Plateau Picks

VIBRANT BEAUTY

We love the vibrant earth colors and the warmth this original painting exudes. The gold mat and frame create a beautiful wall piece. 18” x 22” Landscape Painting | $425

Rusticks | Cashiers

LOOK COOL, BE COOL

This beautiful top is made with multi-intelligent moisture fabric that lowers your temperature up to five degrees – so you can stay comfortable all day. Long Sleeve Mock Neck | $88 Elena’s | Highlands

Picks a few of our favorite findsPlateau

FEMININE AND FLIRTY

This combo is the chef’s kiss! The sleeveless linen dress features a collar and mother of pearl front and back buttons - it also has side pockets! Paired with these block heel slides and you have spring and summer wardrobe perfection. Dress $110 | Shoes $140 Martha Anne’s | Highlands

BARREL AGED YUM

This organic maple syrup has been aged in WhistlePig Rye Whiskey barrels for nine months, resulting in your new favorite barrel-aged maple syrup. WhistlePig Maple Syrup | $33.89 Colonel Mustard | Highlands

SO MUCH TO LOVE

This jacket will take you from day to evening with its stylish and flattering details. It’s so soft, you’ll be grabbing for this side-zippered beauty often. Renuar Leopard Print Jacket | $179 Bella Cotn | Cashiers

COCKTAILS, NATURALLY

Upgrade your cocktail, mocktail, or dressing with a locally made shrub! Created using all natural ingredients, these creative flavor combinations will have your taste buds dancing. Farm 2 Cocktail Shrub | $24.99 Root 64 Fresh Market | Toxaway

BUBBLES & BLING

Make a statement with this rhinestone enhanced, double walled tumbler – for hot or cold beverages. Not only does it look like royalty, it holds temperature for hours! 20 oz. Skinny Tumbler | $89 Spoiled Rotten | Highlands

LIFE ON THE LAKE

Decorate your lakeside cabin with this rustic tin oversized wall sign. A fun addition to any wall. 32” tall Lake This Way Metal Sign | $64.99 Mountain Cafe | Toxaway

Trunk Shows at Acorns

Elizabeth Locke Jewelry

Southern Botanicals

A pair of trunk shows spotlight the treasures contained within Acorns, 212 South 4th Street in Highlands.

Worthy of adding to your June calendar are two trunk shows at Acorns – Old Edwards’ gift, home décor and furnishing store. From June 3 through 5, a representative of jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke will be in store to welcome customers and showcase new styles, one-of-kind pieces for collectors, along with the designer’s complete works of earrings, bracelets, bangles, necklaces, pendants, brooches, hoops, and charms. Known for “timeless designs that reflect an ongoing fascination with the exquisite.” The one-of-a-kind pieces are meticulously handmade in 19K gold and hand-hammered, and with a weight and substance no cast jewelry could ever have. Locke individually hand selects ancient Greek and Roman coins, antique carnelian and sardonyx, South Sea Pearls and natural color stones for her distinctive designs. On June 25, Austin Davis-Selph of Southern Botanicals will be on hand with an exhibit of his pressed floral art – flowers, leaves, and other plant materials that are pressed and mounted in the style of botanical engravings. Each of the hand-crafted pieces expresses the unique work of Austin and his partner at Southern Botanicals, Douglas Davis-Selph, both part-time Highlands residents. And because much of the flora that is used in the artwork is foraged and collected in Highlands, the pieces are an exuberant interpretation of the landscape of the Plateau – coveted by local homeowners for their ability to mimic and bring indoors the beauty of the outdoors. Their work has even adorned the walls of a set in a segment on ABC’s Kevin Probably Saves the World. Natives of Georgia, Austin and Douglas each discovered a love of the natural world early on – Doug, tramping through the woods of South Central Georgia from early childhood, and Austin, a native Atlantan, whose grandfather made sure he learned the names of trees and whose grandmother was an avid gardener. Though they both had earlier careers in corporate America, they never lost their enthusiasm for nature and in 2014 they decided to pursue their passion and launch Southern Botanics. Recently Austin told me, “We are very excited for our seventh trunk show with Acorns and look forward to sharing our latest pressed botanical artworks at our trunk show each year. Holly and the other wonderful folks at Acorn’s are a dream to work with and always make our visit so enjoyable. We are so honored that they display our artwork for sale year-round. We are especially excited to feature more artwork this year pairing original vintage 1920’s postcards of waterfalls and other scenic views of the Highlands-Cashiers plateau with native ferns, other plants, and flowers.” For more information, visit acornshighlandsnc.com.

Zoller Hardware

Zoller Hardware maintains all the pleasures that can be encountered in a small-town hardware emporium, served up in a friendly, easy-going atmosphere.

Zoller Hardware in Cashiers Commons on 107 N in Cashiers is your go-to hardware store, but then again it is so much more.

It has the practicality of a nuts-andbolts hardware store offering all the hardware type items you might find yourself in need of, with the playfulness of an old-time country store. Owners Kim and Glenn Ubertino make certain that the vibe is a welcoming one. A good hardware store feels like a community center and Zoller doesn’t disappoint. You’ll bond with the friendly employees who are eager to help and offer advice, while chatting with neighbors, as you shop and find just what you need. From plumbing supplies, hardware items, tools, premium lawn and garden items and equipment, items for your pets, coolers, and grills, to household and gift items, you’ll find it here.

Their expanded space next door allows them to carry an expansive selection of quality power tools from Husqvarna and Stihl, and they offer repair services on those items as well. Here you will also find their premium paint department featuring such brands as Pratt and Lambert, Cabot, and Valspar. They specialize in mixing, tinting, and matching colors using the latest technology. For those rainy days when the grandkids need a diversion, they offer a great selection of kids’ games and puzzles. Zoller is open Monday through Saturday 8:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.

Glenn and Kim Ubertino

Shakespeare & Company

Shakespeare & Company, located at Village Square in Highlands, is a bibliophile’s dream destination.

Agood bookstore is a treasure indeed and Highlands’ very own Shakespeare & Company in Village Square is not to be missed. Wander a bit from the well-worn path of Main Street and discover this gem. Fashioned after the famed Shakespeare & Company bookstore in Paris, this shop captures the style and substance of its namesake-a meeting place for book lovers. From the storybook exterior to the book-laden shelves within, this store does not disappoint. The inventory is extensive, a beguiling blend of the gently used and the fresh-off-the-press, and it’s all built upon the expansive knowledge of the co-proprietors, Katherine Willoughby and Stuart Ferguson. Their well-stocked inventory covers it all, from bestsellers to regional authors, and books on every imaginable interest or

hobby. If they don’t have what you want, they’re happy to order it for you. Afternoons with visiting authors are featured throughout the season. In June they are excited to be hosting Sharyn McCrumb, who will be there at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, June 10. Ms. McCrumb has written a wonderful series of novels based on Appalachian Stuart Ferguson ballads. Seasonal hours are Monday through Friday from noon to 6:00 P.M., and on Saturdays from 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Make it a point to enjoy some time at this charming bookstore. Village Square also boasts the neighboring eateries Fressers and The Secret Garden, so make an afternoon of it. Buy a book, grab a bite to eat and a beverage, and enjoy an afternoon reading in the courtyard.

Robin’s Nest

When fun styles delivered with a sense of flair are demanded, a careful browse at Robin’s Nest is the only stop you need to make.

Ladies, if shopping for stylish and on-trend items is on your agenda this season, make a dash for Robin’s Nest at 426 Highway 107 S. in Cashiers. From unique apparel, jewelry, home décor, and gift items you will find what you’re looking for here. Offering a variety of fashions designed for the contemporary woman, many of their lines are designed for mom and daughter like Clara Sunwoo, Foxcroft, Gretchen Scott, Tribal, French Dressing, Habitat, and Terra SJ, and Liv. They also carry handmade scarfs, embroidered wraps, and jewelry from a variety of artisans to complete your look. They can outfit you from head to toe, from casual looks to special occasion. You’ll be stylish, comfortable, and most importantly your look will be your own, tailored to your personal taste. Their unique artisan jewelry lines include pieces from Melania Clara, all sterling silver and are triple 24K dipped and mixed with semi-precious stones. Erin Knight pieces are crafted with a mix of contemporary and vintage elements, giving them a twist of that California look. The Julie Vos line is handcrafted to the standards of fine jewelry and is made of pearl, mother of pearl, enamel, and imported glass, all in 24K gold plate. They also carry Susan Shaw freshwater pearl jewelry for that special occasion. Robin’s Nest is open Monday through Thursday 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M., Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 A.M. until 5:30 P.M. and Sundays from noon until 4:00 P.M. Personal style, they do it well.

The Christmas Tree

Summer is the perfect season to plan your Christmas Decorating Scheme. Let the elves at The Christmas Tree – 357 Main Street in Highlands – hear all your wishes.

Christmas lives in our hearts year-round, so when in downtown Highlands make it a point to visit The Christmas Tree at 357 Main Street, and recharge that Christmas feeling, shop for all things Christmas, as well as items for other holidays, and other unique gift items and personalized items. Owners Bob and Trish Kieltyka and their attentive staff embrace the spirit of Christmas making for a most memorable shopping experience. For those looking for a Highlands keepsake, why not choose from their extensive selection of ornaments in a variety of materials, featuring Highlands scenes and logos, including a hand blown, hand painted glass ornament depicting Dry Falls. Ornaments of every sort, kind, and description are available

here, many fine and collectible, such Trish and Bob Kieltyka as Christopher Radko, Byers Choice, and Dept 56 among others. Or choose a keepsake ornament depicting your favorite interest or hobby, favorite college, pet, or profession. They have an extensive collection of ornaments for children, many can be personalized, as well as items for newlyweds and baby’s first Christmas. These make perfect baby shower and wedding presents. They also have a great selection of pet items – clothing, socks, tumblers, leggings and sleepwear, as well as many other gift items. Open since 1975, The Christmas Tree boasts repeat customers that include four generations. It’s easy to see why. It’s a magical, sparkling kind of store that you’ll want to visit again and again.

Focusing on Furnishings

Rebecca McCracken

Rebecca McCracken brings her years of experience in retail furniture to her new position of buyer for The Summer House by Reeves. Discover her design talents and her immense artistic wisdom with a visit to 2089 Dillard Road in Highlands.

Rebecca McCracken has landed the important buyer position at The Summer House by Reeves, located in Highlands. The Rabun County, Georgia, native, who graduated high school from Rabun Gap-Nacoochee in 2009 and then achieved a degree in business from Georgia State University in 2013, began working for Reeves Hardware Company in the furniture department in December of 2013. And, in the past eight years, she has “had the pleasure of working with many people all over north Georgia and Western North Carolina.” She added, “I’ve been so lucky to work with customers who reside full-time or seasonally in the area as well as from all over.”

The Summer House offers interior and exterior furnishings working with skilled designers to meet the client’s needs and expectations. It was in December 2020 that the Reeves family purchased The Summer House. And, due to her skills and commitment for almost 10 years assisting customers with understanding home furnishings through Reeves Hardware Company, she pointed out that she was offered the buyer position opportunity. “I have really enjoyed getting to work with Paula [Jones], Sam [Nevill], Michael [Jennings], and the rest of the team, while also getting to know our Highlands customers,” said Rebecca. “Paula, Sam, and Michael will all still be working part time, so their long-time customers will still see their friendly faces around. Diandra [Mundy], Natalie [Knops] and I will be on the floor to help Monday through Saturday.” Rebecca said she “can’t wait” to serve the communities with extensive furnishings, accessories, and lighting needs for both inside and outside the home.

“The Summer House by Reeves is a one stop shop and we have wonderful, professional design services in house,” says Rebecca. “Our bed and bath shop has moved up to the main furniture showroom and is overseen by Natalie and Mary [Minick], who can help with bedding needs. And Lisa [Smith] and Maggie [Wicht] work with our clients from the moment the plans have been drawn to the day they are handed their key to make their home perfect for the customer and their family. We look forward to helping every customer that walks through our doors.”

by Marlene Osteen / photos by Susan Renfro

Nature-themed Designs

Sally Eckman Roberts In my personal utopia, my home would be filled with flowers and butterflies, botanicals of every manner and come December an unrestrained assortment of Christmas fancies.

Such is the world of artist and designer Sally Eckman Roberts. A Florida-based product designer specializing in pillows, rugs, prints, pouches, tea towels, tableware, and more, Roberts paints images depicting nature in a traditional manner with a contemporary feel. Using watercolor and pencil and through her delicate blending of rich color, she creates designs that reveal art and nature are one.

On Friday, July 8, and Saturday, July 9, Roberts will be at Main Street Gifts showcasing her products and welcoming visitors to explore the full spectrum of her works. Roberts has been working in art and illustration since graduating from college in 1978, and her career has taken a most captivating path. From her first job as an illustrator for the Saturday Evening Post, she went on to work in a corporate environment as an art director for Simon Malls and then as a creative director at a design firm in Indiana. It was when her children were born that she decided to start her own home-based business – beginning with botanical art and posters. She also found work creating posters and art for big happenings in her hometown of Indianapolis. She recalls with fondness designing the graphics for Mikhail Baryshnikov’s visit to town. It wasn’t long before national companies like Oneida, started knocking on her door asking to license her designs for their products – coasters, outdoor flags, rugs, pillows, and dinnerware. Twenty Five years later she continues to work on behalf of many of these companies. Now recognized as a national brand, Roberts has attained countrywide recognition for the naturethemed design accessories she creates for the home. Her prints of blooms, blossoming greenery, Oceana, and nature have become coveted gifts, featured in catalogs and stores including Pier One and Charleston Gardens.

Four years ago, she started her own line of eco- friendly bamboo dinnerware that is sold today in Neiman Marcus and gift stores throughout the nation.

It was a fortuitous and happy coincidence when

owners Suzanne and Dan Young met Roberts at the Atlanta Mart last year. For it was only earlier in the day that they discovered her work. Enchanted by the artist’s wildflowers and botanical renderings, so reminiscent of Highlands, they knew immediately they wanted “to be the space that introduces Sally Eckman Roberts to the area home design world.” As discerning curators, the Youngs recognize that the bounty of colors, and patterns that explode on to every one of the products bearing Roberts’ designs offers a salve for our differing design itches. As Dan said, “Sally’s vivid designs fit into a multitude of home design schemes. I think the truly adventurous will want to acquire multiple elements and pile them all on at the same time.”

Main Street Gifts is located at 366 Main Street, Highlands. For more details, please contact Suzanne and Dan Young by email at dan@366mainstreet.com.

by Marlene Osteen

WEST END 1. On The Verandah Restaurant 2. Highlands Smokehouse 5. The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts 6. The Bascom Shop 7. The Dave Drake Ceramic Barn at The Bascom

Visit Our Advertisers ON THE HILL 302. Wish & Shoes 303. Mirror Lake Antiques 305. Jeanie Edwards Fine Art 306. Acorn’s 310. McCulley’s WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN (Factoid: Named after Whiteside hero) 113. Edward Jones 117. Country Club Properties, Wright Square Office 119. Highlands Pharmacy 311. Martha Anne’s on the Hill 312. The Ugly Dog Public House 313. Old Edwards Inn 318. Peggy Crosby Center: - The Kitchen Carry Away & Catering 319. Lakeside Restaurant

SOUTH END

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

MAIN STREET

100. Main Street Nursery 103. Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 126. Shiraz Oriental Rug Gallery 132. Elevation: High Fashion for Women 134. The Southern Way 136. Dutchmans 140. The Toy Store/The Book Nook 141. Bags on Main 142. Main Street Gifts 146. Wit’s End Shoppe 147. Calders Coffee Cafe 148. Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry + Wine Shop 152. Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty 153. Allison Diane Clothing 158. C. Orrico 159. Colonel Mustards 160. TJ Bailey for Men 163. Spoiled Rotten 166. Annawear 167. The Christmas Tree 169. Country Club Properties 174. Elena’s Women’s Golf and Activewear 178. McCulley’s II 185. Ristorante Paoletti 187. The Dry Sink 189B. Smitten 190. Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro 191. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty 194. Old Edwards Inn 195. Madison’s Restaurant 196. The Wine Garden 197. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 201. Hudson Library 202. Country Club Properties 205. Silver Creek Real Estate Group 206. The Business Spot 207. Creative Concepts Salon

SPRING VILLAGE

400. Jannie Bean Fine Custom Jewelry 406. Brookings

OAK STREET

601. Highlands Playhouse VILLAGE PARK

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

CAROLINA VILLAGE

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

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

OUT NC 106

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

OUT 64 EAST

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

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

Visit Our Advertisers

SLABTOWN

2. Zookeeper Bistro 13. Crossroads Custard

NORTH 107

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

THE SHOPS AT CASHIERS COMMONS

25. Bella Cotn. 27. Bird Barn & Garden 28. Cashiers Kitchen Co. 29. The Business Spot 30. Bombshell Hair Boutique 33. Zoller Hardware

AT THE CROSSROADS

37. Landmark Realty Group

CHESTNUT SQUARE

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

EAST 64

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

VILLAGE WALK

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

Furniture Consignment 90. Gracewear Boutique

SOUTH 107

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

THE VILLAGE GREEN

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

WEST 64

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

DOWN 107 SOUTH

➡ Silver Run Reserve

VISIT CULLOWHEE

➡ Four Seasons Landscape

VISIT GLENVILLE

➡ Silver Creek Real Estate Group

VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY

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

➡ Town and Country General Store

VISIT SAPPHIRE:

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

VISIT SYLVA:

➡ Imperial Security

Cashiers, North Carolina

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

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