and swing, made up of Raymond Davis on steel pan and Dr. Tony McCutchen on vibraphone. Together, they turn retro radio gold into something fresh, unexpected, and utterly delightful.

They call themselves Ellie’s Groove as a double tribute – first to Ellie Mannette, the Trinidad-born pioneer who transformed steel drums from oil barrels into finely tuned instruments. And second, to the literal grooves hammered into each drum during its creation. It’s a name with history, humor, and a whole lot of rhythm baked in.

Their sound? Imagine Burt Bacharach wandering into a tropical speakeasy. Or Motown melodies refracted through the metallic chime of Caribbean sunlight. It’s smooth jazz with a wink, ’70s soft

rock with a steel-pan twist. No vocals, no flash – just instrumental nostalgia with a heartbeat.

Raymond, a retired music teacher living in Sapphire, got his first steel pan in 1985 from Mannette himself – for $400, a steal considering today’s pans can fetch $4,000 or more.

“People still don’t really understand what this instrument can do,” he says. “It’s not just island party music – it can sing.”

Dr. McCutchen, who lives in Athens and taught percussion at the University of Georgia, fell in love with the vibraphone – a cousin of the xylophone with a dreamy, echoing sound somewhere between a harp and an electric piano.

“It’s an unusual pairing,” he says of their duo. “But the instruments play off each other in this beautiful, unexpected way.”

Their playlist is a love letter to their formative years: Seals and Crofts, Dionne Warwick, the Temptations. It’s

comfort food for the ears – familiar tunes reimagined with silvery sparkle and groove. Occasionally, they throw in a curveball – a jazz standard here, a Beatles cover there – just enough to keep listeners on their toes. Their music evokes a kind of sun-drenched nostalgia, the soundtrack to a memory you didn’t know you had.

Ellie’s Groove Steel Pan Band has become a crowd favorite on the Plateau, with standout performances at the Cashiers Leaf Festival, Highlands PorchFest, and intimate local venues where diners stop mid-bite to listen.

“People come up after a set and say, ‘I had no idea steel drums could do that,’” says Davis. “That’s the best part—watching them light up.”

Their music doesn’t demand attention – it earns it, softly and irresistibly, one silvery note at a time.

by Marlene Osteen

Let’s Welcome Gray Pearson

Gray Pearson is the man behind those iconic sounds animating First Presbyterian Church of Highlands.

If you’re one of those people who attends First Presbyterian Church’s Interlude performances over the summer, you’ve no doubt been surprised that organist (and local force of nature) Angie Jenkins isn’t in the foreground.

“I came onboard as organist in early November of last year, but this wasn’t my first time at the First Presbyterian Church,” says Gray Pearson. “About a year prior, in December of 2023, I got a call from Mike Lancaster, our Director of Music, asking if I could fill in as an oboist for their annual Lessons and Carols service (my undergrad degree is in oboe). Their scheduled oboist had gotten sick at the last minute, and Mike and Angie had called about a dozen unavailable oboists before getting my contact and giving me a call at 10:00 P.M. on Saturday night.

“Fortunately, I was available and made the drive from my home in Weaverville up to Highlands the next morning to

play for the service. I graduated from Vanderbilt University the following spring (May 2024). Angie Jenkins called me again to see if I could play oboe for a service that summer and discovered that I also played organ. Knowing that she intended to retire soon, Angie stayed in contact and ultimately asked if I would be interested in serving as interim organist upon my return to Western North Carolina in late 2024. I gladly agreed and have played every Sunday morning since! In January, I accepted a permanent full-time position as Organist and Coordinator of Music Ministry at FPCH.

“The First Presbyterian Church of Highlands is an excellent setting for music-making. Between our bold and ornate organ, and our pristine Steinway Grand piano, there is ample opportunity to make high quality music. Furthermore, the generosity of church members like Bill and Fran Matthews allows us to bring in talented guest

instrumentalists for worship almost every week.

“By virtue of my anti-virtuosic introduction to the keyboard, I’ve always been adept at teaching myself when necessary. This skill is the basis for my new concert series at FPCH, Music for Prayer. This casual concert series aims to inspire calm contemplation in a sacred setting. The format is simple: come and go as you please, read a book, write in a journal, or simply close your eyes and enjoy the music. (Every Thursday at noon).

“In addition to my weekly Music for Prayer concerts, we regularly host the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival as well as our very own Interlude Concert series (I’ll be giving an organ masterworks concert on August 6 at 2:00 P.M.).”

by Luke Osteen

Mary Gillan Renfro

photo by

The 33rd annual Bel Canto Recital will be held in Highlands on Sunday, September 7, at 4:00 P.M. at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. This yearly recital series is an affiliate of The Bascom, and proceeds go to supplement music education at two preschool programs, music education at our public schools, a college scholarship in the performing arts, and to the acquisition of art for special art exhibitions and for The Bascom’s permanent collection.

In total, Bel Canto has contributed over $750,000 to these worthy programs.

Details were still being ironed out as this issue went to press – we’ll include full details in our August 2025 issue.

For information about this recital series, please call The Bascom at (828) 787-2885.

A Celebration of Music and Arts

The 2025 Bel Canto, set for Sunday, September 7, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, continues an extraordinary tradition that’s enraptured audiences for 33 years.

The Goddess of Folk Art

The exuberance of the art at Around Back at Rocky’s Place Folk Art Gallery (3631 Georgia Highway 53 East in Dawsonville, Georgia) will not be contained.

Tracey Burnette, proprietor of Around Back at Rocky’s Place Folk Art Gallery, has a new title, Goddess of Folk Art (GoFA). She was anointed by those who adore her and her collection of soulful, colorful, crazy-fun creations, including paintings, carvings, pottery, beading/jewelry, soft sculptures, and more.

GoFA has been Rocky-ing steady nearly a quarter century in Dawsonville, Georgia. Rocky’s Place is a Southeastern folk art destination.

Devotees avow it’s Folk Art’s real deal, an Outsider’s Mecca.

Cornbread, a supremely-popular, best-selling painter of indigenous animals, supplies a steady body-ofwork to the gallery. GoFA claims she has the best Cornbread collection in the entire Universe.

Another sought-after artist, Cher Shaffer (mixed media), recognized by the American Folk Art Museum in NYC, is a staple at Rocky’s too.

Many historic Grandfathers of the

Folk Art Genre are also represented at Rocky’s: Howard Finster (spiritual painter), Jimmy Lee Sudduth (mud painter), Lanier Meaders (potter), Mose Tolliver (painter), and Roy Minshew, (carver, acknowledged in the Smithsonian).

The Dawsonville Chamber of Commerce took notice of GoFA’s success. They wanted to celebrate their goddess and her treasured attraction at an annual, formal gala.

Unknowing she was going to be honored,

Tracey, a jeans and tee gal, invited her mom, a vibrant, 93 year-old, to help her with proper attire. Mom, by the way, dresses to the nines, and loves to party.

“The evening gala was a fabulous dinner,” says Tracey. “’Twas top of the line. We enjoyed every minute. Mom hung in there, but she was getting tired. She signaled let’s go, so I announced, ‘Mom’s ready to go.’”

The Tourism Director sitting with Tracey quickly intervened, “No! You can’t go right now!”

Tracey looked at her mom, puzzled.

“We can’t leave yet, Mom,” she said. Then, on cue, the Chamber president

launched into raves and congratulations. It took a couple of minutes for Tracey to realize the praise was intended for her.

She said, “I was floored that someone even noticed my gallery in 23 years. I am still just kind of in awe. When she started talking about my gallery, all I could say was ‘Wow!’”

As a destination business, people come from all over, attracted to the wide range and quality of folk art Tracey features. She admits, “What I am doing here is drawing tourists. This has kept me in business, and benefitted other establishments in the process.”

Join the many who take a trip or two

annually to experience probably the most popular Folk Art destination in the South…maybe even the entire country. Visit 3631 Highway 53 at Etowah River Road, Dawsonville, Georgia, 30534. Phone (706) 265-6030; or email gallery@aroundbackatrockysplace.com or visit aroundbackatrockysplace.com.

“And whatever you buy, large or small, it will get to you.” So sayeth Tracey the Goddess!

by Donna Rhodes

DINING Pages 154-177

Photo by Susan Renfro

One Enjoyable Bite After Another

Accept no substitutes – a meal at Las Margaritas is a full-on seduction of the senses. You’re invited to play – 127 Highway 64 in Cashiers. This being the Plateau in the middle of the Busy Season, reservations are a good idea – (828) 745-6900.

On a glorious, early summer day of clear skies and moderate temperatures and with a hearty appetite, the destination was Las Margaritas in Cashiers with expectations of a menu offering standard Mexican fare.

No worries: the staples – tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas – are included at Las Margaritas.

However, for this foodie, it was the hidden gems that were well worth mining.

Before delving into the culinary surprises, the setting is mentionable.

A covered bridge-like, pitched roof walkway leads to the barn-red, painted board-and-batten restaurant’s front door. Inside are hues of terracotta and lime and plenty of table and booth seating. But sitting outside on the covered patio, beside a serene pond with a soothing fountain – that is the ticket!

My husband, Dan, who gladly accompanied on this gastronomic excursion, immediately perused the margarita

list, settling on a “medium” jalapenoflavored drink the size of a bowl. There are eight other flavors to choose from, including the traditional lime – as well as unique peach and mango – but I prefer sangria or a Mexican beer when enjoying Mexican food. Las Margaritas also offers recognizable mixed drinks, daiquiris, shots, and pina coladas.

But the food!

Often, a Mexican restaurant’s food is only as good as its tacos. And these did not disappoint. The menu’s introduc-

tory description had me at served with “onions, cilantro, radishes, and cucumbers,” so I anticipated quality and was not disappointed. The carnitas, or pork, in the double-layer corn tacos was absolutely melt-in-your-mouth and so flavorful. And with the very fresh vegetables and quality rice and beans, this selection proved to be a great start.

Accompanying the tacos is a salsa the waiter warned was “hot.” I prefer milder spices, but Dan was pleased with the heat.

Making a decision about the main entrees was a toughie. For better or for worse, my palette enjoys a myriad of textures and flavors, and some of the descriptions enticed: Parrillada (grilled) Special, for example, included

grilled ribeye, chicken, pork, shrimp, chorizo, banana peppers, onions, and cactus. Yet, eventually settled on was the Camarones Dulce (meaning “sweet shrimp”) accompanied with California vegetables (i.e. cauliflower, carrots, mushrooms, etc.) and served with a strawberry or mango sauce. The shrimp were sizeable and grilled to perfection. The semi-sweet sauce served over the savory shrimp, vegetables, and rice delighted tastebuds.

We also sampled the Burrito Loco. The familiar Mexican establishment menu name belied this entrée’s presentation. Served on a white, rectangular plate, the large flour-tortilla-wrapped dish was topped with three sauces: green (spicy – primarily made with tomatillos and

green chilies), red, and cheese. It was almost one of those too-attractive-to-eat dishes. Almost.

Inside this visually pleasing burrito was grilled ham, mushrooms, grilled chicken, bits of pineapple, beans, and rice. All the flavor profiles combined flawlessly to make this a unique burrito experience, indeed.

Suffice it to say, when the ample amounts of multi-colored foods – due to vibrant vegetables and luscious sauces – arrived at the table, discussions of take-home boxes ensued. However, little went home. This food was so good, it was difficult to halt the experience of one enjoyable bite after another. by Deena Bouknight photos by Susan and Mary Gillan Renfro

Sourdough Rosemary Crackers

Paulina McDonald’s Pastries are headlining the offerings at High Country Wine and Provisions in Highlands – this recipe is top of the list.

North Carolina’s cottage food laws have opened doors for passionate bakers to transform their home kitchens into small businesses, and few embody this opportunity quite like Paulina McDonald.

Operating Paulina’s Pastries from her Highlands home while working as a pastry cook at High Hampton, she represents a new generation of food entrepreneurs who blend cultural heritage with local opportunity.

Paulina’s culinary foundation was built in Houston, where her Mexican immigrant family settled five decades

ago. The values instilled by that heritage – resourcefulness, respect for ingredients, and the importance of feeding community – followed her through culinary school in San Antonio and into professional kitchens.

At Houston’s acclaimed Bludorn restaurant, she absorbed chef Aaron Bludorn’s approach to American cuisine elevated with French techniques and Gulf Coast influences, learning how cultural fusion creates something entirely new.

When she moved to the North Carolina mountains in 2023, Paulina brought this multicultural perspective to Appalachian

food traditions. Working under James Beard-nominated pastry chef April Franqueza at High Hampton, she discovered how cottage food regulations allow her to channel her heritage and training into a home-based business.

“I’m super into preventing waste,” she explains, a philosophy rooted in her family’s immigrant experience and now expressed through her artisanal approach to baking.

These sourdough rosemary crackers perfectly capture that intersection of heritage and opportunity.

Paulina McDonald

When local restaurateur Guy Davis expressed interest in house-made crackers, Paulina saw a chance to create “something funky, fun, and different” while honoring the resourcefulness that defines both her cultural background and North Carolina’s cottage food movement. The result is a cracker that captures everything appealing about artisanal baking: the complex tang of fermented grains, the aromatic punch of fresh rosemary, and a satisfying crunch that makes store-bought versions seem lifeless by comparison. The technique borrows from laminated pastry – folding the dough like a simplified croissant –which creates delicate layers and ensures even baking.

What makes this recipe particularly brilliant is its flexibility. The measurements work as a starting point, but sourdough starters vary in hydration and flavor intensity. Don’t be afraid to adjust the flour if your dough feels too sticky or add a pinch more salt if your starter runs mild. The key is achieving a workable dough that rolls thin without tearing.

Sourdough Rosemary Crackers

Makes about 3 dozen crackers, depending on thickness and size

Ingredients

½ cup leftover sourdough starter (unfed, discard is fine)

½ cup whole wheat flour

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped, plus more for topping

Water, for brushing

3. Divide and chill.

Divide the dough into three equal parts. Press each into a rough rectangle, wrap in plastic or parchment, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and firm the dough.

4. Roll and fold.

Working with one portion at a time, roll the dough into a thin rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Fold the left third of the dough to the center, then fold the right third over it, like a letter — this helps create layers and a flakier texture.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat.

You can find Paulina’s breads at High Country Wine and Provisions in Highlands, or order directly through her website at bakesy.shop/b/paulinaspastries. Her cottage bakery produces everything from macarons to honey buns, but it’s this creative approach to reducing waste that truly sets her apart.

2. Mix the dough.

In a medium bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the sourdough starter, whole wheat flour, softened butter, salt, and chopped rosemary. Mix until a smooth dough forms, kneading lightly if needed to bring it all together.

5. Roll out and shape.

Roll the folded dough out again to your desired cracker thickness — Paulina prefers them quite thin for extra snap. Transfer the rolled dough to the prepared baking sheet.

6. Dock and season.

Use a fork to prick the surface all over (this prevents bubbling).

Lightly brush the top with water and sprinkle with a little more rosemary and flake salt if you like.

7. Bake.

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and firm in the center. Allow to cool fully on a wire rack. The crackers will crisp up further as they cool.

These crackers keep well in an airtight container for several days — if they last that long.

by Marlene Osteen

photos by Susan Renfro

Comfort Food Rebellious Wines

Celebrate the spirit of Independence by liberating yourself from the strictures of wine protocol.

Picture this: you’re manning the grill as July’s fire radiates from every surface while your guests clutch the same tired Sauvignon Blanc everyone brings to every barbecue. There’s got to be a better way to cool down – and there is, if you’re brave enough to ditch the wine comfort zone.

Sure, any chilled bottle offers relief when the thermometer soars, but only a rebellious few can transform your backyard grill session into the kind of party people still talk about come September.

You’re already grilling comfort food –why play it safe with comfort wines? It’s July, the coals are glowing, and it’s time to raise a glass to culinary adventure.

My recent treasure hunt with Stephanie Miskew at Highlands Wine Shoppe yielded these gems – proof that our Plateau shops harbor secrets worth discovering.

Yes, there’s comfort in reaching for Beaujolais rosé or the usual brut, but

alongside these crowd-pleasers lurk genuine wine rebels: bottles crafted from grapes like Vernaccia, Müller Thurgau, Grignolino, and Zweigelt. These varieties ruled their European homelands for centuries while remaining America’s bestkept secrets. Time to spill those secrets.

Toscolo Vernaccia di San Gimignano arrives with serious pedigree – this Tuscan troublemaker was already legendary when Dante was scribbling poetry. One sniff unleashes saffron staging a coup against coriander, while cumin tangos with toasted pine nuts. Kiwi and pear join the chaos.

Oregon’s Anne Amie Estate Müller Thurgau produces liquid sunshine: key lime doing cartwheels with star fruit while orange zest applauds. The dry mineral finish cuts through barbecue sauce like a sommelier’s secret.

Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais Rosé needs no introduction—just add summer and watch cherry, pomegranate, rhubarb, and thyme throw their garden party.

Austria’s Paul Achs Zweigelt Burgenland breaks all the summer rules - red, bold, and utterly refreshing when chilled. This Burgenland maverick delivers raspberry grenades and red plum fireworks with enough forest floor mystery to make your steak jealous.

Italy’s Gignolino D’Asti Machesi Incisa Della Rocchetta from Piedmont whispers cranberry poetry and wild strawberry prose. This is simply fun drinking, with punchy, bright flavors that deserve to be chilled.

Paula Kornell Brut Rosé brings Napa Valley swagger where citrus high-fives peach while brioche provides the elegant backdrop.

Remember: different shops across our Plateau guard different secrets. Today’s discovery could be tomorrow’s dinner party legend. Why settle for predictable when rebellion tastes this good?

by Marlene Osteen

Every Bite Has a Story

Joe Nuzzi’s acquisition of Osteria del Monte fulfills a familial destiny 18 years in the making. To discover its powerful attraction, visit the restaurant at 19131 Rosman Highway in Sapphire. For reservations, call (828) 883-2551.

Joe Nuzzi walks into Osteria del Monte every single day with the confidence of a man who knows exactly what he’s doing. And he should—this isn’t just another restaurant acquisition. It’s a homecoming 18 years in the making.

Back in 2001, when his uncles Giovanni Minervini and Claudio Trevisan first bought this seasonal operation, young Joe was slinging plates and managing the front of house, part of a multi-

generational Italian restaurant dynasty that stretched from Palm Beach to the North Carolina highlands.

The uncles – the late Claudio from Lake Como’s northern shores and Giovanni from Italy’s southern heel – had built something special here, blending the robust flavors of the north with the lighter, seafood-kissed cuisine of the south.

Then Joe left.

Corporate America called, and for nearly

two decades, Osteria del Monte became a memory, a chapter closed.

But restaurants, like families, have a way of pulling you back.

When staffing challenges hit during the pandemic, Joe returned to help out. The same faces greeted him – servers who’d been there since 2005, a chef with 17 years under his belt, kitchen staff who remembered the kid who’d grown up in their midst. It was as if he’d never left. February 2023 marked the official

changing of the guard. Joe didn’t just buy the restaurant; he reimagined it. New bar, overhauled kitchen, fresh artwork, updated everything. Partner Briony – Wolfgang’s veteran turned local produce market owner –became his general manager and front-ofhouse anchor.

But here’s where it gets interesting: Joe and Briony don’t just run a restaurant. They live it. Every winter, when Osteria closes from January through March, they hit the road in their motor coach, covering 6,000 miles of American culinary landscape.

That lemon zest king crab linguini? Born from a Scottsdale inspiration. The

Chilean sea bass with Dijon crust? A souvenir from their travels to Zion and the Caverns of Sonora.

The menu reads like a family Bible –those sacred dishes like Rigatoni Osteria and veal gorgonzola that have anchored the restaurant since day one.

But Joe’s added his own verses: pear and fontina pasta purses swimming in white truffle cream, burrata-filled ravioli bathed in brown butter sage sauce. Oldschool tableside service persists – dover sole filleted before your eyes, bananas foster flambéed with theatrical flair. There’s a nearly euphoric pleasure from simply being at Osteria del Monte, pumped full of life by the colors and

smells emerging from the kitchen. The restaurant’s strength lies not just in individual dishes but in the sum of its parts – the confidence that comes from knowing your roots while refusing to be trapped by them.

This is what happens when passion meets persistence, when family tradition collides with fresh vision. Joe Nuzzi didn’t just come home – he came home to conquer.

by Marlene Osteen

/ photos by Susan Renfro Scan to learn more.

Joe Nuzzi and Briony Le Roi

Flipping for Breakfast: Pancake Social

Come for the fare, stay for the fellowship – the Sky Valley Property Owners’ Association is serving up a delicious pancake breakfast, July 5 at the Sky Valley Lakeside Pavillion.

Everyone’s invited to the Sky Valley Property Association’s Pancake Breakfast from 8:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 5, at the Sky Valley Lakeside Pavillion.

That means servings of pancakes, eggs, grits, sausage, biscuits, coffee and juice – $10 for adults and children aged 12 and older; $5 for children 5 to 11; and no charge for those 4 and under. Cash and checks are accepted, but not cards.

If you’re looking further out, the association will be serving pancake breakfasts on August 30 and October 4.

Volunteers are needed to help cook, serve and cleanup. If you’d like to sign up or if you have questions, email Luke Fogarty at tlukefogarty@hotmail.com.

Champagne of Choice

Let’s raise a glass to the glories of Champagne Pol Roger – July 17 at The Farm at Old Edwards. This celebrated vintage will be paired with an extraordinary menu composed by Chef Chris Huerta.

The pop of a champagne cork carries its own kind of music —festive, fleeting, and full of promise. On Thursday, July 17, that distinctive sound will echo across The Farm at Old Edwards as the prestigious Champagne Pol Roger makes its debut at our annual July Fête.

This isn’t just any champagne house. Pol Roger carries the distinction of being Winston Churchill’s beloved champagne of choice—a devotion so deep that the wartime Prime Minister consumed an estimated 42,000 bottles in his lifetime. Their legendary friendship began over dinner at the British Embassy in Paris in 1944, when Churchill met Odette PolRoger; developing a bond so deep that Churchill named one of his racehorses “Pol Roger,” while the house honored their most famous patron by creating the prestigious Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill in 1984.

“Champagne imparts a feeling of

exhilaration,” Churchill once declared. “The nerves are braced, the imagination is equally stirred, the wits become nimbler.”

That same spirit of exhilaration will flow through every flute as guests experience the robust, Pinot Noir-dominant style that captured a statesman’s heart.

But the evening’s magic extends far beyond the bubbles. Food and Beverage Director and Executive Chef Chris Huerta, whose culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen in Aiken, South Carolina, will orchestrate a menu that showcases the extraordinary harmony between Champagne Pol Roger and his Southern grounded cooking.

Huerta’s path to The Farm reads like a love letter to the land itself. Since arriving at Old Edwards in 2007, Huerta has cultivated Madison’s Organic Garden from three humble raised beds into a sprawling 200-bed operation across two-and-a-half acres. Each dish he creates tells the story of this mountain

terroir, where seasonal bounty meets contemporary Southern sophistication. The evening’s pairings promise delicious discoveries that boldly flout convention – forget the expectation of still whites with fish and still reds with meat.

There’s something magical about the snap of champagne bubbles meeting the purity of Huerta’s farm-fresh ingredients that creates an extraordinary combination, elevating both the wine and the cuisine to heights neither could achieve alone.

As live music fills the evening air and champagne flows freely, guests will discover what Churchill knew instinctively – that great champagne transcends celebration.

Cost is $295 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reserve your seats today at oldedwardshospitality.com/events.

by Marlene Osteen

A Perfect Pairing

The magic of bread and the joyful art of baking find their full expression through the dream of Vintner Guy Davis.

Paulina McDonald and Guy Davis

Guy Davis had a vision.

As the owner of High Country Wine & Provisions and winemaker behind the award-winning Davis Family Vineyards in Sonoma County, he understood how the right bread could elevate a wine experience.

For a wine bar that serves focaccia at every table, he wanted something special – artisan bread that would complement his carefully curated wine selection and match the handcrafted ethos of his business.

The solution arrived through what Davis calls “supposed to happen” serendipity.

Seth Bouchard, one of his wine specialists, recently moved in with Paulina McDonald, a pastry chef at High Hampton who had just obtained her cottage food license. Their move to a larger house allowed McDonald to launch her bakery program, and when she asked if High Country could serve as her showcase for locally made

artisan breads, Davis immediately saw the potential.

“Wine and bread and cheese and meats and charcuteries—they’re all in the same lane,” Davis explains. “It’s a common thread.”

That thread now includes sourdough loaves, traditional baguettes, buttermilk biscuits and focaccia, displayed in hanging baskets that give the corner a French bakery feel.

McDonald, a Culinary Institute of America graduate who works under James Beard-nominated pastry chef April Franqueza at High Hampton, brings serious credentials to the partnership. For Davis, whose wines have earned multiple gold medals and a recent Best of Class recognition, quality remains non-negotiable.

“Her biscuits are really flaky and puffed,” he notes. “The sourdough has a really nice crumb and the crust is thin with perfect consistency. She’s a pro.”

The bread arrives three times weekly and integrates seamlessly into the wine bar experience. The focaccia now anchors every table service while also being available for retail purchase.

The bread program establishes the foundation for Davis’s broader plans. A private speakeasy-style club is planned for the lower level, accessible to wine club members. Eventually, morning coffee service with pastries will expand the offerings, and McDonald’s croissants – which Davis compares favorably to Paris bakeries – will likely join the rotation.

The success speaks to something larger than convenience or quality. When your wine specialist’s girlfriend happens to be exactly the baker you need, you don’t question the timing – you just clear space for the baskets.

by Marlene Osteen

photos by Susan Renfro

Plateau Dining Guide

Restaurants of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS

4118 Kitchen + Bar 64 Highlands Plaza (828) 526-5002

Calder’s Cafe

Four65

384 Main Street (828) 200-9308

Highlands Burrito 226 South 4th Street (828) 526-9313

The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering 350 S. Fifth Street (828)

CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS

Grand Olde Station 502 Blue Ridge Road. Lake Toxaway (828) 966-4242

Greystone Inn 220 Greystone Lane, Lake Toxaway (828) 966-4700

Osteria del Monte 19131 Rosman Hwy., Sapphire (828) 883-2551

CASHIERS, NC

Cashiers Valley

Smokehouse - (828) 547-2096

Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160

Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750

El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522

Native Prime Provisions (828) 743-3743

Subway - (828) 743-1300

Ugly Dog - (828) 743-3000

Whiteside Brewing Company - (828) 743-6000

GLENVILLE, NC

The Local - (828) 743-7778

SCALY, NC

Magliocca’s Ristorante - (828) 526-0803

HIGHLANDS,

NC

Asia House - (828) 787-1680

Black Bear Cafe - (828) 482-7020

The Blue Bike Cafe - (828) 526-9922

Bryson’s Deli - (828) 526-3775

Divine South

Baking Company - (828) 421-2042

Fressers Courtyard Cafe - (828) 526-4188

Highlands Tavern - (828) 526-9002

Madison’s Restaurant - (828) 787-2525

Mountain Fresh - (828) 526-2400

Secret Garden - (828) 305-7509

Spinx Highlands - (828) 526-4191

Stubbon Buddha - (828) 482-4822

The Stubborn Bull - (828) 200-0813

Subway - (828) 526-1706

Wild Thyme Gourmet - (828) 526-4035

LAKE TOXAWAY, NC

Los Vaqueros - (828) 966-7662

Sweetwater Perk & Creamery, LLC - (828) 577-0469

Villa Amato (828) 885-7700

SAPPHIRE, NC

The Fix Bar & Lounge - (828) 743-7477

Jim’s Place at Sapphire Country Store - (828) 966-4011

Library Kitchen + Bar (828) 743-5512

Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740

Panthertown Cafe - (828) 862-3663

Slopeside Tavern - (828) 743-8655

Plateau Lodging Guide

Accommodations on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

HOTELS / MOTELS / BED & BREAKFASTS

BREVARD, NC:

Meraki Escape - (828) 463-7440

CASHIERS, NC:

High Hampton Resort - (800) 648-4252

Hotel Cashiers - (828) 743-7706

The Lakehouse - (904) 753-0247

Landmark Vacation Rentals- (877) 926-1780

Mountain Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-0258

The Orchard Guest Cottage - (828) 743-7614

Pebble Creek Village - (828) 743-0623

Silver Creek

Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-1999

The Wells HotelA Cashiers Experience - (828) 761-6289

FRANKLIN, NC:

Southern Belles

Glamping - (828) 371-9890

GLENVILLE, NC:

Innisfree Bed & Breakfast - (828) 743-2946

Mountain Lake Rentals - (828) 743-6875

Prime Property Rentals - (828) 743-3482

HIGHLANDS, NC:

200 Main - (855) 271-2809

Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-3717

Fairview House - (866) 526-8008

Half Mile Farm - (855) 271-7246

Highlander Mountain House - (828) 526-2590

Highlands House Bed and Breakfast - (828) 787-1186

Highlands Inn - (828) 526-9380

Highlands Resort Rentals - (828) 526-5839

The Inn at Mill Creek - 828-526-9999

Lotts of Sky - (404) 395-4000

Lullwater House - (423) 488-2799

Old Edwards Inn and Spa - (866) 526-8008

Outpost Inn (828) 482-7736

Park on Main - (800) 221-5078

Ray’s Roost - (678) 534-6870

Rent in Highlands - CCP - (800) 684-2171 x 302

Rockwood Lodge - (828) 526-8919

Silver Creek

Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-2999

Trailborn Highlands (828) 482-1581

Valentine Manor - (561) 613-1496

Whiteside Cove Cottages - (828) 526-2222

SAPPHIRE, NC:

Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-3441

Foxhunt at Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-7667

Hampton Inn & SuitesCashiers-Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-4545

Mt Toxaway Lodge & Motel - (828) 966-4582

Sapphire Run at Whisper Lake - (863) 412-5734

Whispering Falls - (352) 470-4085

Woods at Buc - (770) 714-9211

SCALY MOUNTAIN, NC:

Fire Mountain Resort & Spa - (800) 775-4446

The Vineyard at 37 High Holly - (828) 505-6190

LAKE TOXAWAY, NC:

Cabins at Seven Foxes - (828) 877-6333

Earthshine Lodge - (828) 862-4207

Greystone Inn - (828) 966-4700

Lake Toxaway Realty Company - (828) 508-9141

Photo by Susan Renfro

ARTISTRY IN EVERY POUR

A perfect blend of Scottish heritage and refined craftsmanship, this Fallow Antler Whiskey Flight is designed for those who appreciate both tradition and elegance. Crafted in Scotland from ethically sourced, upcycled fallow deer antler, this striking set is ideal for savoring your favorite whiskey in style.

J. Boult Designs Fallow Antler Whiskey Flight | $ 455 Jeanie Edwards Fine Art | Highlands

Plateau PicksA few of our favorite things

SUSTAINABILITY AND DESIGN

Turn up the warmth in your outdoor space with this upcycled fire pit. Crafted from a traditional Indian cooking pot, this stunning piece is a statement of sustainability and timeless design. Its rustic charm, weathered finish, and sturdy metal stand make it a perfect centerpiece whether you’re roasting marshmallows or enjoying a cool evening by the fire.

Iron Fire Pit | Various Sizes and Designs Reclamations | Highlands

TIMELESS ELEGANCE

Elevate your space with this oriental-themed lacquered lamp, a perfect blend of artistry and functionality. Its deep red base is adorned with delicate gold floral and bird motifs, exuding timeless elegance. Whether placed in a living room, bedroom, or office, this stunning piece is sure to be a conversation starter, adding a touch of luxury to any décor.

Oriental-Themed Lamp | $ 300 Brier Patch | Highlands

BODY AND MIND

Boost your wellness with Plant People’s Wonder Gummies, crafted with powerful botanicals and functional mushrooms to support your body and mind. WonderFocus sharpens cognition and energy. WonderBurn ignites metabolism and helps curb cravings. WonderSleep soothes stress and promotes deep rest. Zero sugar, vegan, and glutenfree—because feeling good should taste good too.

WonderBurn | $ 40

WonderFocus $ 36 | WonderSleep $ 36 Bungalow Boutique | Cashiers

A DASH OF FLAIR

Step into effortless sophistication with this striking ensemble featuring Ravel’s crisp striped top and Lior’s chic Ruffle Crop Pants. The button-down top blends classic tailoring with a modern touch, its rolled-up sleeves adding versatility to your style. Paired with the sleek cropped pants, accented by a playful ruffle hem – this look transitions seamlessly from day to night.

Ravel Top $ 98 | Lior Ruffle Crop Pants $124 The Look Boutique | Cashiers

DESIGNED FOR INDULGENCE

Unwind in pure luxury in this recliner, where sleek design meets ultimate comfort. Wrapped in premium leather upholstery, this modern recliner offers ergonomic support with adjustable headrests and armrests for a personalized experience. Whether you’re lounging, reading, or enjoying a quiet evening, the Himolla Recliner transforms relaxation into a sophisticated art.

Himolla Leather Recliner | $ 5,449 Lenz Gifts | Cashiers

A TIMELESS PRESENCE

Atlanta artist Laura Shainker masterfully captures the quiet elegance of nature in these evocative paintings. Shainker’s skillful use of earthy tones and delicate brushwork imbues each piece with warmth, making them ideal for those seeking art that brings a grounded, organic presence to their space. Framed in rustic wooden frames, these paintings seamlessly blend artistry with nature’s beauty, offering a timeless addition to any collection. Laura Shainker Original Landscapes | $ 575ea. The Watershed Studio & Shoppe | Cashiers

NATURAL SOPHISTICATION

The Satin Strata Table Lamp effortlessly marries smooth sophistication with organic texture. Its satin-finished surface is elegantly layered with a rock-inspired motif, bringing depth and dimension to its design. Topping it off, a hand-sculpted glass finial adds a luminous, artful touch—subtle yet striking in its refinement.

Satin Strata Table Lamp | $1750 Highlands Fine Art and Estate Jewelry | Highlands

One Curated Piece at a Time

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.

July arrives at Acorns with an artist’s palette of possibilities. The beloved Old Edwards home décor and gifts store – where Angela Williams’ 2004 vision of bringing meaningful mementos home continues to flourish – transforms into a gallery of discovery this month. The month opens with Ali & Bird’s extended showcase, running through July 13. This Atlanta mother-daughter collaboration between Ali Howell and Lindsey (whose childhood nickname inspired the “Bird” moniker) creates resort-ready jewelry that captures summer’s effortless spirit. Their coral, agate, pearl, and crystal pieces feature magnetic and hoop clasps for effortless wear. It’s jewelry that travels as beautifully as it transitions from poolside to dinner table. Running concurrently, the Linen Sale from June 30 through July 13 offers 20 percent off all bed, bath, and kitchen linens – the perfect opportunity to refresh your surroundings with quality

textiles that elevate everyday living into something more luxurious.

Art takes center stage throughout July, beginning with Southern Botanics on July 5, showcasing nature-inspired works that capture the region’s botanical beauty.

Jude Frances follows July 7-11 with jewelry that weaves ancient Byzantine motifs into contemporary settings, creating pieces where history meets modern elegance.

July 12 brings Theresa Forman’s art showcase, featuring oil paintings that reveal nature’s inherent harmony.

Associated with Atlanta’s Chastain Arts Center, Forman transforms plein air studies and photographic references into studio works that communicate peace, elegance, and wonder.

Temple St. Clair’s showcase from July 18-20 presents fine jewelry where celestial motifs dance with precious stones, offering collectors pieces that span centuries while remaining thor-

oughly contemporary.

July concludes with local favorite Carol Misner’s show on July 26. Since moving to Highlands in 2015, this former math professor has become the area’s most celebrated botanical artist. Her monochromatic acrylics, created through delicate layering techniques, achieve such gossamer quality they’ve been described as, “X-rays in watercolor.”

“We really aim to have something for everyone,” says Holly Watson, Director of Purchasing and Retail for Old Edwards, and July proves this philosophy beautifully.

This summer, let July’s lineup at Acorns remind you that the best collections aren’t just bought – they’re curated, one meaningful piece at a time.

by Marlene Osteen

50 Years of Christmas Magic

The Christmas Tree is reveling in 50 years of Yule Joy and throughout-thecalendar Seasonal Celebrations – you’re invited to the party, 357 Main Street in Highlands.

Trisha and Bob Kieltyka

In 1975, The Christmas Tree opened as a tiny downtown Highlands shop that quickly captured the attention of holiday enthusiasts far and wide.

Fast forward to today – could Isabel Chambers, who opened the original Highlands Christmas shop, have possibly foreseen her creation celebrating its golden anniversary in 2025?

After operating for 36 years “on the hill” on 4th Street, The Christmas Tree relocated to its current home at 357 Main Street in the former Galax movie theater building alongside Annawear and continues the tradition of offering excellent customer service and the finest selection of holiday gifts and decor.

Owners Bob and Trisha Kieltyka and their dedicated staff enthusiastically believe in the magic of Christmas and the power of embracing the Christmas spirit year-round. Allow yourself to be transported into this world of Christmas wonder and wintry delight. Experience the twinkling

lights, sparkling ornaments, scents of the season, wide-ranging gift selections, and the smiling faces of the cheerful staff. In addition to top quality ornaments of every kind and description, you will also find the very best in holiday collectibles – European creations including Polishmade Christopher Radko and Joy To the World glass ornaments; U.S handmade Byers Choice Carolers; Italian Fontanini manger scenes; Snowbabies; Jim Shore Santas, snowmen, and grinches; and whimsical Gathered Traditions created by Joe Spencer. Additionally, they have an extensive collection of hand-carved and hand-painted Russian Santas, nesting dolls, and German nutcrackers.

If it’s a Highlands keepsake you seek, look no further than The Christmas Tree with the very best selection of local and regional “Highlands” specific ornaments in a variety of materials, featuring Highlands scenes and logos, including a custom-made hand-blown and painted glass ball depicting Dry Falls.

Are you into college football, have a muchloved family pet, or perhaps you are in Highlands to attend a wedding or celebrating the birth of a child or grandchild? Not to worry, they have you covered in all these areas with our college section featuring the best in regional and national teams, pet ornaments and clothing items from sleepwear to T’s featuring your favorite cat or dog, along with many items commemorating that special wedding day or addition to the family.

The Christmas Tree is the perfect place to experience the love and joy of the holidays every day. Now celebrating 50 years in Highlands, Bob and Trisha are “so grateful and feel so blessed to have built lasting relationships with families across several generations, and we look forward to continuing those friendships and building new ones in the coming years.”

Come experience the magic! by Marlene Osteen / photo by Tiho Trichkov

Allure Home and Gifts

Joanna and Brent Eason’s appreciation for Amish craftsmanship and simple elegance has given the Plateau Allure Home & Gifts, 91 US 64 in Cashiers. For information, you can call (828) 743-2600, but you owe yourself a careful browse.

Joanna and Brent Eason

For years, Joanna and Brent Eason made an annual pilgrimage to the quiet Amish countryside of Ohio. They rented the same cabin each time, surrounded by rolling farmland, the clop of horse-drawn buggies, and the stillness that settles when the loudest sound is a wheelbarrow in gravel.

It wasn’t just the peace that drew them back – it was the craftsmanship. In the local shops, they discovered furniture built with astonishing care: solid wood, clean lines, pieces meant to last for generations. They bought items for themselves, admired the pride of the makers, and dreamed of one day sharing that beauty with others.

That day came last fall when they opened Allure Home and Gifts in Cashiers. The store represents the culmination of their love affair with Amish craftsmanship and their desire to share these extraordinary pieces with their mountain community Brent, a longtime presence in Cashiers

retail, and Joanna, who also knows her way around the business, spent eighteen months bringing Allure to life. Joanna is normally on the floor, introducing customers to the newest arrivals: a carved eagle, a handcrafted hickory rocker, a sleek walnut wine cabinet that conceals its purpose until opened. Her enthusiasm for each piece is infectious as she describes the solid maple office desk carved from a single slab with live edges, or the ingenious space-saving wine bar that disguises itself as ordinary furniture until opened.

Beyond the furniture, Allure offers furnishings for every room in the house. Their large selection of lamps has become their second-biggest seller, featuring everything from floor lamps to table lamps in metal, crystal, and the popular antler designs. Hand-carved statues of eagles, mountain scene prints, dining table décor, and artisan cutting boards round out the inventory,

What sets Allure apart isn’t just that it’s the only place in Cashiers offering authentic Amish-made interior furnishings — it’s the story behind each piece that makes it truly special. These aren’t mass-produced items, but individual works of art crafted from maple, walnut, hickory, and oak by artisans who take immense pride in their work. Customers frequently share stories of Amish furniture purchased decades ago that remains in pristine condition.

The store is always changing, shaped by the Easons’ constant curiosity and their eye for the exceptional. They’re forever on the lookout for pieces that echo the craftsmanship and character they fell in love with back in that quiet Ohio cabin.

“We’re always looking for pieces that surprise us,” Joanna says, “and that you won’t find anywhere else.”

by Marlene Osteen

photo by Mary Gillan Renfro

Highland Hiker Fashion High

The rain starts just as you reach mile three of the Appalachian Trail, and your cotton t-shirt is already soaked through. This is exactly why seasoned hikers make Highland Hiker their first stop before any mountain adventure. For over 43 years, this outdoor sanctuary has been the difference between a miserable hike and an epic one. With four locations across Highlands and Cashiers, Highland Hiker specializes in travel outfitting and mountain chic styles alongside traditional outdoor gear. Their staff doesn’t just sell gear—they’ve tested it on the same trails you’re about to tackle. Whether you’re planning a sunrise assault on Whiteside Mountain, outfitting for international travel, or selecting stylish mountainto-town pieces, Highland Hiker’s seasoned team knows exactly which pack won’t destroy your shoulders and which fly patterns the brook trout are hitting this week. When adventure calls, Highland Hiker answers with gear, style, and wisdom.

Highland Hiker Main Street, Highlands Cashiers Crossroads highlandhiker.com

Ethan Del Rio (left) is wearing shirt by Vintage Hiker, pants by Du/er, belt by H. Miller Leather, hat by Pendleton, and shoes by Mephisto.

Mackenzie Del Rio (right) is wearing shirt by Dubarry, jeans by Du/er, hat by Pistil, and shoes by Dansko.

Satolah Creek Farm | Highlands, NC

photos by Susan Renfro and Mary Gillan Renfro | Styling by Tracy Mendy

The Cashiers Store Fashion High

You’ve just captured the perfect sunset over Lake Glenville, but your phone photos don’t do justice to this magical place. That’s when you discover The Cashiers Store, where “All things Cashiers” means finding that perfect piece to commemorate your mountain escape. This isn’t just another tourist trap—it’s where locals and visitors alike find apparel and gifts that capture the spirit of this 3,500-foot-high sanctuary. Picture yourself months later, wearing that perfectly soft Cashiers hoodie during a dreary winter day back home, instantly transported back to crisp mountain mornings and rhododendron scent. Every purchase here becomes a tangible memory, whether it’s a hat that shields your eyes during waterfall hikes or a gift that helps you share the magic of Cashiers with someone special. When you need more than photos to remember your mountain adventure, Open seasonally (like the rhythms of the mountains), the Cashiers Store provides the perfect keepsakes.

The Cashiers Store 16 Cashiers School Rd, Cashiers (859) 338-3557

Mackenzie Del Rio (left) is wearing sweatshirt by Comfort Colors, and cap by Imperial.

Ethan Del Rio (right) is wearing sweatshirt by Comfort Colors, and cap by Imperial

photos by Susan Renfro and Mary Gillan Renfro | Styling by Tracy Mendy

Headwaters Outfitters Fashion High

You made it to the river—cool mountain water, mayflies in the air—and then realized your fly box is back in Charlotte. Luckily, Headwaters Outfitters has your back. Family-owned since 1992 and located between Brevard and the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, it’s more than just a fly shop—it’s a trusted home base for mountain fishing and paddling adventures. Whether you need a few flies, last-minute gear, or tips on where the fish are biting, their experienced team is ready to help. The guides know these waters inside and out, from hidden brook trout streams to wider floatable rivers throughout Western North Carolina. They offer guided float trips, paddle excursions, and honest advice on gear that actually works in these mountains. After a day on the water, swing by the adjacent Forks of the River Taproom— grab a cold beer and swap stories from the river. That’s what we call a perfect day in the mountains.

Headwaters Outfitters

25 Parkway Rd, Rosman, NC

67 East Main Street, Brevard NC 828-877-3106

Mackenzie Del Rio (left) is wearing dress by Free Fly, and sandals by Bedrock.

Ethan Del Rio (right) is wearing shirt by Simms, shorts by Free Fly, shoes by Astral, and hat by Tilley.

Satolah Creek Farm | Highlands, NC

photos by Susan Renfro and Mary Gillan Renfro | Styling by Tracy Mendy

Brookings Anglers Fashion High

The brown trout rises just out of casting range, taunting you from beneath the overhanging rhododendron. You need local intel, and fast. Welcome to Brookings Anglers, where Western North Carolina’s fly fishing secrets are revealed daily. With strategic outposts in both Cashiers and Highlands, Brookings has positioned itself at the epicenter of some of the Southeast’s most coveted trout waters. Their guides don’t just know where the fish are—they understand the intricate dance between water temperature, insect hatches, and trout behavior that separates hopeful casting from consistent success. The Cashiers location features The Blue Line Bar, where post-fishing debriefs happen over craft beer and the day’s moments, heroic and humbling are dissected with fellow anglers. Whether you’re a beginner who needs to learn the difference between a dry fly and a nymph, or a seasoned angler seeking access to private waters where trophy trout still rule, Brookings transforms fishing trips into adventures.

Brookings Anglers

88 Cashiers Lake Rd, Cashiers (828) 743-9350

Ethan Del Rio (left) is wearing pants by Stio, shirt by Howler Bros., and shoes by Astral. Mackenzie Del Rio (right) is wearing pants by Stio, shirt by Orvis, and sandles by Grundens.

Satolah Creek Farm | Highlands, NC

photos by Susan Renfro and Mary Gillan Renfro | Styling by Tracy Mendy

Timeless Elegance Mountain Comfort.

Rusticks’ 30-year legacy is burnished to a new luster with the opening of Rusticks Barn Antique and Garden Shoppe.

For more information, call (828) 743-3172 ext. 1 or email sales@rusticks.com.

For over 30 years, Rusticks, located at 32 Canoe Point in Cashiers, has been the premier destination for mountain-chic design. Whether you’re furnishing a new home, refreshing a favorite room, updating your garden or patio, or searching for that perfect gift, Rusticks has long been the go-to source for style and inspiration.

This year, Rusticks is thrilled to introduce its newest venture: Rusticks Barn Antique and Garden Shoppe, located just next door to the flagship store. This new space offers a thoughtfully curated collection of European antiques, distinctive garden pieces, and unique, handpicked treasures.

Stacie Platt and her husband Thomas spent the spring exploring the English countryside, visiting shops and flea

markets to personally select each item. From antique furniture and elegant statuary to vintage planters and rare garden accessories, their finds reflect a refined sense of history and design.

Step into Rusticks Barn and you’ll find the space filled with character and charm. Light pours in over an exquisite selection of chests, dining tables, buffets, gateleg tables, sideboards, lamps, and outdoor décor-each piece rich with patina and timeless appeal. These heirloom-quality items offer not just beauty, but stories, adding a layer of rustic elegance to any home or garden.

Once you’ve explored the Barn, be sure to stop by the original Rusticks store next door to complete your look. From glassware and linens to florals, placemats, lighting, and more garden

accents, you’ll find everything you need to tie your space together.

Need help pulling your vision together?

Stacie Platt is not only a seasoned treasure-hunter but also a trusted interior designer known throughout the plateau for helping clients turn houses into homes. Whether you’re building, remodeling, or simply looking to refresh a space, Stacie and the Rusticks team are ready to guide you every step of the way. Even the serene, welcoming setting of the store itself is an inspiration.

Visit both Rusticks locations Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

by Mary Jane McCall

Mary Gillan Renfro

photos by

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WEST END

1. On The Verandah Restaurant

2. Highlands Smokehouse

3. High Country Wine & Provisions

5. The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts

6. The Bascom Shop

7. The Dave Drake Ceramic Barn at The Bascom

SOUTH END

22. Trailborn Highlands

23 Highlands Supper Club

25. 4118 Kitchen & Bar

27. Dauntless Printing

37. Lupoli Construction

38. Allen Tate/Pat Allen Realty Group

39. Highlands Decorating Center

44. Unfurl Wellness Spa

45. Don Leon’s

46. Dusty’s

48. ACP Home Interiors

50. The Summer House

51. Nancy’s Fancys/The Exchange

59. Head Innovations

60. Divine South Baking Company

MAIN STREET

101. Main Street Nursery

102. Rosewood Market

104. Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center

106. Los Vaqueros

114. Edward Jones

120. Eight on Oak

121. Highlands Wine Shoppe

122. Highlander Mountain House & Ruffed Grouse Tavern

123. The Park on Main Hotel

124. Landmark Realty

128. Primary Kitchen + Bar

132. Elevation: High Fashion for Women

134. The Southern Way

136. Dutchmans

137. Celebrity Collections

141. Main Street Gifts

146. Wit’s End Shoppe

147. Calders Coffee Cafe

148. Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry + Wine Shop

149. Highlands Mountain Paws

152. Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty

153. Allison Diane Clothing

158. C. Orrico

160. TJ Bailey for Men

163. Spoiled Rotten

164. Silver Eagle Gallery

166. Annawear

167. The Christmas Tree

168. Natural Selection

169. Country Club Properties

170. Highlands Pizza Place

180. Bijou

184. Gold-n-Clipper

185. Ristorante Paoletti

187. The Dry Sink

191. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty

195. Old Edwards Inn

196. Madison’s Restaurant

197. The Wine Garden

198. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar

203. Country Club Properties

208. Highland Hiker Shoes

210. Creative Concepts Salon

211. Highland Hiker

WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN

(Factoid: Named after Whiteside hero)

115. The Baked Bunny

117. Country Club Properties, Wright Square Office

ON THE HILL

300. Highlands Gem Shop

302. Wish & Shoes

303. Mirror Lake Antiques

305. Jeanie Edwards Fine Art

306. Acorns

308. Highlands Burrito

310. McCulley’s

311. Martha Anne’s on the Hill

312. The Ugly Dog Public House

313. Old Edwards Inn

318. Peggy Crosby Center: - Center for Life Enrichment

- The Kitchen Carry Away & Catering - Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation

319. Lakeside Restaurant

CAROLINA VILLAGE

701. Mountain Life Properties

704. Creekside Village: - Suncoast Equity Management

705. Mountain Construction Engineering

708. Haley’s Fine Lingerie

709. Wayah Insurance

710. The High Dive

SPRING VILLAGE

400. Jannie Bean Fine Custom Jewelry

405. McCulley’s

406. Brookings

VILLAGE PARK

610. The Molly Grace

611. ACP Home Interiors

612. The Highlands Hatter

613. Cleaveland Realty

619. Christie’s Internatonal Real Estate Highlands Cashiers

NorthHighlands,Carolina

NORTH END

801. Green Mountain Builders

805. Art Highlands

807. Highlands Recreation Park & Civic Center

808. Whole Life Market

812. The Outpost Inn

815. Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival

815. Highlands Cashiers Players

815. Highlands Performing Arts Center

815. Mountain Theatre Company

816. Fairview House

OUT 28 SOUTH

➡ Satolah Creek Farm

OUT NC 106

➡ Highlands Chiropractic & Wellness

➡ Peak Experience

➡ Allan Dearth and Sons Generators

➡ Steve Holt Landscaping

➡ The Vineyard at High Holly

OUT

64

WEST

➡ Jackson Hole Gem Mine

OUT 64 EAST

➡ Black Rock Design Build

➡ Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty

➡ WHLC

➡ Highlands Lawn & Garden

➡ Futral Enterprises

➡ Highlands Automotive

➡ Bryson’s Grading & Paving

➡ Mission HealthHighlands-Cashiers Hospital

➡ Rejuvenate Laser Center

➡ Wenzel Facial Plastic Surgery

➡ Reclamations

➡ The Brier Patch

➡ Allen Tate/ Pat Allen Realty Group

➡ Highlands Dermatology

➡ Roman’s Roofing

VISIT FRANKLIN

➡ The Attic Antiques

➡ The Car Butler

➡ Clark & Co Hardscape Supply

➡ Diva’s on Main

➡ Garcia Paint Expert

➡ Whistle Stop Antique

VISIT CLAYTON

➡ Butler Galleries

➡ Calhoun Irrigation & Landscaping

➡ Camp Hollymont

➡ C&C Design Studio

➡ Clayton Merchants Business Association

➡ Live Edge Exotic Wood

➡ Mountain Lakes Physicians Group

➡ Poss Realty - Cheryl Justus

➡ Mountain Gate Systems

➡ SoulCraft Systems

➡ Willow Valley RV Resort

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

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

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NORTH 107

2. Zookeeper Bistro

16. Stork’s - Wrap. Pack. Ship.

19. The Look Boutique

20. Mountain Mermaid

21. Sashay Around Ladies Boutique

THE SHOPS AT CASHIERS COMMONS

22. Joan Anderson Interiors

25. Bella Cotn Boutique

27. Bird Barn & Garden

28. Cashiers Kitchen Co.

29. Dr. Anita, Medical Aesthetics

30. Bombshell Hair Boutique

31. The Watershed Shoppe

33. Zoller Hardware

AT THE CROSSROADS

36. Buck’s Coffee Cafe

37. Landmark Real Estate Group

39. Cashiers Farmers Market

41. Highland Hiker

CHESTNUT SQUARE

47. Lehotsky & Sons, Builders

54. Mountain Home Consignments

55. Fusion Yoga & Wellness

55. The Bungalow Boutique

57. Kellar Williams Great Smokies

58. Cashiers Fine Jewelry

59. Las Margaritas

EAST

64

62. Laurel Terrace:

- Natural Element Homes

63. Alexander Gardens: - Victoria’s Closet

- Victoria’s Closet Shoes & Purses

- Vic’s for Men

72. Ingles Plaza - Allen Tate/ Pat Allen Realty Group

69. Kitchen by Design

73. Blue Ridge Bedding

74. Carolina Rustic Furniture

79. Jennings Builders Supply

VILLAGE WALK

80. A-List Antiques

80. Josephine’s Emporium

80. Beth Poindexter

80. Laura Moser Art

82. The Village Hound

82. Dana Kelly Oriental Rugs

84. Village Pantry

85. Children’s Edit

86. Nora & Co.

87. The Corner Store

89. Nearly New Furniture Consignment

90. Gracewear Boutique

95. Objet D’Art

SOUTH 107

102. TJ Bailey’s for Men

107. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty

110. McCulley’s

111. Rusticks

112. Vivianne Metzger Antiques

113. Brookings Fly Shop &

Cashiers Village Outfitters

116. Tampa Bay Trust

118. Chattooga Gardens Nursery

120. Cashiers Valley Real Estate

121. Robin’s Nest

123. Caliber Fine Properties

126. David Harley MD

127. Poane Gallery

128. Mountainworks

Custom Home Design LTD.

130. The Cashiers Store

136. Cashiers Sotheby’s International RealtyThe McKee Group

137. Bounds Cave Rug Gallery

138. The Orchard Restaurant, Events Barn & Guest Cottage

THE VILLAGE GREEN

142. Village Green Commons

143. The Village Green

WEST 64

145. Edgewood Antiques

146. Shoppes On The Green: - Sugar Creek Custom Cabinets

151. Allure Home & Gifts

156. Creekside: - Toby West Antiques

155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center

172. Whiteside Art Gallery

173. Betsy Paul Properties

176. Lenz Gifts

DOWN 107 NORTH

➡ Bazaar Barn

DOWN 107 SOUTH

➡ Silver Run Reserve

VISIT BREVARD

➡ Brevard Music Center

➡ Number 7 Arts

VISIT GLENVILLE

➡ Crawford Construction

➡ Four Seasons Landscape

➡ Happs Place

VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY

➡ Balistreri Realty

➡ Charlie’s Hot Buns

➡ Grand Olde Station

➡ The Greystone Inn

➡ Headwaters Outfitters

➡ Historic Toxaway Market

➡ Lake Toxaway Company

➡ Los Vaqueros

➡ Moondance Kitchen

➡ Mountain Construction Engineering

➡ Sweetwater Perk & Creamery

➡ Village at Longclif

VISIT SAPPHIRE :

➡ Burlingame

➡ Casa Amigos Bar and Grill

➡ Osteria del Monte

➡ Sapphire Valley Real Estate

➡ Whistlin’ Dixie

VISIT SYLVA :

➡ B.H. Graning Landscape, Inc.

➡ Riverstone Development Group

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

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

Wade Hampton

Offered for $7,850,000

6 BR / 7.5 BA / 1.20 ACRES / MLS 1000724

• Golf front home on 10th hole of award-winning Fazio course

• Large lot has mountain view, pond and stone walled gardens

• Great room has new skylights and “dueling” stone fi replaces

• Newly updated chef’s kitchen has enormous butler’s pantry

• Primary suite has high ceilings,stone fi replace and luxurious bath

• Sunny gallery access to guest bedroom suites gives garden views

• Screened Carolina room near kitchen has grill and fi replace

6 BR / 5.5 BA / 18.46 ACRES / MLS 1000716

• Unrestricted private mountain estate in “old Sapphire”

• Custom designed, one-owner property built in 2005

• Very convenient to Burlingame Country Club and the River

• Boasting antique wood floors, shiplap walls and 4 stone fi replaces

• Chef’s Wolf and Thermador kitchen with custom cabinetry

• Three level home with lots of guest privacy and common rooms

• Gated, paved driveway with two car garage

Cedar Ridge Estates

Offered for $3,865,000 (JUST REDUCED)

3+ BR / 3.5 BA / 14.99 ACRES / MLS 1000130

• Garden-centric home with lovely exterior vignettes

• Expansive great room with dramatic rock face view

• Custom kitchen that will please an expert chef

Whitewater Ridge

Offered for $2,995,000

4 BR / 3.5 BA / 11.36 ACRES / MLS 1000882

• 11 acre estate in gated community borders USFS

• Enormous year round long range mountain views

• Custom, impeccably maintained home, brilliant floor plan

Rainey Knobs

Offered for $1,225,000

2 BR / 3 BA / 42.95 ACRES / MLS 104493

• Unrestricted “playground” with woods, pond, old fi eld and trails

• Adorable cottage is perched over private pond

• Adjoins conservation easement and near HQW River

Bee Tree Area Offered for $470,000

28 ± ACRES / MLS 1000992

• Long range mountain views available with some clearing

• High elevation unrestricted acreage topping out at 4,450 feet

• Deeded access from Stinger Ridge road

• Adjoins two large private estates

Little Sheepcliff Offered

for $429,000

12.79 ACRES / MLS 1000999

• 12.79 acre view lot in gated community

• End-of-road privacy at over 4,000 feet elevation

• Trails, common pond, water system, paved roads

• Expired 5 bedroom septic permit

HIGH HAMPTON UPLANDS

Offered for $1,075,000

1.14 ACRES / MLS 105962

WADE HAMPTON D17

Offered for $375,000

2.87 ACRES / MLS 105972

ADMIRALS POINT

Offered for $129,000

0.36 ACRES / MLS 1000303

SAPPHIRE ACREAGE

Offered for $500,000 66.75 ACRES / MLS 1000802

WADE HAMPTON S10

Offered for $165,000

ACRES / MLS 106510

BEARWALLOW SPRINGS

Offered for $90,000

ACRES / MLS 102749

Beth Townsend

A TOP 1% AGENT ON THE PLATEAU OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS!*

Land Planner and Project Manager for William McKee’s Wade Hampton Golf Club, and others + Cashiers roots since 1970 + Landscape Architecture degree, University of Florida + Broker & Co-Founder of The McKee Group

“When selling a challenging property, you want Beth on your team.Sheisdetermined,creativeandperseverestomeetyour goals. From emails and texts on the weekend to going above and beyond her ‘broker duties,’ you know instantly that you haveanessentialadvocateonyourside.” – SEAN L

*According to data from the Highlands-Cashiers MLS, 2004-2024

Timber

Ridge Offered for $2,500,000

3 BR / 3 BA / 14.64 ACRES / MLS 105777

• Classic ranch style home on a level lot with garden space and pavilion

• Enjoy breathtaking mountain views of Chimneytop and Rock Mountain

• Multiple parcels allow for ample privacy in gated community in town

Wildwood Mountain

Offered for $685,000

2 BR / 2 BA / 0.82 ACRES / MLS 1000470

• One level living space with updated kitchen and bathrooms

• Conveniently located between Cashiers and Highlands

• Level fenced in backyard

Whiteside Forest Offered

for $939,900

3 BR / 2 BA / 1.68 ACRES

• Very private 1.68 acres in Whiteside Forest

• Beautiful level lot — a fi sherman’s dream

• Ample frontage on Fowler Creek

Holly Forest

Offered for $610,000

3 BR / 2.5 BA / 0.66 ACRES / MLS 1000601

• Perfect weekend getaway for family and friends

• Access to Sapphire Valley amenities and local attractions

• Great investment property with proven rental history

Whisper Lake

Offered for $819,000

3 BR / 2.5 BA / 0.82 ACRES / MLS 1000989

• All the conveniences on one level

• Private setting with a beautiful ridge line view

• Lower level family room and single car garage

Chinquapin, Lot 70 Offered for $230,000

2.92 ACRES / MLS 104560

• 2,000 acre high-end development nestled in the heart of nature

• Prime lot, offering wonderful view of the nearby mountains and easy access to trails

The Divide, Lot 38 Offered for $199,000

1.03 ACRES / MLS 102631

• Amazing long range mountain views

• 4BR septic already installed and driveway is roughed in

• Access to Sapphire Valley resort amenities

Stillmont

for $2,299,999

3 BR / 5.5 BA / 18.46 ACRES / MLS 1000887

• Traditional mountain home with beautiful year-round views of Whiteside Mountain

• Located on over four acres in Stillmont neighborhood on the Highlands-Cashiers corridor, less than three miles from the Crossroads

• Spacious living room, separate dining room, large kitchen, cozy den, expansive deck and porch are perfect for large families and for entertaining

• All bedrooms on main level feature en suite baths

• Separate guest house with living room, kitchen, and bonus rooms as well as additional kitchen, living areas and bonus rooms on lower level may be used as short term or long-term rentals

BARROW TEAM | THE MCKEE GROUP

SANDY BARROW: 478.737.9664

JOHN BARROW: 828.506.9356

Photo by Susan Renfro

A Legacy of Love on Lake Toxaway

This Lodge and its Cabin are built for comfort and rejuvenation, hidden on the shores of Lake Toxaway.

As families grow and careers move them across the country from one another, they often long for a special place where they all can come together and feel at home.

One such family found that place in Lake Toxaway in 1990. The Patriarch and his wife purchased a large lot across the lake from the Greystone Inn for their vacation “Lodge.” The parents and their five children had lived in several countries around the world while they were growing up.

Their dream was to have a beautiful yet private place to gather and play together as they renew their relationships and refresh from everyday life.

The couple worked together with

architect Al Platt to create a comfortable and spacious lake retreat with 6 bedroom suites.

Shortly after it was built, the family acquired the 30 acres directly across the road from The Lodge. They had Platt design a 4000 square foot post and beam “Cabin” for the overflow and extra guests. Some of the families preferred to stay at the Cabin and play at the Lodge on the lake. It also served them well for large parties.

Get-togethers like Bible studies were held on the 1,000-square-foot covered “Dog Trot” with its huge outdoor fireplace. The parents have passed away; however, the family has 35 years of treasured memories at the lake, the

Country Club and the family compound. Now that the original siblings have branched out in different directions with their own expanded families, it was time to let go of this idyllic place. It was a difficult decision and pulled at the heartstrings of so many family members. But it was the wise thing to do.

Both properties are now on the market and hopefully someday, another fortunate family will start their own legacy at Lake Toxaway.

For more information on these two separate properties call Kathy Balistreri at Balistreri Realty – Office: (828) 883-4848 or Cell: (828) 507-7058.

Sunday Night Stories:

A Celebration of Toxaway’s Legacy

Sunday Night Stories at Golden Farm, a series of video screenings bolstered by food, drink, and warm conversation, will explore the big notions and big personalities that built the Toxaway community. Tickets are available at historictoxaway.org.

The Historic Toxaway Foundation was established as a nonprofit entity in 2017 and took on the mission to promote “…the rich history and natural beauty of the area, encourages local businesses, establishes a brand identity for our greater community, and develops a vision to plan for revitalization and development.”

To help celebrate that rich history, the Historic Toxaway Foundation and The Grand Olde Station Restaurant will present three summer Sunday Night Stories events at Golden Farm.

“These videos are part of the Historic Toxaway Foundation’s commitment to preserving the history of our region by capturing three milestone events that shaped the future of our community,” said Jim Ditzel, Chair, Historic Toxaway Foundation.

Turn of the Century Toxaway was

shown on June 29 and showcased the area’s great Resort Era in the late 1800s through the early 1900s. The film captures the construction of the original dam that created Lake Toxaway. Also featured is the magnificent Toxaway Inn, which brought in famous guests such as Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.

On July 13, The ‘60s Rebirth of Lake Toxaway will tell of the construction of a new dam. The efforts of the dam’s developers, Reg Heinitsh Sr. and Donnie Boyd, led to the lake’s rebirth and its current size and beauty. That expansion helped to create today’s vibrant Historic Toxaway communities of Sapphire, Lake Toxaway, and Rosman.

On July 27, The Greystone Inn: A Toxaway Living Legacy will show the long history of this landmark lakeside and luxurious property, including its origin story of Lucy Camp Armstrong.

The movie speaks of how she came to this spot, created her own camp, then built a grand home, which was named Hillmont. After her death, Hillmont continued on in several forms until 1984, when it was purchased by Tim Lovelace. He refurbished the estate, and it emerged as the Greystone Inn and opened for business on July 15, 1985.

All the films begin at 5:00 P.M., but come early and mingle from 4:30 P.M.; then hang out in the great outdoors with friends and family until dusk. Food and drink, including beer and wine, will be available at an additional charge from the GOS Express food truck. Tickets are just $35, and children 12 and under are free. Tickets for the shows are available at historictoxaway.org.

See you at the movies!

Scenes from last year’s Sunday Night Stories

Cuppa Joe and a Bite to Go

No one’s a stranger, no one leaves unsatisfied – that’s the operating principle that’s made Sweetwater Perk & Creamery a must-stop for locals and visitors. You’re welcome at 15886 Rosman Highway.

Jacob Matuszcak

Every time you watch a rerun of Friends on television, don’t you long for a neighborhood coffee shop like Central Perk?

If you’re lucky enough to live in Lake Toxaway or find yourself traveling through, do yourself a favor and stop in at Sweetwater Perk & Creamery located at 15886 Rosman Highway.

New owner Jacob Matuszcak has already settled in and is making this charming coffee and ice cream shop such a place.

Jacob purchased the business in April, fresh from his five-year stint as a pastry chef, and he is in his element concocting coffee drinks using premium Pisgah Coffee Roasters coffee to serve alongside his pastry and breakfast selections. Drink specials rotate weekly, but he is always happy to provide your tried-andtrue favorites. This is the perfect place for a quick cup of joe and a bite to eat to go, or if time allows, settle in and sip and chat with your friends and neighbors.

Sweetwater is a warm and welcoming retreat with plenty of seating inside and out. Those front porch rockers are bound to call your name.

Open the door to the scent of freshly brewed coffee and select from his gleaming cases of pastries, breakfast bites, or cookies. Jacob is already so at home here that he greets many regulars by name and knows their regular orders.

On the day we visited, we overheard vacationers exclaim to each other that they wish they had discovered this place sooner.

It’s easy to focus on the coffee and goodies, but let’s not forget that this is also an ice cream shop with hand-dipped ice cream and frozen yogurt, and old-fashioned freshly made milkshakes, making it the perfect stop for the entire family.

Sweetwater also has an extensive selection of pottery, locally made goat milk soaps, gift items, and more, as

well as coffee and tea to go from local companies such as Pisgah Roasters Coffee and Asheville Tea.

Jacob is reveling in his new endeavor and says he “would like to thank the community and the many visitors to our beautiful area who have supported us here at Sweetwater Perk and Creamery. I very much look forward to many years of serving you all.”

Sweetwater Perk and Creamery is located at 15886 Rosman Highway and is open Monday-Saturday 7:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M., but Jacob says he often happily stays open as long as the coffee is flowing, ice cream is being enjoyed, and neighbors are visiting. If the blue and white flag is flying, Sweetwater is open.

That’s what we call neighborly! by Mary

Jane McCall

photo by Mary Gillan Renfro

Photo by Susan Renfro

Let No One Be a Stranger Here

A new Cashiers Historical Society exhibit promises a deep dive into the myriad ties that bind High Hampton Inn’s fortunes to the surrounding community.

Cashiers Historical Society has unveiled our newest exhibit, “‘Let No One Be a Stranger Here’: High Hampton Inn and the Making of Modern Cashiers” in the historic Hampton Schoolhouse.

In February of this year, CHS acquired the High Hampton History Collection, previously housed in the High Hampton History Center.

In 2017, the McKee family assembled a curatorial team to catalogue the historic

holdings of High Hampton and to create an archival collection. Until earlier this year, that collection formed the basis of the exhibit at the High Hampton History Center. To ensure that the entire Cashiers community could access this history, High Hampton donated the thousand-piece collection to the Cashiers Historical Society.

The new exhibit focuses on the role of High Hampton in developing Cashiers into the destination it is today. It exam-

ines the people who worked, visited, and lived at High Hampton from the 19th century into the 21st century. Come see artifacts from High Hampton over the years and learn how High Hampton Inn shaped Cashiers in the 20th century.

The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.

by Amelia Golcheski, Executive Director, Cashiers Historical Society

The Mystery of Hickory Wind

The Mystery of Hickory Wind has a local twist in the tale.

The Mystery of Hickory Wind

“In South Carolina

There’re many tall pines I remember the oak tree That we used to climb But now, when I’m lonesome I always pretend That I’m gettin’ the feel Of hickory wind”

- The First Verse of Hickory Wind

Many long-time Highlands residents are familiar with Sylvia Sammons, a former Highlands resident, shop owner and singer. Many fans of 60s rock music are familiar with Gram Parsons, a former member of the group The Byrds, and his career as a singer, songwriter and guitarist. What most are not familiar with is the controversial connection between the two, centered around the song, “Hickory Wind.”

Thought of as Parsons’ signature song and most representative of the country-rock sound that he was influential in creating, the song has an uncertain genesis.

Blind from the age of six, Sylvia Sammons grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and began singing and playing at an early age, eventually mastering the guitar, banjo and several other stringed instruments. Sammons began traveling to Highlands in the 1970’s, eventually building a home and woodcraft shop on 4th

Street where Martha Anne’s on the Hill is now located. Like many, Sammons split her time between summers in Highlands and winters in Florida.

A veteran of the Greenville coffee house circuit and other regional music venues of the 60’s and 70’s, she began performing impromptu concerts from the balcony of her home on the “Hill” and continued doing so for 14 summers until 2003. Those Friday evening recitals of old-time English, Scot-Irish and American folk tunes became a tradition for locals and visitors alike as she would end her time by lowering a bucket to the crowds of up to 100 people for tips. Her repertoire included hymns like Amazing Grace and works written in Appalachia like Across the Blue Mountains, as well as many songs that she penned herself.

Born Ingram Cecil Connor III, Parsons grew up in the Boston folk scene where he played from a young age. He was a member of several groups through the

years, most famously the Byrds replacing David Crosby. During his time with the group they recorded Hickory Wind on their album, Sweetheart of the Rodeo. It was a song that he last played live with The Byrds at a reunion concert in 1973, the year he died from an overdose of alcohol and drugs.

That sets the stage for the mystery behind Hickory Wind. Unfortunately, the controversy began following Gram Parson’s tragic death when Sylvia Sammons heard a later version of the song performed by Joan Baez and recognized it as her own. When interviewed for an online article in 2002, Sammons claimed that she regularly performed the song at Greenville coffee houses during 1963, a time when Parsons was temporarily touring in South Carolina. She further claimed that she reached a settlement with the publisher in 1969 when she turned over a tape-recorded copy of the song which was her proof of authorship.

Sammons was supported in the article by several people who claimed to hear her perform the song long before Parsons purported to write it in 1968.

The conflicting stories have been typically resolved in Parson’s favor by the mainstream public, who wanted to believe such a signature song must be his own. In support, it has been argued that Sammons said she was age 42 in an unrelated Orlando Sentinel article in 1993, which would have made her 12 when she claimed to write and first perform the song. The argument rests on the fact that a 12 year-old would not be likely to write such evocative lyrics. Whether a typo, or a woman fibbing about her age, this age for Sammons was clearly wrong. A 1962 Wade Hampton High School yearbook lists a graduating senior, Sylvia Sammons, in its gallery of photographs. This fact would have made her 19 or 20 years of age when the young and talented singer purported to write the now famous song.

Another argument is that the subject matter of the song -- climbing trees – seems absurd for a blind woman. Though she did not lose her sight until the age of six, which person is truly more likely to write a song about youth in South Carolina, filled with sensory observations?

Whose version is correct? We will probably never know. Regardless, it makes for an interesting story about one of the great characters in Highlands’ musical history. Stories like this and many more can be found at the Highlands Historical Society, located at 524 N. 4th Street, Highlands. It is open for the season on Thursdays through Saturdays, 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and Sundays 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. until November 23. If you cannot make it by the museum, visit the Historical Society’s website at highlandshistory.com to discover similar stories.

by Tracy Foor, Highlands Historical Society

Friends for 40 Years

Friends of Lake Glenville has preserved this deep sapphire treasure for the last 40 years – and aims to continue its work far into the future.

Friends of Lake Glenville proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary – four decades of preserving and protecting the pristine waters of Lake Glenville for today’s homeowners and visitors, as well as future generations. At the heart of their mission is maintaining water quality, and this purposedriven organization takes this mission very seriously, with strategic plans to address their main concerns.

Boasting over 220 members, FLG is a community of dedicated “doers” who actively engage in all aspects of lake management, environmental protection, and sustainability. These committed individuals understand the immense value of this natural resource and the consistent effort required to safeguard its long-term health.

Lake Glenville is owned by Duke Energy, and FLG partners closely with them in their shared mission. FLG adopts a comprehensive view, monitor-

ing not just the lake itself, but also the upstream tributaries, shoreline development, overuse, and watercraft safety.

Water quality is the cornerstone of FLG’s work, and they contract with Equinox Environmental to conduct independent, professional testing of the lake and its inflowing tributaries four times a year.

These regular reports offer a thorough picture of lake health and help FLG implement proactive measures to keep Lake Glenville among the cleanest lakes in western North Carolina.

To counteract the growing pressures of development, erosion, shoreline congestion, and upstream impacts, FLG is constantly evolving its strategies. It’s a significant challenge that they embrace with dedication. While many members live along the shoreline, many FLG members are from the broader community that values the lake’s ecological, economic, and recreational importance.

In addition to conservation, FLG proudly supports education through their Doug Odell Scholarship Fund, awarding three to four scholarships annually to graduating seniors from Blue Ridge and Summit Charter Schools. These students often pursue fields aligned with FLG’s mission, creating a full-circle investment in protecting the lake’s future.

And just in case you think FLG is all work and no play, don’t miss their annual patriotic boat parade and fireworks over Lake Glenville or their spirited Christmas parade entries—proof that they also know how to celebrate community and have fun.

To learn more about this 501(c)(3) organization or support their work, visit friendsoflakeglenville.com. Their website is a treasure trove of helpful information about their work and includes helpful information on watercraft safety. by Mary Jane McCall

Photo by Susan Renfro

Building a Healthier Future

The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is committed to lifting health and well-being for everyone on the Plateau

The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the residents of Highlands, Cashiers, and the surrounding communities.

The organization is funded by generous donations from individuals like you, and 100 percent of these funds go directly toward supporting various programs and initiatives that promote health and wellness in our beautiful mountain communities.

and fostering a community where mental health is valued, supported, and prioritized.

One of the most influential ways we achieve this is through our grant programs. The Health Foundation actively seeks partnerships with organizations that offer transformative solutions capable of advancing our mission to enhance the health and well-being of the Highlands, Cashiers, and neighboring communities. By strategically allocating grants, we have already made a significant difference in the lives of many individuals across the plateau.

Since 2019, we have awarded 153 grants to 88 organizations, and this is just the beginning. While the needs of our community are extensive, the Health Foundation’s support has enabled more people to access the healthcare they need, resulting in improved overall health and reduced health disparities. The Health Foundation is committed to working closely with local leaders and partners to ensure that everyone in the

region has access to quality healthcare. We take pride in supporting essential primary care services at the Blue Ridge Health – Highlands Cashiers clinic. Our commitment also includes investing in initiatives that provide extended hours and services at no-cost medical clinics to enhance access to vital healthcare for everyone in our community. Additionally, we are actively involved in ensuring that our first responders have the most advanced and up-to-date equipment necessary for performing their critical roles effectively and efficiently.

The Health Foundation also supports organizations that provide nurse family partnerships to first-time mothers, conduct medical assessments, expand resources for survivors of abuse, enhance accessibility to colorectal screening, and improve dental care access, just to name a few. These investments ensure that our community has access to essential healthcare services. Through these partnerships and others like them, we strive to elevate the health and wellbeing of everyone living on the Plateau. Furthermore, the Health Foundation is committed to promoting mental wellness

By investing in programs that offer bilingual counseling services, enhance accessibility for young people, and support the BEE Kind initiative, we aim to encourage mental wellness and address the mental health needs of all individuals in the communities we serve. We firmly believe that mental well-being is interconnected with physical health and that a holistic approach is essential for achieving overall wellness.

The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our community members. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support as we work together to create a healthier future for everyone. By contributing to the Foundation, you can make a significant impact on the lives of those living in the Highlands, Cashiers, and surrounding Western North Carolina communities. Together, we can ensure vibrant, healthy living for all in our area. If you want to support an organization committed to advancing health and well-being in your community, consider donating to the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation today.

To learn more about the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation or to donate online, visit healthyplateau.org.

by Josh Bryson, Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation

Financial Focus® Should You Trust a ‘Finfluencer’?

In the age of social media, it’s easy to find advice on just about anything — including how to manage your money. Content creators known as “finfluencers” — short for financial influencers — use platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram to share their takes on investing, budgeting and building wealth. Many of them are charismatic and relatable, and they often speak from personal experience. But while their content may be engaging, taking financial advice from a finfluencer without digging deeper can come with significant risks.

can make finance feel accessible. In fact, a 2022 FINRA study says that more than 60% of Americans younger than 35 get investing information from these platforms. But social media isn’t regulated the same way traditional financial advising is, so anyone, qualified or not, can offer financial tips.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

While some finfluencers may have formal training or credentials, many do not. Instead, their influence stems from their popularity rather than professional experience. But popular advice may not necessarily be good advice. A 2025 study by the Swiss Finance Institute even found that unskilled finfluencers typically have larger followings than skilled ones.

Why be cautious?

For young or new investors, social media

Unlike traditional financial advisors, finfluencers don’t know your unique goals, financial situation or risk tolerance. And likely, they’re not licensed (you can check here: Check Out Your Investment Professional | Investor.gov). Even wellmeaning guidance might lead you down a risky path if it’s not tailored to your needs. And unfortunately, some finfluencers have exploited the trust they build with followers to promote questionable investments or outright frauds.

Warning signs to watch for:

Here are a few signs that a finfluencer’s advice may be worth avoiding:

• Unrealistic “get-rich” promises: Claims

like, “Turn $500 into $50,000 in a year,” are highly improbable and may indicate a scam.

• Hurry, hurry: Be wary of advice that pressures you to act fast or plays on fear of missing out. Important financial decisions shouldn’t come with a countdown clock.

• Flashy displays of wealth: Images of luxury cars, watches or cash can be more about generating views than offering sound advice. If a finfluencer is trying that hard to convince you to take an action, it often means they will profit — perhaps they’ll get paid to promote a product or service, or earn a fee for referring you, or are trying to boost clicks and followers to earn more.

What you can do:

• Do your own homework. Don’t take finfluencers’ advice at face value. Cross-check it with reliable sources. The finfluencer may even be under inves-

tigation by a federal or state securities regulator. Talking to a licensed financial advisor you trust can help you discern good advice from the bad.

• Recognize conflicts of interest. If a finfluencer promotes a product or service, find out if they’re being paid to do so. And remember, online personalities make money by generating high viewership, not because their advice has a track record of success.

• Use common sense. When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. And of course, never disclose your bank or brokerage account numbers to a finfluencer, and never send money.

Finfluencers can make financial topics more engaging and accessible. But when it comes to your money, a social media video from someone who doesn’t know you is no substitute for informed, personalized guidance. Take the time to verify, research and, when in doubt, seek advice from a professional.

Todd Holder

Enjoying July at Carpe Diem

Children and horses, volunteers aplenty, and sweet Daniel on the Sick List – Carpe Diem Farms is bustling in a July that’s just this side of frenetic.

Carpe Diem Farms and its hills and pastures are alive with the sounds of children.

Thanks to our partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau the vans arrive on the farm for activity days! It is such a wonderful experience for all involved.

Most of the children have never had the opportunity to be up close and personal with a horse. Our wonderful herd of six love to oblige with “first meetings” and stand patiently for grooming and lots of love.

Some of the children are interested in learning more about horses and how to “partner” with them with lounging exercises in the arena. It is my hope that once we get beyond the minimal basics that we will be able to have a few of the children even mounting and getting the feel of being on the back of a horse in motion.

Personally, for me, the rhythm and move -

ment of the horse can transcend you. I’ll keep you posted on their progress!

July is also Volunteer Month for a variety of young people coming from Florida and Georgia. Theirs will be an opportunity to really see first-hand

what it takes to provide the care and maintenance of the horses, stables and the grounds to keep the horses safe and healthy. Lessons in learning is big part of Carpe Diem’s mission.

Speaking of health, I’m disappointed to report that after healing, Daniel has once again injured his old track injury, a hairline fracture behind the knee. Much to his disappointment, he is back again on stall rest. This time he is unable to bear weight. He is not a happy horse when he is away from his herd. We rotate a herd buddy to babysit and keep him company in smaller spaces. Prayers for his recovery are appreciated.

What a magnificent summer we are having!

Carpe Diem Farms is a 501(c)(3) educational foundation, “Exploring the Human Potential Through Equines.”

by

Sue Blair, Carpe Diem Farms

Pickleball: Play Without Injury

Pickleball can come with a price – pay attention to your body before, during, and after play.

Dr. Kristin Lander, DC

Pickleball has exploded in popularity here on the Plateau, drawing players of all ages to the courts. It’s easy to see why — it’s social, fun, and provides great exercise. As a chiropractor and musculoskeletal expert, I see too many players sidelined by avoidable injuries.

Here are my top tips to help you stay strong, safe, and playing your best:

Train Balance Off the Court

Most players practice their shots but overlook balance training. Yet, slips and awkward landings are a major cause of pickleball injuries — especially ankle sprains and wrist fractures. Add simple balance exercises like single-leg stands while brushing your teeth, or practice standing on a wobble cushion while watching TV.

These build stabilizer muscles and sharpen reaction time, making you more resilient on the court.

Watch Your Posture and Footwork

Pickleball demands quick reactions – but don’t sacrifice your form. Keep a slight bend in your knees, engage your core, and avoid rounding your shoulders. Shuffling your feet instead of crossing them can also help prevent falls and improve court coverage. Good posture and footwork protect your back, shoulders, and knees and help you stay agile in play.

Recover Smarter, Not Just Harder

Beyond stretching, think of recovery as a full-body recharge. Gentle mobility work, proper protein intake after playing, and consistent sleep support tissue repair. A little-known tip: incorporate diaphragmatic breathing after your game. Just five minutes of slow belly breathing helps switch your nervous system from “fight or flight” back into “rest and repair” mode, speeding recovery and reducing muscle soreness.

Respect Warning Signs

If you experience lingering soreness, joint stiffness, or sharp pain, don’t ignore it — your body is asking for attention. Early care can prevent minor issues from turning into bigger problems that pull you off the court for weeks or months. With the right strategies, you can keep playing your best and enjoying the game for years to come.

Stay active, stay safe, and keep having fun out there!

by Dr. Kristin Lander, DC Highlands Chiropractic & Wellness

Scan to learn more.

There’s a certain magic to designing in the mountains, where the line between indoors and outdoors blurs, and every space becomes a chance to reflect the landscape that surrounds it.

That philosophy guided Anne Buresh’s project, a serene mountain retreat where every room is flooded with light, texture, and warmth. Layered neutrals and thoughtful details create a rhythm throughout the home that’s both grounded and elegant.

The sitting room offers the perfect blend of ease and enjoyment. Every piece in the room — from the sculptural driftwood coffee table to the Hermes throw — feels authentic to the homeowner’s lifestyle and passions.

The most striking moment in the home can be found in the powder room, an unexpected jewel box. Hand-painted botanical wallpaper sets a romantic tone, while an elegant marble sink and vintage-inspired brass finishes bring a sense of timeless charm. Hand-embroidered linens and carefully chosen accessories add warmth and intention. Every element, no matter how small, was selected with care; a reminder that the smallest rooms can carry the biggest stories when every detail is considered.

Throughout the project, the design remained deeply rooted in the client’s lifestyle. The mountains hold stories and the light changes by the hour; it’s only fitting that this home was built to tell one of its own.

It’s a love letter to the landscape, to thoughtful design, and to the idea that beauty isn’t just in the big gestures, but in the quiet ones too.

Something Beautiful is Coming

An appreciation of natural beauty and a lifetime of travel and inspiration has given LaLa White the vision to create LaLa White Interiors here on the Plateau. She’s now ready to expand that vision far beyond the confines of Western North Carolina.

When Lauree “LaLa” White felt the mountains calling after 20 years of interior design success in Louisiana, she answered with both her heart and her artistic vision. Four years ago, she made the journey from the New Orleans area to Glenville, North Carolina, Bringing with her a passion and joy of design and co-creating beautiful peaceful retreats for her clients.

LaLa’s design journey began after design school, taking her through Dallas, New York, and Los Angeles before returning to New Orleans. She opened Artifacts, an art and home furnishing gallery on Magazine Street that operated from 1992 to 2002. After closing the gallery to raise her sons Jackson and Owen,

she continued her interior design practice throughout Louisiana, building the foundation for what would become a distinctive design philosophy.

Today, LaLa White Interiors specializes in residential design on the Plateau, particularly for second homeowners seeking soulful, personalized mountain retreats.

But Lauree’s reach extends far beyond Glenville. At LaLaWhiteInteriors.com, she’s expanding her footprint nationally, offering both in-home and virtual design services and a curated selection of home furnishings. The site functions as both storefront and gallery, showcasing her original artwork alongside Moroccan pottery, Turkish hand-knotted rugs, and

a signature line of hand-built upholstered chairs and sofas crafted in North Carolina.

The business transformation wouldn’t be possible without Jim ‘Beaux,’ her husband of four years and college sweetheart whose own journey brought him from Chicago to Asheville after 30 years in the packaging industry.

“I call him the CEO of everything,” LaLa says, describing how he serves as the driving force that makes their shared vision reality.

Their reunion story itself reads like destiny – what began as a dinner invitation became “10 days of bliss” when an ice storm stranded LaLa in Asheville, ultimately leading to their marriage and business partnership.

Lauree’s vision for the online store developed organically from her design practice.

“Since I already source unique home furnishings for my clients, the idea of the online store happened naturally,” she explains.

Soon, she and Jim will take that sourcing mission global, planning travels to Morocco, Turkey, and India to discover textiles and treasures that tell stories—pieces that will distinguish their collection and make them stand out in the crowd!

LaLa White Interiors creates spaces that reflect personal narratives and authentic living. Lauree and Jim are building a brand that celebrates beauty, originality, and heartfelt design for clients seeking a mixture of modern and vintage, Boho and classical.

Lauree’s orignal art is sold at Objet d’ Art and at lalawhiteinteriors.com.

by Marlene Osteen / photos by Mary Gillan Renfro

LaLa and Jim White and Cosmos

Design Your Dream Kitchen

Melinda Barber knows her way around the kitchen, and she’s got some very clever ideas. Visit her at melindabarber.com for more information and inspiration.

It’s been said that you have 30 seconds to make a good impression but give Melinda Barber of the Barber Design Group-Kitchens by Design a lot less than that, and you’ll know you’re in good hands. Her passion for design, especially kitchen design, and her heart for customer service are instantly apparent.

For over 30 years, Melinda has been working her interior design magic, helping her clients bring their dreams to life not only in Highlands and Cashiers but also in Atlanta. More recently, she’s enjoying an increased focus on kitchen design, recognizing that a well-planned kitchen requires a passion for design and deep technical ability.

Melinda and her team are certified kitchen designers who recognize that each client has unique needs when it comes to how their kitchens will be used and designed.

Form and function are important, and

the cookie-cutter approach is not always in the client’s best interest. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and as such, it deserves an individualized, thoughtful design that will add long-term value and function to your home.

Melinda stresses that it’s important for people who are building new homes or remodeling existing homes to know the value of adding a certified kitchen designer to their team. She and her designers will collaborate with your contractor or architect to ensure that you get the beautiful and functional kitchen of your dreams.

They understand that kitchen design is more than choosing cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Each kitchen should be personalized to the homeowner’s needs, and it is important to have a partner who ensures that your dream becomes a reality. Kitchens By Design will work side by side with you, your contractor, and architect to ensure a

seamless installation.

They represent seven lines of cabinets, so there is a look available for every homeowner’s style and taste, whether classic, modern, rustic, elegant, craftsman, or open. They also have access to local and distant artisans to assist in their designs.

Whether you’re building a new home or transforming your existing kitchen, contact Melinda Barber at Kitchens By Design and make the kitchen of your dreams a reality.

Her office is located at 774 Highway 64 E in Cashiers, or reach her by phone at (828) 226-2083 or by email at melinda@ melindabarber.com.

by Mary Jane McCall

Multi-generational Family Adventure

Careful planning and wise decisions form the foundation of family travel that’s treasured for a lifetime.

We’ve all said, “there just isn’t enough time,” or heard from family and friends, “we never get to see you.” After spending two years as a “together but separate” society, our craving for connection and quality time together is at an all-time high.

With many families and friend groups returning to their pre-pandemic routines – busy with work, youth sports, and volunteer organizations – but still aiming to stay connected to loved ones, multi-generational travel has experienced a surge in recent years and is a great way to embark on new adventures and create lifelong memories across different age groups.

From economy to luxury budgets, and from long-haul to local destinations, the travel industry is poised to provide

options for every group’s needs, and the possibilities are endless.

Cruise lines have long been leaders in providing spaces to excite and invite all ages. With kid and teen clubs, a variety of shipboard entertainment and dining options, and itineraries that cater to adventurous groups (think Alaska) or those more inclined toward fun in the sun (think Caribbean), a cruise can offer a turnkey experience with significant savings for kids and groups. Port excursions are also available at a range of activity levels, allowing travelers to easily explore independently before reconnecting with the group. Some cruise lines include excursions at every port in their package, taking the guesswork out of unforeseen expenses.

If your family is eager for immersion

in the natural world, an African safari is the ultimate bonding experience. A guided game drive is the perfect place to unplug and just “be” – all while enjoying the thrill of observing the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and African buffalo) and so many more animals, along with the most amazing landscapes, sunrises, and sunsets you’ve ever seen.

Lodges like the Bush Lodge in Greater Kruger Sabi Sabi region are perfect for guests young and not-so-young.

Their EleFun center is a kid-pleaser and the ideal place for children to stay if they are not yet safari-ready, or just want to play. The center also serves as a day care for staff, and young guests have the opportunity to interact with peers from around the world.

Many tour companies like Tauck, Backroads and Trafalgar offer familyspecific itineraries, including river cruises, both stateside and abroad. You can fill a tour with just your group or go with others and make new friends along the way. With every detail handled, including flights, accommodations, transfers, and tours, these companies excel in maximizing your dollars and time, and often offer special rates or incentive trips to groups.

Finding a home to share in a highinterest destination is a great way to stretch your budget and spend quality time together during the trip. The rental market offers a wide range of options that can comfortably accommodate many guests but be mindful as you investigate.

Utilizing local agencies can give you peace of mind that your needs can be met by someone accessible to the property.

Websites like Airbnb and VRBO can give you an idea of pricing in an area as you research where you’d like to go. When booking abroad, consider using a travel advisor to provide you with options that have been vetted through their partners.

As you work to plan your next multigenerational or multi-family trip, keep these things in mind:

- Set clear expectations for each guest’s budget and financial requirements before the trip (including deposits, trip insurance, and credit card guarantees) and during the trip (such as excursions, meals, and gratuities). Utilizing favorable exchange rates in countries like Canada and South Africa is a great way to bridge the gap between varying budgets.

Hilary Wilkes is a local travel advisor and works personally with clients to plan trips around the world. She also plans and leads group trips through her family’s store, Highland Hiker. Learn more at scouttravelco.com and highlandhiker.com.

- When booking a group, be sure to inquire about group discounts, including those for milestone anniversaries or birthdays.

- Be realistic about the physical abilities within the group. Make sure the itinerary includes something for everyone and leaves room for downtime.

- Working with a travel advisor can streamline the planning process, access additional savings and deals, and ensure your trip is seamless from start to finish, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy themselves.

Don’t forget that many travelers experience the joys of the trip long before even leaving home. Daydreaming about the sand in your toes, the yummy food, or the awe-inspiring sites you’ll see is half of the fun. Include everyone in the conversation so they can get excited too! by Hilary

Wilkes

The Brinson-Wilkes Family on vacation at Massanutten Resort in Virginia.

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Technical Finesse Design Sensitivity

Marlee McCall Beres’ Red Fox Design Shop is fueled by her engineer’s wisdom and her artist’s imagination.

Marlee McCall Beres

Growing up in Highlands with both parents running local construction companies—her father owns Highlands Construction; her mother owns Allyson Builder – Marlee McCall Beres seemed destined for a career in building and design.

From a young age, she was immersed in the job-site rhythm, filing paperwork as soon as she was old enough and spending her high school years delivering materials.

“I was always on job sites, got to meet clients,” she recalls. She began to see the complicated, often fraught relationship between architects, contractors, and clients, and set her sights on bridging that divide.

This early exposure shaped her academic and professional path. At UNC Charlotte, she earned both undergraduate and master’s degrees in architecture.

But rather than diving straight into design, Marlee deepened her construction

fluency, working in robotic wood panel manufacturing and virtual framing.

Her aim: to “break down the architecturecontractor relationship” by learning both sides intimately – how ideas are drawn and how they actually get built.

In 2021, Marlee launched Red Fox Design Shop. The practice focuses on complex residential renovations in Highlands and the Mid-Atlantic, where she now lives.

“I definitely bring value in being able to coordinate with people and get to the essence of their ideas,” she says. “Then I can translate those ideas into a space that really works.”

One recent project involved connecting two existing structures with a lightflooded hallway – a seemingly simple gesture that completely transformed the feel of the home. Another favorite required installing an elevator at a home on the Highlands Country Club, with the machinery presenting itself prominently on the main façade. It was a project that

called for technical finesse and design sensitivity in equal measure.

Marlee calls herself a problem solver at heart. “I work on layout again and again until I get something that checks the most boxes – but I always keep the way it looks and feels at the forefront.”

Her process is iterative and deeply collaborative. “I assume there will be several rounds of changes. That’s part of the work.”

Humility, learned in her family’s business, anchors every project.

“No matter how long you’ve been doing this, problems will arise. But if you can confront them without letting ego get in the way you can deliver a better product.

It’s this practical, hands-on ethos that sets Red Fox Design apart. They get a partner, a problem solver, and a tireless advocate.

by Marlene Osteen

photo by Susan Renfro

Building on Faith

Grace Chapel: A Story of Faith, Community, and a Mountaintop Church.

Nestled on High Holly Mountain, overlooking the breathtaking Plateau, stands Grace Chapel—a testament to the unwavering faith and collaborative spirit of a remarkable community. More than just a building, Grace Chapel represents a journey of growth, perseverance, and the transformative power of shared belief.

Its story begins with Community Bible Church (CBC) in Highlands, who recognized the spiritual needs of their members residing in Sky Valley. Pastor Gary Hewlins, for several years, diligently traveled ten miles each Sunday to conduct a 9:00 A.M. service in a leased clubhouse, before returning to Highlands for his own congregation’s 11:00 A.M. service. This dedication fostered a small but vibrant community, growing from a handful of worshippers to approximately 25 families and many seasonal visitors. By 2021, the limitations of this arrangement became clear. The need for a permanent home, a release from Pastor Gary’s double duty, and the desire for greater independence spurred the congregation to seek a new chapter.

A fortuitous encounter with a local landowner provided the perfect opportunity. Recognizing the potential for a church to enhance the Plateau’s entrance, the landowner generously offered the current site.

Simultaneously, Steve and Candi Kerhoulas, having served in Maine, returned to Sky Valley. Pastor Steve stepped in as an interim, part-time minister, providing crucial leadership during this pivotal transition. With a site and a dedicated pastor, the congregation embarked on an ambitious project— building their own church.

CBC pledged to match the funds raised by the 25 core giving families. The initial momentum was impressive, allowing the hiring of an architect, engineer, and local contractors who generously offered discounted services. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted construction. Undeterred, fundraising continued, and a significant donation from a generous benefactor revitalized the project, injecting the necessary resources to keep the dream alive.

Pastor Steve’s unwavering commitment to constructing a debt-free church proved successful. Through faith, dedication, and community support, Grace Chapel opened its doors without incurring any debt. It is a true reflection of what a small, devoted community can achieve when guided by shared purpose.

Grace Chapel is more than just a beautiful building; it’s a welcoming, interdenominational church rooted in the Bible. We are a joyful, prayerful community that embraces all. Join us for services on Sundays at 9:30 A.M. and 11:00 A.M., and Wednesdays at 5:30 P.M.

A variety of Bible studies and prayer groups for men and women are also offered throughout the week. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the contractors and tradespeople whose hard work and dedication made this vision a reality. Visit us at 9615 Dillard Road or online at Gracechapelonhighholly.com. We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you.

by Marlene Osteen / photos by Susan Renfro

Steve Kerhoulas

Little Church in the Wildwood

The summer services at the Little Church in the Wildwood are testament to the timeless joy of hymn-singing.

Every summer since 1945, except for the two years of Covid-19, the Little Church in the Wildwood holds a hymn sing.

Nestled in Horse Cove, the Little Church was built with chestnut lumber hewn from nearby Forest Service Land and moved by the Civilian Conservation Corps to the building site. John Edwards, John Norris, Les Mizner and other Horse Cove residents volunteered their labor in the construction, which was completed in 1945. It has been in service ever since.

The Little Church has no denominational affiliation nor membership requirement. All are welcome. The service is held

The leadership is all-volunteer with experience orchestrating the service including special music that is a signature of the evening.

every Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

An old dinner bell rings at 6:50 P.M. to call worshippers in. The service starts promptly at 7:00 P.M. and ends at 8:00

P.M. The hymns are those from the 1938 Cokesbury Hymnal. Each guest gets to select their favorite hymn, if they have one, for the service. At the conclusion we dismiss with “How Great Thou Art.”

Since Covid, the original floor has been refurbished, mold remediated, windows repaired and ground shrubs cut back or removed. The funding was provided by local contributions and a GoFundMe effort.

We are ready for you. Come! It’s a sweet experience at the Little Church in the Wildwood.

by Robin Phillips

Know the Symptoms for Stroke and Seek Care Immediately

In the United States, more than 795,000 individuals are affected by stroke annually. It’s the fifth leading cause of death in our country and a significant cause of adult disability. The good news is that more than 80% of strokes are preventable, and swift treatment can work miracles for stroke patients.

Time is of the essence when a person exhibits stroke symptoms. A stroke does its devastating damage quickly — a staggering 2 million brains cells die (and cannot be revived) each minute a stroke patient goes without medical treatment. These odds are frightening, but simply remembering the acronym developed for stroke symptoms, BE FAST, lets you know when to place that crucial 9-1-1 call. Noticing any of these symptoms means it’s time to seek medical treatment.

B for loss of balance

E for changes in eyesight

F for facial drooping

A for arm weakness

S for speech, which becomes slurred

T for time to call 9-1-1

A recent experience I had illustrates the importance of early recognition. At our annual Veterans Day luncheon, a man introduced himself to me, saying that I needed to meet his wife. I did, and she went on to share her harrowing story, which fortunately has a happy ending.

One morning, she woke up with classic signs of a stroke, and because she and her husband were attuned to them, they called 9-1-1 immediately. She was whisked to Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in record time, with EMS notifying us ahead of time to activate our stroke team.

What happened upon arrival was

amazing and reflects the highest level of care anywhere. Within 13 minutes of the patient’s arrival to our hospital, our ED doctor and a neurologist evaluated her, she received a CT scan, and we ultimately administered the clot-busting drugs that stop a stroke. This 13-minute timeline is 47 minutes less than the American Heart Association’s goal of 60 minutes.

To make this happen, the care team must work in extraordinary harmony. For example, our pharmacist anticipated needing to have the clot-busting medicine ready as the neurologist reviewing the CT gave the order for it to be administered. This impressive coordination takes careful planning, plentiful practice, and the expertise of the outstanding clinicians driving the care.

The well-known stroke care mantra is “Time is brain,” so if the patient hadn’t made the all-important 9-1-1 call and come to an accredited stroke center like ours, the outcome would have been far different. Every minute that passes could mean the difference between permanent disability and recovery. I’m happy to report that this patient has no disability, and one would never have known she’d suffered a stroke.

Good lifestyle choices are key to lowering your stroke risk, including eating a well-balanced diet, being physically active, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining a normal weight. Be aware also of your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure, and consult your primary care provider about how to manage them if any are elevated.

Outcomes like this at HighlandsCashiers Hospital have everything to do with our exceptional “door-to-doc” time, or the time it takes for a patient experiencing a stroke to get through our doors and begin receiving lifesaving treatment

from a specially trained provider. I’m proud to say that our average doorto-doc time is less than five minutes. There are many reasons for this, but streamlined processes, adequate staffing, and state-of-the-art medical technology are all important contributing factors.

by Tom Neal, RN, MBA, MHA

Tom Neal, RN, MBA, MHA, is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. Neal is a proven leader with more than 30 years of progressive healthcare experience. Prior to his role at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, he served as Chief Executive Officer of both Berwick Hospital Center in Berwick, Pennsylvania, and Greenbriar Valley Medical Center, Ronceverte, West Virginia, which are each part of Community Health Systems (CHS). Tom has an MBA from the University of Louisville, MHA from the California College of Health Sciences, BSN from Regents College of New York and an ADN from Jefferson Community College.

Good News Germaphobes

Pass the hand sanitizer – it’s a grody world out there.

If you drop your chili dog at a Fourth of July event, will it be okay to pick it up and eat it within five seconds?

It all depends. Here are some surprising upgraded rules about food-droppage from Glamour Magazine and Daily Mail. According to a research team, dropped dry foods (cookies, dry toast, biscuits) rarely pick up bacteria, unless aliens or three-year-olds left mysterious deposits into which your food plopped.

While dry foods are pretty safe, chili dogs – not so much. The chili’s moisture could sponge up whatever’s on the floor. But the amount of floortime and the condition of that floor are important factors.

There is another aspect not mentioned in Glamour’s Aston University’s study.

Marie, a friend, shared this story. She

recently returned from a mission-trip to Tanzania. There, she fell in love with the Maasai, a semi-nomadic tribe who herd cattle from waterhole to well to mountain stream, depending upon seasonal rain. Water and cattle are the core of their survival.

Marie said the Maasai leave early in the day herding their cattle to pasture. At day’s end, thirsty cows and drovers return, heading for the water trough. Side-by-side, cow and man slurp up water. Is it sanitary? Marie said it’s probably juiced up with bacteria and microbes that hang out routinely in the Maasai gut. It’s a bacterial soup essential to the tribe, and they manage it just fine.

The point of this story: genetics and culture matter in food-consumption. Back to your chili dog. Stickier food probably will absorb bacteria depending

on how clean the floor is. Floors mopped every week are much safer than those rarely mopped. According to the study, food dropped on your home floor is pretty safe, like the Massai’s water trough is safe to them.

But there’s always a chance something goes awry, so use caution. Then again, I’ve watched my four grandsons eat everything from questionable mushrooms plucked from the back yard to soft drinks left in a parking lot, and they’ve managed to get to high school healthy as an ox – or, for that matter, a Maasai bull.

So Happy Fourth. Throw that dropped chili dog in the trash and let some rummaging crow with the gut of iron enjoy whatever you left. He’ll be raven-ous.

by Donna Rhodes art by

Norma Jean Zahner

GIVING BACK Pages 268-281

Photo by Susan Renfro

Tremendous Sense of Connection

The Literacy & Learning Center’s compassionate approach to learning enriches the lives of its students and its volunteers.

Did you know volunteers often simply watch less TV than non-volunteers?

Nathan Dietz, research director of the Do Good Institute, recently shared this insight on volunteering in the United States. Despite common perceptions of time constraints, Dietz’s research indicates that volunteers’ daily lives are much like those of non-volunteers, aside from the fact that they tend to be more active. He highlighted the personal benefits of volunteering, including expanding one’s social circle and feeling good about helping others. This is especially true in Highlands, where individual contributions have a significant impact on the close-knit community.

In Highlands, organizations like The Literacy & Learning Center thrive on volunteerism. TL&LC provides free programs, from early childhood education to adult literacy.

The Center’s commitment relies heavily on dedicated volunteers who give their time and talents. Assisting in group activities, clerical work, or events, TL&LC volunteers directly enrich lives and foster a love of learning for all ages. Many potential volunteers might hesitate, unsure if they possess the specific skills needed for an educational environment.

However, at TL&LC, there are numerous ways to contribute, regardless of one’s background! Volunteers can spend time listening to children read, providing invaluable one-on-one literacy support, or assisting summer camp leaders in setting up and overseeing group activities. Preparation for events and helping guests check in offers another opportunity that also comes along with free admission. Every hour of support makes a difference, and the Center provides guidance to ensure volunteers feel comfortable and confident in their roles, whether clerical or educational.

Volunteering at TL&LC supports a vital community resource and offers a unique opportunity to connect with neighbors, learn new skills, and experience making a tangible difference. As Dietz noted, volunteering creates a powerful sense of connection to something larger than oneself, which is especially impactful in Highlands. If individuals seek to give back and become more involved, TL&LC welcomes their support.

To learn more about volunteering at The Literacy & Learning Center or to complete a volunteer application, visit https://www.theliteracyandlearningcenter.org/get-involved/volunteer. For questions, contact Caroline Cox at CCox@TheLiteracyandLearningCenter. org or (828) 526-0863.

by Anna Norton, The Literacy & Learning Center

The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is thinking big and thinking about the health and safety of the animals of the Plateau. You can help – visit chhumanesociety.org/vetclinic.

Have you ever worked on a jigsaw puzzle, whether as a child or an adult, and as you were close to finishing you realize that one piece could not be found?

Ah…the proverbial “missing piece of the puzzle.” Something essential, but absent. With your support, we have done amazing lifesaving work for the animals in our community. Each year we take in hundreds of strays and owner-surrendered pets, care for them as if they were our very own, and we find each one a new loving, forever home. We also reunite lost pets with their worried and heartsick families.

We provide low-cost spay/neuter for the animals brought to our door, and we never turn away anyone in our community for lack of ability to pay. We administer low-cost rabies vaccinations for local animals, with two of the estimated 350 Certified Rabies Vaccinators in North Carolina on our staff.

Our community outreach programs include our free food pet pantry for families facing financial hardship.

For 10 years, my therapy canine partner Max and I made monthly visits to the seniors at Chestnut Hill. And our groundbreaking humane education program for children – the CHHS Critter Camp – has empowered local students to become the animal ambassadors of tomorrow.

As a no-kill shelter, we celebrate life and share unconditional love.

And yet, something essential seems… absent.

Not for long.

At our annual fundraising gala last month, CHHS made the announcement that we are beginning construction on our campus for the new Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society Veterinary Clinic. Open to the public five days a week, providing examinations, x-rays, lab tests, surgeries, dentals, pharmaceuticals and preventa-

tives, and more.

The CHHS Veterinary Clinic has an estimated construction cost of $2.5 million and is projected to open on our 40th Anniversary in the Summer of 2027. You can join us on this lifesaving mission for the essential “missing piece” and together we will complete the animal welfare puzzle in our community. Please consider a generous tax-deductible contribution by visiting chhumanesociety.org/vetclinic.

All of us at CHHS are forever grateful and thankful for your compassion and support!

Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, one-and-a-half miles east of the Cashiers Ingles in between Cedar Creek Club and Lonesome Valley on Highway 64. For more information call (828) 743-5752.

by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

Breathing Under Water

Church of the Good Shepherd’s pastoral care committee is staging a series of ministries of hope and care. These are two and we’ll highlight others in our future issues.

Twice a year, Church of the Good Shepherd offers an eight-week grief program available to anyone in the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau area. This program is different from other grief programs. Founded out of the need to answer the question – “Where is God in my pain?” This is a ministry grounded in prayer and community and in the healing power of Jesus’ love.

The program has partnered with faith communities around the country to reach out and serve those who grieve in their church and their communities.

We welcome any who professes a Christian faith to attend. At the heart of the program are eight weekly small group workshops. The program has partnered with faith communities around the country to reach out and serve those who grieve in their church and their communities.

Join The Church of the Good Shepherd on Mondays at 10:00 A.M. as we read and study Richard Rohr’s book “Breathing Under Water.” While this book links the Gospel message of Jesus with the message of Bill Wilson in the 12 Step Program, it is also quite germane

to living everyday life of human existence. This class always engenders great discussion as we strive to better understand our relationship with God and one another! Come weekly, or when you are able, as each class is an independent topic and discussion. All are welcome indeed for a lively and fruitful discussion! Books are available in the church office for $15.

Contact PastoralCare@GoodShepherdcashiers.org if you have any questions about this ministry. Visit goodshepherdofcashiers.com/pastoral-care.html for more information on our other pastoral care ministries. by Luke Osteen

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Read to Learn

Like an irresistible book, the entire world opens up for the young graduates of the Read to Learn Program, offered by The Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau.

The Read to Learn Program, a pivotal initiative aimed at bolstering the literacy of Cashiers area students struggling with reading, has shown remarkable success with its first graduating Class of seven students.

This innovative program is a specialized tutoring initiative for students in grades 1-3 and is focused on early literacy and foundational reading skills. It caters to the 10 percent of students with significant learning challenges who require targeted one-on-one support to progress. Our graduates, all hard-working and motivated youth, began the program last year and went from struggling readers to achieving grade proficiency and developing the skills to be accomplished readers.

As one teacher put it, “I saw a difference in those kids. All of their reading scores improved, but I could also see

the difference when we were reading in class. We are so lucky to have such a great program!” Second grade teacher, Blue Ridge School.

Achieving reading proficiency by the end of third grade is critical as it marks the transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” Students who are not proficient readers by this stage are four times more likely to drop out of high school. This underscores the importance of early literacy interventions like R2L to ensure the long-term academic and life success of these amazing young people.

For more information on R2L, contact Lisa Youngblood at lisa@bgcplateau.org.

About the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau

The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau (BGCP) serves youth from kindergarten

through 12th grade in the Cashiers and Highlands communities. BGCP is nationally recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America as one of the top 20 Clubs out of 5,200 in the country. The Club offers a wide range of programs focusing on academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles. BGCP is committed to ensuring that all children, especially those who need it most, have access to a safe and supportive environment after school and during the summer months.

For more information, please call (828) 743-2775 or email kayla@bgcplateau.org. Visit our website at bgcplateau.org.

by Kayla Deaton

Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau

So Many Benefits from PCC

The mission of the Peggy Crosby Center extends beyond the HighlandsCashiers Plateau, to every corner of this portion of Western North Carolina.

The mission of the Peggy Crosby Center extends beyond the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, to every corner of this portion of Western North Carolina.

Hello, Readers of The Laurel!

We at the Peggy Crosby Community Service Center appreciate The Laurel so much for providing a sense of community for all of us on the Plateau from Scaly Mountain to Lake Toxaway.

There are many extraordinary things about our home here in the Southern Appalachian Mountains – the outdoors, eating out, and the many highly effective nonprofits providing services in our communities.

We’re home to six of our super servers – The Center for Life Enrichment, The Counseling Center, The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, The International Friendship Center, and Pisgah Legal Services.

The Peggy Crosby Center team of staff and the Board of Directors proudly serve them by providing quality office space at affordable rates in the old original Highlands Hospital. We also have for-profit tenants who provide what many will consider vital services to their customers: Covenant Investments, Curtis Mathews Tax Preparation, Highlands Acupuncture, Highlands Home Health Care, the Kitchen Catering and Carry Away, Ross Landscape Architecture, and Toxaway Investments. Our for-profit rate is higher, but there is no argument that it is a bargain for all our tenants.

There is a lot to do in keeping an old building safe, comfortable and updated to make the rental space a quality space. We have seven area HVAC units, we have a sprinkler system charged with antifreeze as many of the pipes run through an unheated attic, we have four parking lots, and several former hospital spaces that can’t be used for much more than storage which

need repairs.

This is not to say that our tenants feel exposed; quite the contrary, but as we seek to address problem areas, we raise funds through our annual appeal and through grants from these nonprofits who have helped us so much over the years: Cullasaja Women’s Outreach, The Laurel Garden Club and Mountain Findings. We also have the support of donors in the community; these are our Peggy’s Heroes we honor each year for their support. Without you, we couldn’t do it.

If you would like to join our supporters, it’s easy: make a donation on our website, peggycrosbycenter.org or mail us a check at 348 South 5th St, Highlands 28741. You may also request to be added to our annual appeal mailing list. We would be deeply appreciative of any inquiry.

by Peggy Crosby Center Board

Veterans Helping Veterans

For the veterans of Project Healing Waters, peace and clarity are found upon the banks of mountain waterways.

On a quiet stretch of the West Fork of the Tuckasegee River, just north of Cashiers, a group of veterans wades into the current, casting flies into cool mountain water. It’s fall, and the leaves are just beginning to turn – but for the eight men and women here as part of Project Healing Waters, the season isn’t marked in months or weather.

It’s marked by something far more elusive: peace.

This fall retreat is made possible through a unique partnership. Tom Wright, past president of the Waterdance Homeowners Association and a longtime volunteer with the Atlanta program of Project Healing Waters, convinced the community to open its private riverfront property for the cause.

Matt Canter and his team from Brookings Anglers stock the river and guide the participants. Chip Cavin, Atlanta’s chapter lead, coordinates the veterans and volunteers.

Each retreat spans two and a half days. Eight veterans are paired one-on-one with six volunteers and two Brookings guides for immersive, guided fly fishing. The setting is deliberately intimate: just enough support to be cared for, not so much as to feel overwhelmed.

“A lot of the vets struggle with crowds and noise,” says Cavin. “Here, they have space. Quiet. Time.”

For Mike Evans, an Army veteran and two-time fly-casting champion known affectionately as “Uncle Mike,” the retreat is a sacred time. “When you’re out there in those mountains, standing in the river, it’s just you and God’s creation,” he says. “I don’t have a care in the world when I’m on that water.”

Evans, who lives with injuries from a jeep accident during his service, found Project Healing Waters years ago and has since become a mentor in casting and fly tying. “It’s not just fishing,” he says. “It’s rebuilding the whole person.”

The Atlanta chapter meets every

other week to tie flies, build rods, and practice casting. They fish together on the Chattahoochee, and many veterans go on to mentor others – just as Evans now does.

But Waterdance is different.

“It’s a chance to get away,” says Cavin. “To be in a place that feels special. To fish water that’s been set aside just for them.”

The program’s power lies not only in the natural beauty or the thrill of landing a fish, but in the relationships forged along the way.

In a world where many veterans struggle with trauma and isolation, this small corner of river offers something rare: stillness, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose. For those who step into its waters, the healing runs deep.

For more information, visit Projecthealingwater.org.

by Marlene Osteen

Nature’s a Classroom Extension

Cashiers Valley Preschool is there for the children, and for the community.

Choosing the right preschool is a big decision – one that sets the stage for a child’s lifelong love of learning.

At Cashiers Valley Preschool, we take that responsibility to heart. Nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina, our school blends the warmth of a close-knit community with a strong foundation in early childhood education. What truly sets CVP apart is the way we see each child: not just as a student, but as a whole person. Our small class sizes allow teachers to really know each child’s personality, learning style, and unique spark. That personal attention builds confidence and helps children feel secure, seen, and celebrated. Our program is rooted in purposeful, play-based learning, because we believe children learn best when they’re engaged, curious, and having fun. Through imaginative play, hands-on exploration, and structured activities, our students

develop essential academic, social, and emotional skills that prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.

…we see each child: not just as a student, but as a whole person.

Learning isn’t limited to the classroom, either. With the natural beauty of the Cashiers area all around us, our children spend time outside every day. Nature becomes an extension of the classroom – whether it’s discovering bugs under a log, listening to birds, or simply jumping in puddles. These moments help foster creativity, resilience, and a connection to the environment.

CVP also places a strong emphasis on partnership with families. We know that children thrive when parents and teachers work together, so we prioritize open communication and regular col-

laboration. Whether it’s through family events, volunteer opportunities, or daily check-ins, we strive to create a welcoming environment where families feel just as connected as their children do.

But perhaps what makes Cashiers Valley Preschool most unique is its heart. We’re more than a school – we’re part of the community fabric. Many of our families return with younger siblings, volunteer on committees, or stay connected long after graduation. That sense of belonging is something we nurture every day.

If you’re looking for a preschool where your child will be known, loved, and inspired to grow, we invite you to learn more or schedule a visit.

Contact us at (828) 743-4320 or email cashiersvalleypreschool@gmail.com. You can also find us on Facebook for updates and a glimpse into daily life at CVP. by Danielle Hernandez, Board Member, Cashiers Valley Preschool

Cashiers Chamber’s Busy July

The Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cashiers Historical Society have joined forces to, well, make history. And lots of other things are making local history as well.

The Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate community partnerships this July, beginning with a meaningful collaboration with the Cashiers Historical Society – twice in one month!

On July 8, the Cashiers Historical Society will graciously host the Leadership Cashiers class for its monthly session, along with an extraordinary alum networking lunch provided by the beloved local favorite, Cornucopia Restaurant. This gathering celebrates continued connections among our area’s emerging leaders and program graduates.

Then, on July 17 from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M.,

Chamber Members and their guests are invited back to the beautiful CHS campus for our monthly Business After Hours. This event will feature local summer interns from across the area –an inspiring opportunity to meet the next generation contributing to our workforce and community vitality.

Later in the month, we’re heading to the Village Green! Join us on July 25 for Groovin’ on the Green featuring McIntosh and the Lionhearts. The Chamber will be there to jam with the crowd and share in the summer music vibes.

We’re also thrilled to host two ribbon cuttings. On July 16, we’ll gather to celebrate the new tenants

at the charming Wormy Chestnut Shops: J. McLaughlin, Allure Home & Goods, Southern Tide, and Wish & Shoes. And on July 30, don’t miss the opportunity to help us welcome Poane Art Gallery to the Cashiers community.

The Chamber is honored to foster connection and collaboration across events that enrich our mountain village. We hope to see you at these exciting July happenings!

by Susan Sapienza, Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce

Johanna Fein, Empowering Local Business

A friendly face in an important place – Johanna Fein has been chosen as the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC’s Executive Director.

In the midst of the busiest month of this very busy year, Johanna Fein has taken the reins of Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.

With nearly three decades of leadership in destination marketing and hospitality, Fein brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and brand-building excellence. Most recently, she served as the organization’s Director of Marketing & Communications.

“Johanna loves Highlands, and we believe that her passion for this community combined with her strategic mindset will enable her to be a true ambassador for our business community and lead the organization into its next chapter,” said Blye Hunsinger, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her approachability, work ethic, and integrity will benefit our members, residents, and visitors alike.”

Fein joined the chamber in early 2023 and has made an immediate impact. Her career spans notable roles at Pinehurst Resort, Ventana Inn & Spa, Sea Island Resorts, and the San Luis Obispo Visitors & Conference Bureau. This month, she will be recognized at the Destinations International Annual Conference in Chicago as a graduate of the Certified Destination Management

Executive program – considered the highest individual achievement in the tourism industry.

“I am honored and excited to step into this leadership role,” said Fein. “Highlands is a remarkable place - rich in beauty, culture, and community spirit. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation of the Chamber and continuing to support our members and partners through thoughtful leadership and collaboration.”

As Executive Director, Fein will oversee day-to-day operations, lead long-term strategic initiatives, represent the Chamber in official capacities, and maintain strong relationships with business, civic, and government leaders to support the continued prosperity of the Highlands community.

She and her husband Branden, who is the Executive Spa and Wellness Director for Old Edwards Hospitality, live in Highlands along with their three doodles, Marley, Ryder and Gracie.

Johanna Fein

Your Car’s Best Friend

Bob Saladna brings a deep background in the intricacies of automotive repairs and concierge service to his Highlands Automotive. For all your automotive service needs, contact Highlands Automotive at (828) 7872360, Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Left to Right: Matthew Simion, Guy Fielding, Jayson Stephens, Shayne Stanya, Zane Sink, Jonathan Hazer, and Robert Saladna

Since 1999, Highlands Automotive Service has proudly kept vehicles on the Plateau running smoothly.

Today, that tradition of superior service and technical expertise continues under the ownership of European Service Center, owned by Bob Saladna.

Despite the corporate-sounding name, this is a family-owned business, and Bob is committed to serving the community with the same dedication. Highlands Automotive services all makes and models – foreign and domestic.

Bob’s journey in mechanics began in 1981 at the Atlanta Polo Club, where he exercised horses and polo ponies. While this might seem far removed from the automotive world, the club’s farm equipment needed maintenance, and that’s where Bob got his start. Polo players took notice and began asking him to work on their vehicles. Bob fondly remembers his mom taking notice of his interest and buying him his

first tool kit from K-Mart. Thus began his lifelong passion.

Through a combination of hard work, an entrepreneurial spirit, and supportive friends, Bob went on to own and operate several small automotive shops.

In 1995, his interest in cycling led him to briefly pivot, launching a bike shop and mail-order business. But the call of automotive repair drew him back, and he soon opened a successful shop in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood.

As Bob’s family grew – he’s the proud father of four sons – he knew he needed to expand. College tuition costs were looming in his future. He opened multiple locations throughout metro Atlanta and later in Texas, identifying resilient markets in the wake of the 2008 real estate downturn.

Today, in addition to Highlands Automotive, Bob owns four shops in Atlanta, three in Dallas, and one in Houston.

Ever the entrepreneur, he recognized a growing need in the automobile service industry for an automated inventory tracking system, so he developed and owns Wicked Files, a software program created for use in his shops but now used by other independent shops and national chains such as Meineke.

Bob owns a home here and met Russell Marling, then owner of Highlands Automotive to discuss the possibility of him implementing Wicked Files.

Later, when a mutual acquaintance mentioned Russell might have an interest in selling his business to pursue his interest in aviation, he connected with Russell again, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Russell and his team built a reputation for outstanding service and customer care. Bob and his team are proud to carry on that legacy.

by Mary Jane McCall

photo by Susan Renfro

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