March 2021 Laurel Magazine by The Laurel Magazine of Highlands NC and Cashiers NC

a e

L UR L The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

Framing His Life Our cover artist, Dylan Lytle March 2021

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CON T E N T S March 2021

13 What To Do

16 Fingers Crossed, Bows Poised

43 Recreation & Creation 44 Spring’s Arrival

51 Arts

58 Art and Science

67 Dining

98 38

72 A Tasty Weekend in March

81 Shopping

82 Plateau Picks

93 History

95 Artist Henry LaCagnina

97 Lifestyles & Wellness 106 Algorithm Cataclysm

111 Giving Back

112 Becoming a Horse Dog

124 Commerce

Design on His Mind

124

Leadership Cashiers

125 Highlands Rock Yard

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VOLUME NINETEEN, ISSUE TWO

JANET CUMMINGS Managing Partner janet@thelaurelmagazine.com

MARJORIE CHRISTIANSEN Managing Partner marjorie@thelaurelmagazine.com

MICHELLE MUNGER Art Director mungerclan5@aol.com

SARAH FIELDING Account Manager sarah@thelaurelmagazine.com

LUKE OSTEEN Editor / Writer luke@thelaurelmagazine.com

DONNA RHODES Writer dmrhodes847@gmail.com

MARLENE OSTEEN WRITER marlene.osteen@gmail.com

MARY JANE MCCALL Writer mjmccall777@gmail.com

DEENA BOUKNIGHT Writer dknight865@gmail.com

THOMAS CUMMINGS Distribution Manager jothcu@yahoo.com

Publisher’s Note Welcome to March! As a month, it’s often relegated to third-tier status, especially when placed alongside its neighbors – February has the splash of passion that’s Valentine’s Day planted at its center, and April is when the promise of spring really takes flight. But we have a soft spot in our hearts for this misunderstood month. William McReynolds makes an impassioned defense of it on Page 30 in his warm, scholarly way, stuffed with facts and surprises. But we take a special delight in the community events and activities that are previewed on these pages, sprouting like daffodils on this Covidsmothered calendar. As it has since the time of the Cherokee, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is once more shaking off its winter slumber. Consider this issue your invitation to the Dance! Sincerely, Janet and Marjorie

Visit us online thelaurelmagazine.com phone 828.526.0173 email info@thelaurelmagazine.com mail Post Office Box 565 Highlands, North Carolina 28741

Contributing Writers: Jane Gibson Nardy, Mary Adair Trumbly, Sue Blair, David Stroud, William McReynolds, Sue Aery, Ann Self, Zach Claxton, Ashby Underwood, and Chris Wilkes Contributing Photographers: Susan Renfro, Greg Clarkson, Charles Johnson, Peter Ray, Terry Barnes and Kevin FitzPatrick Copyright © 2021 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.

WHAT TO DO Pages 14-38

photo by Charles Johnson

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Cold Spring

Pursuits

There are plenty of options for Cold Weather fun as winter shades into spring.

ne never knows from year to year how long winter might last in Western North Carolina. March can be late in the season to experience significant amounts of snow, sleet, and frigid temperatures. But in 1993, the area experienced one of the worst blizzards in history. Once the snow began to fall on March 12, 1993, it did not stop until three days later. Snowfall reached massive amounts in some areas: 20 to 40 inches. All that to say, local slopes always plan through March to continue offering such outdoor activities as skiing and snow tubing. The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts continued cold weather temperatures and

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a decent amount of precipitation through March in Western North Carolina. Conditions will likely be ideal, at least part of the month, for people to enjoy winter weather pursuits at Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center, Sapphire Valley Ski Area, and at the Highlands Ice Rink, which opened Nov. 19, 2020, and closes for the season on March 7. “Through March, we are still offering snow tubing and ice skating,” said Dow Harris, manager of Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center. And Sapphire Valley Ski Area provides daily condition snow reports for individuals interested in skiing, snowboarding, and/or tubing. Prices for March winter weather activities range from $5-$15 per hour for ice skating to $30 per two-hour sessions for snow

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photo by Greg Newington

tubing and up to $80 for an all-day lift ticket and rentals. Each facility provides details regarding rates, times, and necessity of scheduling appointments due to Covid-19 restrictions. After March, Highlands Ice Rink transitions back into Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, Sapphire Valley Ski Area offers ziplining, and Scaly Mountain has planned an offering of spring-through-fall warmer weather options. “Our trout fishing and gem mining operations should be operational again,” said Harris. “Our newly renovated restaurant will also be open. And we will begin making preparations to break ground on a Wiegand Alpine Coaster, but that won’t be completed until fall.” by Deena Bouknight

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Mark and Maggie O’Connor

fingers crossed

bows poised

Even a global pandemic won’t prevent Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival from drawing up plans for a lavish 40th Season. To stay up to date with all the plans and per formances, visit hcmusicfestival.org.

ith cautious optimism, Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival plans that we will be live again this summer to celebrate our milestone 40th anniversary season. We have a blockbuster lineup planned with more new musicians joining us than ever before, plus many of our favorites returning in creative and exciting programs. After the last year, we are bursting with excitement and cannot wait to be back in action. The season proper begins with a bang on July 2, welcoming multi Grammy Awardwinning sensation Mark O’Connor making his Festival debut in Bluegrass & Beethoven featuring both genres, and is followed on

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July 5 by the legendary Pinchas Zukerman returning to our stage for a special onetime-only concert. We’re thrilled that we could reschedule young superstar violinist Ray Chen to lead a crack group of players in Mendelssohn’s thrilling Octet for Strings, and also new this season are harpist Bridget Kibbey – called “the Yo-Yo Ma of the harp” and piano wizard Michael Gurt in The Virtuoso Piano. We welcome back the Ariel String Quartet, the dynamic cellist Zuill Bailey, and on our 40th, we will honor our Festival Founder Dr. Lucas Drew with a Founder’s Celebration featuring the ever-popular Trout Quintet by Schubert. Our final Gershon-Cohn Gala on August

8 will be presented in our new Cashiers home venue at the stunning new hall in the Village Green! The performance brings together two brilliant favorites: The Eroica Trio and violinist David Coucheron with the Festival Chamber Orchestra in The Eight Seasons – Vivaldi’s masterpieces interspersed with Astor Piazzolla’s seductive Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, performed by the Eroica. Please visit our website for complete information, make your plans now, and if all goes well, we will see you in the summer! by Nancy Aaron Executive Director, Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival

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A Thank You To

Visit Highlands

A long lineup of events and celebrations will restore a measure of life and generosity in the Highlands Community, ex tending far beyond the Plateau.

ighlands is the recipient of so many wonderful annual events, parties, concerts, galas, etc., it’s hard to keep up with which organization provides what. 2021 will be a return to all the fun we normally expect. Visit Highlands, NC / Highlands Chamber of Commerce is honored to provide the heart and hub of year-round happenings. Every Friday and Saturday night (May-October), outdoor concerts sound the call to lawn-dining, street-dancing, toe-tapping, kidromping, wine-sipping, rollicking (and occasional frolicking) good times. Visitors and residents say, “Thank you, Visit Highlands, North Carolina.” A rousing, patriotic concert and Fourth of July Fireworks 18 M a r c h 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

celebration are the mountain peak performance of summer. Here’s a shimmering shout-out …“Thank you, Visit Highlands.” As harvest approaches, Halloween on Main is ushered in with a chill in the air, literal and figurative, for the ghostie-goblins wail along the trails. Creep it real. Altogether now…“Thank you, Visit Highlands.” Light Up the Park is a want-to, have-to-, will-do heart-warming tree-lighting. It’s every bit as thrilling as the tree illumination at Rockefeller Center. Kids from 1 to 92 sing, “Thank you, Visit Highlands.” Not far behind is The Olde Mountain Christmas Parade. Santa makes his grand entrance and Rudolph shouts, “Thank you, Visit Highlands!”

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Americana Jones

And that’s not all. Kaye McHan, the Chamber’s Executive Director says, “We also are major sponsors and supporters for Highlands Food and Wine, Bear Shadow Music Festival, Highlands Motoring Festival, Highlands Art and Craft Shows, Highlands Chamber Music Festival, Highlands Performing Art Center, and many other offerings in Town.” Whew. Who knew? That’s a whole lot of ways to love where you live. We’re pretty sure that the Chamber’s core marketing program is a hard-working smile-generator that makes and keeps our village a happy one. Here’s to fun in 2021, and we all shout, “Thank you, Visit Highlands!” by Donna Rhodes

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Waking Up

from Winter

The Mountain knows how to make spring cleaning feel like a Retreat

he Mountain Retreat and Learning Center, a local non-profit camp, conference center and farm, has a long tradition of community wide campus care and clean-up during their “Work Weekend”, which takes place each Easter; this year on the weekend of April 2 - 4. The tasks undertaken during the annual ritual ranging from painting, trail maintenance, pressure washing, gardening, construction projects and repairs, brush clearing and Dillard Road litter trail maintenance and more - is a form of release, even play, an occasion for participants to reconnect with nature and each other. More than just a cleaning event, the weekend includes plenty of time for recreation, spacious socializing, hiking, scrumptious meals, evening

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campfires and Sunday worship service. Executive Director Beverly Cree observes that “everyone who attends benefits from a heightened sense of purpose through their contributions to our collective efforts.” And as Rachel Kinback, Guest Services Manager at The Mountain elaborated, “Work Weekend is a time of heightened energy. Just as the landscape begins to wake up we mimic that spirit of renewal by dedicating a few days to really tending to our shared spaces and making the Mountain the best it can for all of the visitors who will come in the season ahead. It’s a great time for folks who may be new to The Mountain to come and experience what its like to engage in our community.” Operating at limited capacity, the

Mountain has enacted measures including spacing out guests in meeting spaces and room accommodation in order to ensure physical distancing. That means that those spaces need look and function at their best and that takes people power. The family friendly, affordable weekend historically attracts visitors of all ages, including locals and travelers from throughout the Southeast. In exchange for helping hands, overnight accommodations have been steeply discounted, and delicious meals are included. For more information call The Mountain directly at 828-5265838 or visit themountainrlc.org. by Deena Bouknight

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the secret

season

During the winter to early-spring months, the Cashiers-Highlands high-elevation Plateau comes alive during a “secret season.”

uring the winter to early-spring months, the CashiersHighlands high-elevation Plateau comes alive during a “Secret Season.” A lot of these experiences get a lot of play, both here on the Plateau and far beyond. For instance, tubing and skiing at Scaly Mountain and in Sapphire draw in plenty of visitors looking for an authentic Winter in the Mountains experience. And the ice skating rink at Highlands’ KelseyHutchinson Founders Park has already won a passionate following. But one spectacular winter feature remains a mystery to both visitors and locals. More commonly known for its fall appearance, the Shadow of the Bear comes out of hibernation twice a year. From mid-February to early March, it makes an appearance for just 30 minutes on sunny days at 5:30 P.M. at the Rhodes Overlook on US 65 between Cashiers and Highlands. One advantage to seeking out the view at this time of year is that it

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doesn’t attract the number of viewers that its fall appearance engenders. Onlookers will enjoy an unobstructed view as a small dark shadow at the bottom of the Cashiers Valley grows until it finally evolves into the awe-inspiring bear. Be sure to bring your camera to capture this spectacular view as the sun sets behind iconic Whiteside Mountain.  The mountain, with an elevation of 4,930 feet, boasts sheer rock cliffs that are among the highest in the eastern United States. It provides a splendid setting for viewing leaves throughout autumn, especially during the emergence of the Shadow of the Bear. Be careful and watch out for busy highway traffic when parking and leaving the site. Rhodes Big View overlook is located along Highway 64, approximately four miles from Cashiers, heading towards Highlands. With vistas that range from Cold Mountain on the Parkway to Devil’s Courthouse on the shoulder of Whiteside, this breathtaking sight marks your entrance to Jackson County in a most memorable way.

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photo by Cynthia Strain www.cystrainphotos.com Parking is available, but of course, use caution crossing the road – there are a lot of rubberneckers behind the wheel at this inspiring vista. And if you can only visit Rhodes Big View after the middle of March, you can still be dazzled by the appearance of the Shadow. But due to the tilting of the earth’s axis, that ursine shadow morphs into other representatives of the Animal Kingdom. Use your imagination and you’ll witness the Shadow of the Anteater, or the Emergence of the Pregnant Beaver. Casting your gaze beyond the Bear Shadow, the Plateau’s mountainous winter topography reveals itself amid majestic trees along scenic corridors. The Panthertown Valley Trail features winter scenes of frozen waterfalls, scenic trails and panoramic views in what is known as the “Yosemite of the East.” Granite rock faces along the local byways are transformed by sparkling icicles. Even the icy running waters of the Tuckasegee River and the Cullasaja offer some of the best fishing during colder months. To learn more about the late winter possibilities to be found on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, visit cashiersareachamber.com and highlandschamber.org. 23 M a r c h 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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winter cover

photo contest

photo by Ryan Houser

photo by Pam Watts

photo by Melanie Selby

As we’re all focused on the arrival of spring, don’t forget those memories of winter. Laurel Magazine is saving a spot for you in its Winter 2022 Cover Photo Contest.

hether you’re a professional photographer, or just someone who loves to capture the magic of the moment on your cell phone or pocket camera, The Laurel is offering you a chance to become a cover artist. That’s right, it’s the start of The Laurel’s Winter 2022 Cover Photo Contest. Every year, we ask our readers to share with us their vision of the Quintessential Highlands-Cashiers Plateau Winter. From the bright red flash of a cardinal or holly berry against the barren trees, to sunrises and sunsets that explode with color, or sunlight glistening on a freshly fallen snow, winter is a perfect time to 24 M a r c h 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

enjoy a few moments in nature with our cameras. Now some of you are saying that Winter 2020-2021 is an anomaly, that the near-balmy weeks, and days and days of rain were anything but a typical Plateau winter. Well, it’s true, there haven’t been sweeping vistas of snow or ponds locked in the grip of a hard-frozen layer of ice, but it’s been winter all the same. The forests are still hushed, the mountains look like they’re clothed in mouse fur, a bold cardinal can still light up the day with his exuberant plumage, and your neighbors still flash those absolutely irresist-

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photo by Nicole Russell

ible smiles as they fill their days with busyness. All of these are irreducible signposts of a Plateau Winter. Your winning photograph could be the cover of our 2022 Winter Edition. Pictured are some of our favorites from last year’s competition. One of these might be just the inspiration you need to capture your own winning shot. All you have to do is keep an eye open for the beauty of this, our quietest and most reflective season, and capture that moment on film. Aspiring cover artists should enter their seasonal and magazine appropriate shots at facebook.com/TheLaurelMagazine by March 31. Submitted photographs should be high resolution and must be of the Highlands-Cashiers area. Amateurs, professionals, young and old, are encouraged to join the fun and share the beauty of the season. by Luke Osteen

Point phone camera at QR code to enter and vote in the Laurel’s 2022 Winter Photo Cover Contest.

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how ‘bout

them apples?

The noble apple tree f inally gets its day in the sun with The Cashiers Historical Society’s Heritage Apple Day, set for Saturday, March 27 at the Cashiers Community Center.

pple history and tradition is taught and celebrated annually in March as Heritage Apple Day, hosted and presented by The Cashiers Historical Society. Not only do participants at this event glean knowledge of forefathers’ forbearance growing trees and harvesting fruit, but instruction is provided on how to DIY tree grafting. Plus, there are tree giveaways, apple treats, children’s activities, music, etc. This year’s annual Heritage Apple Day takes place Saturday, March 27 from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Cashiers Community Center. Americans consume an annual average of 26.3 pounds of apples, according to the U.S. Apple Association. Apples, in fact, are currently cultivated on 26,000 farms 26 M a r c h 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

nationwide with a yield of approximately 11 billion pounds. In Western North Carolina alone, 10,000 acres of orchards produce 75,000 tons of apples every year. While the only apples native to North America are crab apples, once called “common apples,” European apple cultivars brought seeds to the New World and apples thrived in many regions and became a staple in many settlers’ homes not only as fresh apples, but in pies, chutneys, butters, jellies, and more. Fresh apples and homemade apple goods were often used as payment and trade, especially in rural areas. Time-honored apple recipes circulated, and continue to circulate, throughout communities and families. T.R. Zachary’s apple house, built in 1883, holds significance for Heritage Apple Day

because his life conveys the importance of apples as a way of life and sustenance for the early inhabitants of the Plateau. During the mid-19th century, Zachary listed 21 varieties of apples he was either planting or grafting. As The Cashiers Historical Society shared on its website last May in “How do You Like Them Apples?,” “…one of the first things planted after the pioneers cleared their land was an apple orchard.” For more information about Heritage Apple Day, visit cashiershistoricalsociety. org. Health safety protocol pertaining to COVID-19 will be in place during the event. by Deena Bouknight

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All Around

Earth Day

A lower-key, more personal celebration is on tap for this year’s Ear th Day, set for April 22.

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ast April marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, celebrated this year on Thursday, April 22. While the global pandemic overshadowed an opportunity to focus globally on the reasons for an Earth Day – as well as altered activities and events surrounding it – local organizations and individuals are working to make sure Earth Day 2021 does not get buried due to an ongoing pandemic. As of the Laurel’s March issue publication date, much surrounding Earth Day, with its 2021 theme of “Restore Our Earth,” was yet to be set in stone. However, many local organizations, including the libraries, The Village Green in Cashiers, HighlandsCashiers Land Trust, Highlands Biological Foundation, and more will offer speakers, education, and activities on some scale in order to draw attention to ways the environment can be protected. “Last year, we shared many resources for folks online about what other organizations were doing for Earth Day, and we will more than likely do that again this year, especially since so many will still be virtual,” said Winter Gary, communications and events coordinator, Highlands Biological Foundation. In general, Gary said celebrating and recognizing

Earth Day is not just about one day but about remembering daily to “get outside when the weather is suitable.” She suggested on Earth Day and any day, “a stroll through the Botanical Gardens here at the Highlands Biological Station. It’s such a gorgeous area!” Some Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust properties at which to stroll and appreciate nature include: Sunset Rock, Brushy Face, and Satulah Mountain. Plus, there is Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Whiteside Mountain, and more, pointed out Gary. Finally, she said to look for opportunities for involvement in Earth Day community clean-up efforts; sign up for the Earth Challenge App, which “allows people to contribute to citizen science projects that help researchers;” and commit to recycling. Multiple recycling centers exist throughout Macon and Jackson counties to take such items as empty aluminum, steel, and aerosol cans, plastic containers, and mixed paper. The April edition of Laurel magazine will provide more details regarding this year’s Earth Day efforts. by Deena Bouknight

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suddenly

march

In like a lion, out like a lamb, March is so much more. And don’t forget to f ire up your waff le griddle and hoard your Oreos!

elcome March: officially the last of winter and first days of spring. How good is that?! The month of March has a long and interesting history. Appearing first on the Julian calendar, the early Roman calendar, March is today one of seven months with 31 days. The March equinox occurs on the 20th or 21st (the 20th in 2021), and marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. What March passes on to April is much improved over what it receives from February. This month’s name comes from the Latin Martius after Mars, the Roman god of war, copied and Latinized from the Greek god of war, Ares. Ares was impulsive and destructive; Mars was strong and

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protected Rome, the origin of all things martial. In March the Roman legions prepared for and began their spring campaigns. Imagine the centurions and their legions marching out of Rome to great fanfare in March. There’s more. In Roman mythology, Mars was the father of Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers succored by a she-wolf to become the founders of Rome. Mars was a major god in the Roman pantheon. Where Jupiter held a lightning bolt, Neptune a trident and Saturn a scythe, Mars held a shield and spear symbolized as a circle with an arrow protruding from it. We are familiar with this as a gender symbol: . I wouldn’t and couldn’t make this stuff up! March holds many commemorative days. March 2 is Texas

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Mutual Support Both Alber t Carlton-Cashiers Community Librar y and Hudson Librar y have access to vast collections of books, DVDs and CD books.

Pileated Woodpecker by William McReynolds

Independence Day, the 3rd is World Wildlife Day, the 5th Employee Appreciation Day, and Saturday the 6th National Oreo Day. International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8, World Sleep Day on the 12th and Daylight Saving Time begins on the 14th. Saint Patrick’s Day is the 17th, the International Day for the Right to Truth is the 24th, and Passover begins on the 27th. March 30 is National Doctors’ Day, and the 31st is Manatee Appreciation Day. Oh, and I forgot, March 25th is International Waffle Day. So, what’s with the woodpecker? Mars had three animal consorts: the wolf, the bear and the woodpecker. In myth, woodpeckers helped feed Mars’ twin sons in their infancy. A statue on the Appian Way near Rome depicted Mars with a wolf, bear and woodpecker. This is a noble bird. So are they all, noble birds. .

by William McReynolds

ocal libraries have always provided vast resources to communities. However, there are ways for communities to support libraries as well. First a personal story about the former. I contacted Carlyn Morenus, branch librarian, Hudson Library, and Serenity Richards, branch librarian, Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, about a new book that I wanted to read about early 20th century journalists. It turns out that Citizen Reporters: S.S. McClure, Ida Tarbell, and the Magazine That Rewrote America, by Stephanie Gorton was in the statewide library system, outside the Fontana Regional Library system. They not only tracked it down, but within two weeks I had the book. “We have several ways to obtain books and other library materials for patrons,” said Morenus. “First, of course, we look in our own collection. But if we don’t happen to own what the patron is looking for, we can often get it quickly from another branch of Fontana Regional Library. This includes brand-new books. And if that doesn’t pan out, there are over 250 libraries in the NC Cardinal library consortium. We lend and borrow between libraries constantly, and it usually takes about a week, maybe two, to get something from even a far-flung library. The only caveat is that we can’t borrow brand-new books from other library systems.” Richards informed that each library system’s general policy is to keep newly released books for the first six months so their own local patrons understandably have first access. All options offered by libraries are free for patrons. Thus, branch librarians encourage patrons not to hesitate asking library staff to track down books. Also, for items not yet in any NC Cardinal library, patrons can make a request for that item to be added to the collection. This can be done by calling a local library or asking in-person at the desk. “Purchasing budgets are not infinite, but we’re usually able to accommodate these requests,” added Morenus. Regarding how communities can support libraries, other than to patronize them regularly, Fontana Regional Library branches have Friends of the Library groups, which welcome volunteers. The groups oversee sales of used library books at some local stores or during periodic sales. by Deena Bouknight

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Chuck Leavell,

the Tree Man

Bear Shadow Festival Rock Star Chuck Leavell’s long, strange journey began with the magic of Ray Charles and led through worldwide fame with The Rolling Stones, before ending up in the deep woods outside Macon, Georgia.

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Chuck Leavell

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huck Leavell’s extraordinary talents as a mega rock and roll star and legendary pianist will be on full display on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22. For this astonishing occurrence, entitled “An Evening with Chuck Leavell: Tree Man,” Bear Shadow Festival organizers will join with The Farm at Old Edwards to kick off the weekend and benefit the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust. Diehard Stone fans know Chuck Leavell as the “Fifth Rolling Stone.” He’s played with the band for 37 years, joining between the Tattoo You and Undercover albums. There are many who think Leavell, the resident piano maestro, is the big reason that the Stones are still well rocking into their fifth decade. But the original source of Leavell’s own piano style was Ray Charles, whom he had seen perform at the coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 1966 when he was 13. He decided then, “that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life.” He joined the

Allman Brothers band in 1971, before Greg Allman died, and in the late 70’s started his own band. For a while in the 70’s he was, as he says, “at loose ends,” but by the early 80’s he hooked up with The Stones – he’s since played on every album except one. In 2009 he started the premier website for environmental news, The Mother News Network. The Evening with Chuck Leavell includes a special viewing of Leavell’s documentary, a meet & greet, musical surprises and tapas style dining. All net proceeds from the event benefit the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, a 501(c)(3) organization. Sponsors of the affair are Bear Shadow, Old Edwards Inn & Spa and Laurent Perrier. Tickets are $250 per person. More information about this event and the festival can be found at bearshadownc.com. by Marlene Osteen

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power of

dreams

The Highlands Motoring Festival is revving up for a June 10-13 return to the Plateau. For more information, visit highlandsmotoringfestival.com.

he 14th Annual Highlands Motoring Festival takes place June 10-13. The pandemic disrupted most 2020 events, but this year car enthusiasts are motoring ahead with plans for the annual fun fundraiser. One of the main attractions surrounding the Highlands Motoring Festival is the Saturday, June 12, Cars in the Park, a juried display of approximately 100 specially selected vintage and innovative automobiles from around the world. The theme for 2021 is Pure Bloods d’Italia, with a spotlight on such foreign makes as Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini. Historic and new classics also expected on display in the heart of Highlands include Porsche, Jaguar, BMW, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Packard, and more.

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Other Highlands Motoring Festival activities that draw spectators, car enthusiasts, and drivers from far and near to the Thursday through Sunday event are One Lap of the Mountains, which involves two days of drives through a course of mountain roads in Western North Carolina, evening socials, presentations and discussions by renowned automotive experts, a parade of classic automobiles, and High Octane, a casual car show open to any interesting automobile. However, the fun, all-volunteer organized event has a greater purpose. Net proceeds benefit local charities. This year, REACH of Macon County, Literacy Council of Highlands, and the Community Care Clinic have been selected as charity partners. While spectator entry to the show field is free, a contribution to selected charities is encouraged and appreciated. Another component of the 2021 Highlands Motoring Festival is

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Artwork by Klaus Wagger

alignment with Bascom Center on a theme called Celebrate Art + Automobile. A special exhibition at the Bascom, “Freewheeling: The Allure of the Automobile in Contemporary Art” runs from May 11–August 21. The special exhibition in the Bascom’s Bunzl Gallery will feature works of renowned international automotive artists, including canvas, paper, and sculpture. Additionally, a rotating display of extremely rare and unique automobiles will be available to visitors. Covid-19 safety protocols will be in place if still necessary in June. For more information, contact Highlands Motoring Festival Co-Chair Mark Chmar, at mchmar@gmail.com, or visit highlandsmotoringfestival.com. by Deena Bouknight

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W H AT TO DO

joy garden

tour

The Joy Garden Tour, set for July in Cashiers, is a mar velous tonic for the stresses of this Covid-battered year.

he Joy Garden Tour in Cashiers showcases the area’s most spectacular gardens. This biennial event always features diverse landscapes from peaceful woodland settings to intimate cottage gardens. The theme for the tour in July this summer is Wonders of Waterfalls and Wildflowers. Proceeds from the event benefit The Village Green, Cashiers’ 13+ acre privately conserved park for public enjoyment. Like most events impacted by prevailing measures associated with the coronavirus pandemic, organizers of this year’s tour are making plans to ensure the safety of guests, volunteers, and garden owners. Tour benefactors will have an exclusive VIP experience that includes private and semiprivate tours of the featured gardens July 1617. They will also be invited to a special epicure

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picnic supper in the park at The Village Green on Thursday, July 15. Benefactor packages are limited. For information about benefactor packages, email director@cashiersgreen. com to learn more. During the weekend of the Joy Garden Tour, a pop-up boutique shopping experience will be each day from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road. The Village Shops includes more than 35 select vendors with items to appeal to garden and floral enthusiasts, but the shops also include a discriminating collection of personalized items, gourmet food, distinctive home accents, beauty products, clothing, jewelry and more. The Joy Garden Tour is named in memory of Carolyn Joy Dean who gave generously

to help establish The Village Green in the center of Cashiers. Through the dedicated efforts of volunteers who share her spirit, Joy Garden Tour raises money for conservation and improvements to The Village Green for area residents and visitors to enjoy. Additional information about other plans for Joy Garden Tour will be announced in early May. Be sure to subscribe to The Village Green regular email newsletter to receive updates. To learn about the tour, including the shops, as well as The Village Green visit villagegreencashiersnc.com. by Ann Self, Executive Director of The Village Green

W H AT TO DO

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W H AT TO DO

M A RCH “March is a tomboy with tousled hair, a mischievous smile, mud on her shoes and a laugh in her voice.” – Hal Borland

• Highlands Food Pantry Open, 3:15 to 5:30 P.M., behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church. • A Garden in Every Season Virtual Tour, 11:30 AM Highlands Biological Station, (828) 526-2623.

• Tuesday Boozeday at The Bridge, 3:00 to 4:00 P.M., reservations required. (828) 526-5500 , thebridgeatmillcreek. com.

• Highlands Food Pantry Open, 3:15 to 5:30 P.M., behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church.

• Tuesday Boozeday at The Bridge, 3:00 to 4:00 P.M., reservations required. (828) 526-5500 , thebridgeatmillcreek.com.

• Highlands Food Pantry Open, 3:15 to 5:30 P.M., behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church.

• Tuesday Boozeday at The Bridge, 3:00 to 4:00 P.M., reservations required. (828) 526-5500 , thebridgeatmillcreek.com.

View the complete Highlands Cashiers Plateau Calendar

• National Theatre Live: War Horse, 3:00 PM, PAC, highlandsperformingarts. com.

• Highlands Food Pantry Open, 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church. • Highlands Wine Shoppe Weekly Wine Tasting with Annelize, 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Call (828) 526-4080 or email highlandswineshoppe@ gmail.com for more info.

• Tuesday Boozeday at The Bridge, 3:00 to 4:00 P.M., reservations required. (828) 526-5500 , thebridgeatmillcreek.com.

• Betsy Paul Art Raffle, benefiting Cashiers-Glenville Fire Deparment. Drawing 5:00 P.M. For tickets call (828) 743-0880.

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• Book Signing and Tasting by Amanda Wilbanks, noon to 2:00 P.M. Acorns Boutique. Visit halfmilefarm.com/ amandawilbanks for more information.

• Mountain Findings open from 10-1pm. Cash and checks only and masks and social distancing required! (828) 526-9929.

• Cashiers Historical Society Heritage Apple Day: 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Cashiers Community Center.

• Mini Hand Pies Demonstration, by Amanda Wilbanks, 5:00 to 6:00 P.M.. Half-Mile Farm. Visit halfmilefarm.com/ amandawilbanks for more information.

• Mountain Findings open from 10-1pm. Cash and checks only and masks and social distancing required! (828) 526-9929.

All the events that we’ve previewed here may not happen when their appointed time arrives.

Please be sure and call ahead before attending. 38

WHAT TO DO

RECREATION

OUTDOORS

DINING

THE ARTS

LIFEST YLES

40 the Heart of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau delivered monthly to your mailbox | thelaurelmagazine.com/shop Have M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

.Love has arrived CREATION

OUTDOORS

SHOPPING

WELLNESS

a e

L UR L 41

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RECREATION & CREATION photo by Charles Johnson

Pages 44-49

OUTDOORS

spring’s

arrival

The arrival of warmer weather and the presence of unpredictable hatches means that local streams are once more the arenas for Close Encounters of The Finned Kind.

ou can smell it, feel it, and hear it. Spring’s arrival hits all senses, it’s a feeling as much as it is a time of year. For the outdoor enthusiast, it is like hearing the starting pistol fire off at a race...it’s time to go, go soak up mother nature waking back up! It’s a magical time of year, everything seems to happen all at once. Wildflowers bloom, trees bud, and songbirds sing. The rivers and streams come alive, too. As the spring sun starts to send water 44 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

temperatures on the rise, the fish that live in them that have been rather sluggish all winter start to feed vigorously. Bugs that live in the rivers also feel the presence of spring. It’s time for many of these bugs to mate and lay their eggs for future generations. In order to do this, the bugs must swim to the surface, shed their exoskeleton, and transform into flying insects. This is a “hatch.” A hatch is a somewhat mythical term used by fly fishing enthusiasts in the

mountains of North Carolina because our hatches aren’t as predictable and profuse as those in other regions. But nevertheless they do happen, and they are a blast to fish. The equation of fish waking up from winter, and a “hatch” happening, makes for some of the best and most exciting fishing of the year! There is a lot of technical literature, and scientific names and terms out there that surround the sport of fly fishing for trout,

OUTDOORS

and especially referencing “hatches.” This can be confusing and off-putting to a lot of people wanting to enjoy the sport. Trust me, it really doesn’t have to be that complicated. What you need to know is that trout eat aquatic bugs (bugs that live underwater). In order to catch a trout on a fly rod, you must make your fly (bait) look and act like what they eat. To learn more about how to fully enjoy the great sport of fly fishing, the best place to start is your local fly shop…it’s what we are here for! by Matt Canter, Brookings Fly Shop

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OUTDOORS

it’s good to

be king

The female Belted Kingf isher is recognized by her splendid feathered f iner y. She’s cour ted by the slavish attention of her mate.

his large colorful bird can be seen year-round on our Plateau. The stocky adult reaches a length of 11-14 inches with a large head, shaggy crest, large protruding bill, blue dorsal plumage, white belly, rufous chest band, and black wingtips with white spots spreading to 20 inches. Its distinct image graces the $5 note in Canada. Belted Kingfishers (Megaceryle alcyon) are found across North America. Some breed in Canada during summer months and migrate to the lower 48 for the winter, extending down into Mexico and Central America. Others live all year widely distributed across the continental U.S., limited by available unfrozen lakes and ponds containing small fish. Their habitat is ponds and lakes, streams and estuaries, preferably near wooded areas. They characteristically hover above the surface of the water or occupy favored perching branches or poles near water

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where they spot small fish below and dive down, head first, to nab their prey. They frequently return to the same spotting perch when on the hunt. Their diet includes small fish, water bugs, frogs, insects and lizards. Unusual in avifauna, the female Belted Kingfisher is more colorful than the male. He courts her in all her beauty by bringing her food. If the pair bond is made, the male and female share all the nesting duties. The two excavate a long burrow, a mostly horizontal tunnel near water’s edge running up to six-feet and holding the nest. There, underground, five to eight eggs are incubated by both parents for 2224 days. The chicks leave the burrow after four weeks of dual parental care. Some males take the lead in feeding the chicks. The couple might raise two broods in a breeding season. This widespread but uncommon visitor is easily recognized by its distinctive call in flight. The loud, rapid trill is less a note than a long

OUTDOORS

sweet

Erika Mason,

spring swing

Erika tees up some sensible steps to recapture your sweet Spring Swing.

S Belted Kingfisher by William McReynolds

rising rattle: chrrrrrrRRRRRR. If you hear this call near water and can follow the bird in flight, you might have a good look at it after it lands on its spotting perch. If it leaves the perch, stay fixed on the spot as the kingfisher is likely to return to the same branch, pole or wire. Happy March Birding from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. The mission of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society is to provide opportunities to enjoy and learn about birds and other wildlife and to promote conservation and restoration of the habitats that support them. HPAS is a 501(c)(3) organization, a Chapter of the National Audubon Society. Visit highlandsaudubonsociety.org for information on membership and all activities. by William McReynolds, Highlands Plateau Audubon Society

pring is right around the corner, which means it’s time to trade the firewood for the 5 wood. It’s always exciting to get back out on the golf course after a long layoff, but that excitement may also be met with some anxiety. Obviously, we’d like to pick up right where we left off in the fall, but if you were unable to dedicate time to your golf game (Guilty as charged!) you can expect for your swing to need some “thawing out.” You didn’t necessarily forget how to play golf during the break, you just forgot what it felt like. In particular, you may have lost your rhythm, timing, and tempo. Before you head back on the golf course for the season try to get in a range session to knock the rust off. Why the practice range and not straight to the course? Because you will have the opportunity to hit 100+ balls, and repetition improves rhythm and feel. You may not hit every single club in your bag, but take the time to hit a variety of clubs i.e. at least one wedge, two irons, a hybrid, a fairway wood, and driver. Focus on the fundamentals that you can control like your grip, posture, and alignment. Swing within yourself. When you swing make slow, deliberate swings where you can feel solid contact and finish in a balanced position. Once you finish on the range head over to the practice greens to get some reps in putting, pitching, and chipping. Dedicating a couple hours at the practice facility is a great way to help you start to feel like a golfer again. When you step back out on the golf course for the first time this season think of channeling your inner Ernie Els or Fred Couples. Save the Bryson DeChambeau swing for July. by Erika Mason, PGA Director of Instruction, Old Edwards Club and The Saddle at GlenCove

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The Mighty

Armadillo

Thanks to milder winters, Armadillos have ambled onto the HighlandsCashiers Plateau.

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ike many, we are thrilled to finally have 2020 behind us. Last year not only ‘gifted’ us with a global pandemic but, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it was the hottest year on record for global land temperatures. When land and sea temperatures were considered, 2020 came just 0.04 degrees Fahrenheit (0.02 degrees Celsius) shy of tying 2016 for warmest year on record – a minute difference if you ask me. While record temperatures are impressive, other impacts of climate change are slower and considerably smaller. For instance, as the climate warms, North Carolina and many other states have been experiencing milder winters, and one critter in particular seems to be responding – the Nine-banded Armadillo. Native to Central and South America, the Ninebanded Armadillo migrated to the southern U.S. in the 19th century and has rapidly expanded its range both north and east. While its armored exterior helps protect it from potential predators, its lack of insulating fat and inability to hibernate make it vulnerable to harsh winters. As winters become more mild in many states, the armadillos are able to survive in areas that may not have been suitable for them in the past; areas

such as Western North Carolina and the HighlandsCashiers Plateau. The first documented sighting of this armored mammal in North Carolina occurred in 2008. Since then, sightings have been reported in almost half the counties in the state. Staff at the Highlands Nature Center have received several calls in the last year regarding armadillo sightings in Highlands and surrounding areas, so there is a chance you may see one as well. If you spot an armadillo in North Carolina, you can snap a photo and upload it, along with the sighting location, to inaturalist.org as part of the NC Armadillo Project. This project’s goal is to help the NC Wildlife Resources Commission determine the range of Nine-banded Armadillos in the state so keep your eyes peeled! For more information, visit inaturalist.org/projects/ nc-armadillo or contact us at (828) 526-2623. The Highlands Nature Center is part of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University. by Winter Gary Communications & Events Coordinator, Highlands Biological Foundation

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ARTS Pages 52-63

photo by Charles Johnson

AA RR TT SS

framing

his life

For photographer Dylan Ly tle, capturing the drama embedded within the Wild Places lies at the hear t of his ar t.

how photographer Dylan Lytle (rhymes with vital) a vista or a landscape, and he’ll capture its aesthetic. More than that…he’ll nail it. At a mere 21 years of age, that’s pretty darn impressive. Even more impressive, while his family solidly supports his full-

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time work as a photographer, not one of them has a background in the arts. Dylan simply fell in love with landscapes in high school, all on his own. Now, four years later he’ll walk miles of rugged terrain just to capture a perfect moment where the light is exquisite and the

composition divine. Divine is the key word here, for it’s elemental to his choice of vocations. He works for Community Bible Church as a video and still photographer. That spiritual pull extends to his wife and home, his family, and the land of Western Carolina.

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His favorite shooting spot is Linville Gorge. That’s where he proposed to his wife. Places like Linville become ‘scapes with stories to tell. He’s a solo artist, going on his quests accompanied only by his SLR digital. But in the not-too-distant future he and his wife plan on going to the Pacific Northwest several times a year to capture the seasonal shifts. To set his visual stage, he employs unusual angles, bokeh or blur in fore- or

background to accentuate the focal point, and atmospherics. Drama, shadow and light are important to him, but he keeps things natural-looking…no super-exaggeration is added in the editing suite. Dylan feels blessed with his talent. He enjoys sharing it with adults and children. He was teaching before 2020 and looks forward to resuming that when Covid is no longer a threat. Preserving the pristine forests and vistas is important to Dylan.

He says, “I am really big on land conservation. Another reason I like the photography is to show how beautiful the area is. Seeing it helps people appreciate and respect it.” To see more of Dylan’s work, visit dylanlytlephotography.com or Dylan Lytle Photography on Facebook, or Lytle Photography on Instagram. by Donna Rhodes

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design on

his mind

“To be an inventor you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” -Thomas Edison This Month’s Feature Ar tist, Jonathan Langberg, has taken Mr. Edison’s advice to hear t.

onathan Langberg was a redeemer of tossed things when repurposing wasn’t cool. Now he’s celebrated for his trash-totreasure designs: clocks reconfigured from old TVs; paper-covered hanger wire lamps suggesting kites of light in the sky…or at least in the ceiling; Jonathan’s mother, also an artist, noted 54 M a r c h 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

his talent early on and began nurturing his sculptor’s eye for line, shape, form. Marrying the mechanical (utensils, tools, gears, wheels) to the organic (creatures and all things growing) is Jonathan’s passion. The end result…an owl with fork tine feathers and spoon bowl eyes or an octopus with flatware legs and a head made of a sugar shell spoon.

Even though Jonathan has been drawn to the arts his whole life, he laughingly says, “I am a semi-retired (as of last year) cardiologist at Emory University. Currently, my career is Art and my hobby, Cardiology.” Doctoring is a whole lot of left brain calculation and stress. Art is right brain, imaginative work. There’s not a lot of cross-over. You can’t repair an aorta

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Jill & Jonathan Langberg

with a repurposed vacuum cleaner part. Jonathan’s medical and art skills satisfy both sides of his brain. And he puts a lot of heart into his operation. Most of Jonathan’s artwork is functional: clocks, lighting, weathervanes, furniture, coat racks. Like most artists, he wakes up with design on his mind and races to the studio, his beagle Charlie, aka Little Big Mouth, tottering behind. He’ll pass his wife along the way, she launching her day with canvas and brush, painting an

abstract. Occasionally they collaborate on projects, the whole often larger than the sum of its parts. As Edison suggests, Jonathan amasses laurel branches, barn doors, silverware, cardboard, bicycle parts, and much more for his inspiration. He’ll get in a clock groove and crank them out for days. Or furniture will be the focus of the week. He goes with his artistic flow. The cool thing about retirement is he gets to make clocks at his leisure, without having

to punch them. Catch Jonathan at Highlands Marketplace or email him at jlangbe@emory.edu. by Donna Rhodes

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Passion for Programming

Highlands Playhouse’s embrace of innovative practices and an unstoppable “Let’s Put on A Show!” attitude ensures that live theater will sur vive on the Plateau.

Marshall Carby

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e can all testify that last year was an avalanche of Stuff Happens. And when it did, Highlands Playhouse got busy. With Green Room renovation, new bar construction, and putting paint-where-there-ain’t, the board, patrons, and supporters have readied the Playhouse for action…whenever the vaccine kicks in, the health officials give us the allclear, and the curtain can rise. Marshall Carby, Highlands Playhouse’s new Artistic Director shares, “Whatever the 2021 season will look like, no one knows for certain. We’ve prepared contingency after contingency after contingency. But what we do know. . . plenty of research and passion have gone into 2021’s planning. We’ll continue the high quality programming we have reliably delivered in the past eight decades.” The theater experience is evolving not just locally, but globally. The selection of actors,

set designers, technical staff, etc., is now done digitally. If absence makes the heart grow fonder, this year’s first live audience response will rattle the rafters and rumble the floor. Carby has been with the Playhouse for six seasons. He and his scenic director wife spend the symphony season in Omaha and the theater season in Highlands. Steeped in the arts, he is truly an art-trepreneur and he was the perfect talent and guide to see the community through this difficult time. Carby and the board extend their gratitude to the residents and visitors, with thanks for undying support. “We hear from the community day after day, asking about an opening date,” Carby says. “That kind of excitement is very motivating for me and for the board. We want to bring the shows back. Our long-term supporters deserve a great season. Thank you to those who have supported us in the

past season and in getting us through Covid. When stage lights go up, it’s you who light up our lives and make our hard work a joy.” More than ever, donations are deeply appreciated. Visit highlandsplayhouse.org to learn more about our latest happenings. by Donna Rhodes

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about Highlands Playhouse

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art and

science

Deb Shannan, Palladium Prints

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2021 Photography Ar tist in Residence Deb Shannan brings an astonishing perspective on the secret life of plants to The Bascom.

n its fifth year, The Bascom’s photography residency has grown as an essential component of the organization’s mission. Attracting photographers from across the country, this unique residency opportunity not only benefits the resident artist through a variety of professional development opportunities, but also serves the community through important education programs for local students and adults. Selected artists are given the time and space to further their studio practice, and to create a body of work for exhibition. For 2021, the exhibition opportunity has been elevated to a location in the Joel Gallery at The Bascom, demonstrating the increased importance placed on the program. The Bascom Photography Residency also plays a key role in bringing talented artists to our area to share their unique perspective with our communities and visitors. In February, the recipient of the 2021 Photography Residency, Deb Shannan, arrived to begin her three-month immersive experience at The Bascom. A lifelong fine art botanical photographer, she also had a 28-year career as a science teacher, experience well suited to her role at The Bascom. Regarding her approach to photography, Deb states, “My photography lies at the intersection of botanical art and science…I observe patterns echoed throughout the natural world that are the result of evolutionary adaptations, local geography, and seasonal changes. For me, observing the intricate tapestries of plant patterns found in the world sparks both scientific and aesthetic questions and brings forth a desire to explore and discover more about nature’s awe inspiring designs.” As well as creating work for exhibition, Deb will be instructing classes and workshops at The Bascom. She will be leading our continued partnership with Macon STEM at Macon Middle School to provide supplemental STEM programming in the classroom using her knowledge of science and photography. Please join The Bascom in welcoming Deb Shannan to Western North Carolina.

by Billy Love Creative Director, The Bascom

Point phone camera at QR code for more information about The Bascom.

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Highlands Cashiers

Art League

The happy products of the Highlands-Cashiers Ar t League’s freewheeling Ar t Camps are on proud display at the Highlands Civic Center.

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n the December, 2020 edition of the Laurel, we featured a painting done by Art League member Cynthia Kinard that today is located in the Church of the Incarnation. The Art League of Highlands-Cashiers is the original formal organization of artists on the Plateau, having existed for more than fifty years. The Episcopal Church is one of four Highlands venues that house artistic legacy works produced by Art League of Highlands-Cashiers members. This month we feature another venue, the Rec Park’s Civic Center, where a permanent collection of works produced by children participating in the League’s Summer Art Camp are on display. These pieces are found in the lobby, hallways and elsewhere in the building. The Camp is sponsored by the Art League and the Rec Park for eight weeks during the summer each year. Under the tutelage of a professional instructor and League volunteers, children work on a variety of individ-

ual take-home projects and also collaborate on a group project that is donated to the Rec Park at the end of camp. If you have never been in the building, or if you have been but have not noticed this artwork, we recommend that you visit once it’s safe to do so. The Art Camp has been run since 2007 (except last year, of course), so there are many pieces to enjoy. We think you will be impressed by the quality and creativity of the children’s work. There are totem poles and fish and landscapes, and a representation of the solar eclipse, and…you get the idea. It’s truly remarkable to see the talent and imagination of area youth. For more information about the Art League, visit its updated website at artleagueofhighlands-cashiers.com. by Zach Claxton,

Art League of Highlands-Cashiers

Searching for

arts and culture on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau?

thelaurelmagazine.com/culture

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Good Things

Are Coming The Highlands Per forming Ar ts Center is shaking off the 2020 pandemic slumber with an optimistic per formance calendar, laced with a few surprises. For more information, visit HighlandsPerformingArts.com.

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he Highlands Performing Arts Center is gearing up for the 2021 Season (optimistically.) The Season has been booked. The Membership campaign has begun. Vaccinations have started. Hopefully, we’ll see you all at PAC in the next few months. The season will feature the favorite bluegrass group Seldom Scene; a countertenor, Terry Barber with Tony nominee Grace Fields; the comedy, Men Are From Mars/Women Are From Venus; retro rock/yacht rock with a tribute to Neil Diamond by Neil Zirconia; Broadway by Bravo Amici (formerly Amici Forever); more retro rock with Fleetwood Mask; and even more bluegrass with Sideline on Thanksgiving weekend. In order to get first selection on reserved seating, become a member of the Performing Arts Center. The Membership brochure is entirely online this year. Log onto HighlandsPerformingArts.com, select PAC and follow the prompts. There is a video to help guide you through the process, if needed.

You can order your membership, select and reserve your seats, all online. Membership levels and benefits remain the same as last year – discounted and complimentary tickets, complimentary beverages, first choice of seats, and more. Since Covid-19 is still a large part of our lives, the PAC is enhancing our HVAC system, working with engineers to improve the air exchange in the auditorium. Before each event the entire lobby, auditorium, rest rooms and back stage will be sanitized with a hospital-grade disinfectant. Masks will be required, hand sanitizer and wipes will be available. Construction on the new building will begin in late spring. The contract has been signed with the architectural firm of Lord Aeck Sargent. With a completion date in time for our 2022 Season. Good things are coming! Please support PAC by becoming a Member. Go online to HighlandsPerformingArts.com, and click on PAC. It’s that easy. by Mary Adair Trumbly, Highlands Performing Arts Center

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DINING Pages 68-76

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scrumptious

indulgences

A long, languid visit to Hummingbird Lounge, located in the hear t of Old Edwards Inn, is the per fect tonic for quarantine-induced sluggishness. It’s open to the public for lunch daily, from 11:30 A .M. to 2:00 P.M. For Old Edwards Inn hotel guests only, light fare is ser ved from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.; and Dinner 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.

hope it’s obvious that there’s an undeniable optimism and energy infusing this issue of Laurel. Page after page of springtime events, the Audubon Report, even Highlands Biological Foundation’s announcement of the arrival of armadillos on Plateau – I can’t help feeling invigorated. These are good things, and you can’t help but feel a little frisson of excitement. But part of my sunny disposition is almost certainly the result of a languid lunch at Old Edwards Inn’s Hummingbird Lounge. I reveled in the sweet indulgence of carefully crafted dishes, wisely chosen adult beverages (from a very clever bar and a deeply

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stocked wine cellar, and a full catalog of craft beers), and, this is important, quicksilver conversations with friends punctuated with sudden insights and off-kilter laughter. Every element of this afternoon was precious in these Covid-cramped times. The salons of Europe understood these essentials. During his exile from France, Voltaire cultivated his Enlightened ideals while indulging in lengthy conversations in the salons of Berlin, Geneva, Strasbourg, and Amsterdam. You can bet that those chat sessions were lively, and the meals were generous and, this being Voltaire, the wine flowed in cascades. And of course, it’s a certainty that Lord

Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley and his beloved Mary had long evenings in the taverns of Lake Geneva before inclement weather kept them inside Byron’s estate for a gray weekend of creativity and terror. And while we’re on the subject, let’s consider the salons and bistros and taverns of Paris that seduced and ensorcelled the Lost Generation in the 1920s. All of these places at all of these critical times fostered a sense of engagement and the freedom to synthesize new ideas and new artistic and cultural sensibilities. And that’s what Hummingbird Lounge offers to those who hunger for a bit of lively conversation shared over groaning tables of

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food and generous pours. What a precious commodity, and a callback to a more langourous, genteel time. The place is designed for easy conversation and sophisticated dining. There’s an almost irresistible library setting of overstuffed chairs and a sofa in front of a carefully tended fireplace. Settle in here, and it’ll take a spatula to get you out of your seat and back out into the real world. If you manage to resist plopping yourself in this easy fireplace vignette, you’ll find yourself in a cozy lounge with tall bistro tables and plush chairs along the perimeter. This is where we settled in for our opulent salon session. As I noted above, it was essential to those socially satisfying salons that they offer generous dishes and liberal refreshments. And here again, Hummingbird Lounge follows those venerable traditions. During the course of our blessedly unhur-

ried conversations, we enjoyed and (safely) shared Smoked Mountain Trout Dip, Hummus, Chicken Potato Soup, an extraordinary Painted Hills Farm Burger, (Sister Restaurant) Madison’s Chicken Salad Sandwich, Southern Fish & Chips, Shrimp & Grits – all of this capped with slices of the startling Butternut Squash Cheesecake and a pair of showstopping servings of Coca Cola Cake. Our conversations were enhanced with the inclusion of a Bloody Mary; Bären Toddy (Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur, Earl Grey Tea, and Lemon Juice); and the bistro-tested Boulevardier (Bulliet Rye Whiskey, Campari, and Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth). With all of this bounty, you’re probably wondering what grand things will come from this gathering of cultural powerhouses and avant garde activists. A 21st Century Candide? The Plateau version of The Great Gatsby? A bracing reconciliation between Hyperrealism and Postmodern Expressionism?

Well, sadly, our conversations danced between rants about the difficulty of not looking like you’d been held underwater for an extended period of time during a Zoom session; how binge watching can overrun your life; and, of course, stories about exceptional children and grandchildren. It is, after all, the 21st century. Hummingbird Lounge is open for every day, and Lunch is served from 11:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. and open to the public. For Old Edwards Inn hotel guests only, light fare is served from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.; and Dinner 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Beverages are served from 11:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. by Luke Osteen Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about Hummingbird Lounge.

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Lamb Meatloaf

with Riviera Sauce

Meritage Owner/Chef Andrea Schmitt slows down just enough to share a comfor t food that draws upon her rich family heritage.

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Andrea Schmitt

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n earlier days, Eugene Walters, the renowned Southern raconteur and teller of tales about food, referred to me as “Miss Mile-a-Minute.” That’s a title that would now be more aptly conferred on my much younger cohort– Andrea Schmitt, owner/chef at Meritage Restaurant. In her daily duties at the restaurant she buzzes about the property with quick, long strides speaking in a rapid succession of words. These days it’s rare to see a family dish in a fine-dining restaurant. But, Lamb Meatloaf, a dish inspired by Schmitt’s German Grandmother who took inspiration from her Italian Mother-in-Law, has been on the menu since the beginning. Lamb Meatloaf with Riviera Sauce Ingredients For the Lamb Meatloaf 1 tablespoon Sunflower or other Neutral Oil 1 medium Onion, finely chopped

1 Medium Carrot, finely chopped 1 t tablespoon Ground Cumin Ground Black Pepper to taste 1 lb. Ground Lamb ¼ cup Egg Whites – from 4 Egg Whites For the Riviera Sauce 1 jar Roasted Red Peppers - 12 to 14 oz. 1 small can Tomato Paste – 4 oz. 4 cloves Garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon Sugar 1 teaspoon Salt 1 teaspoon of Black Pepper 1 teaspoon Cumin 1 tablespoon White Vinegar 1 tablespoon Sunflower Oil Directions 1. Make the meatloaf: Heat oven to 350 degrees and grease a rimmed baking sheet with oil. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium. Add onions and carrots, stirring occasionally until softened about 8 minutes. Add cumin and black pepper and stir until aromatic – about 2 minutes.

2. Place the ground lamb in a large bowl. Add to onion and carrot mixture and mix until well blended. Add the egg whites and mix gently to combine, being careful to not overwork the meat. Shape into a meatloaf on the prepared pan, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. 3. Meanwhile make the Riviera Sauce. Combine tomato paste, garlic, sugar, salt and pepper, cumin, white vinegar and oil in a food processor blender and puree until mostly smooth. Add the red peppers, one at a time and pulse after each addition until smooth. 4. Remove meatloaf from the refrigerator and place on a middle rack in the preheated oven. Bake until nicely browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 160 degrees, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer meatloaf to a platter and let stand tented with foil, 10 to 15 minutes. Slice and drizzle with the Riviera Sauce. by Marlene Osteen

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A Tasty

Weekend in March

The singular pleasures of f ine whiskey and freshfrom-the-oven pie are celebrated on the Plateau with a series of Pi Day Weekend celebrations. For a full por trait of the fun, visit halfmilefarm.com.

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manda Wilbanks has spent most of the past decade transfixed by pie. From writing her best selling cookbook, Southern Baked: Celebrating Life with Pie, to overseeing three retail bakeries and a growing wholesale business, to forming alliances with retail powerhouses, she’s built a brand and a following. From March 12 through 14, she’ll bring her exuberance for pie to HalfMile Farm by Old Edwards for guests’ enjoyment. Throughout the weekend, this “Princess of Pie” will preside over a multitude of activities: – On Friday, March 12, a Mini Hand Pies Demonstration takes place from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Half-Mile Farm. The following day, Saturday, a book signing and tasting at Acorns Boutique from noon to 2:00 P.M. (open to the public) provides a jump-start to the Wilbanks credo that, “Pies make everyone

smile, and that the art of making a flaky, melt-in-your mouth crust, isn’t as intimidating as it seems.” Armed with a copy of Southern Baked, you’ll be able to make pies for all occasions, both savory and sweet. More than just pie recipes, Amanda shares a full menu with accompanying recipes for side dishes, appetizers and more. Her recipes range from simple yet sophisticated treats, like Chicken Dumpling Pie and Lemon Chess Pie to inventive dishes such as Pimento Cheese Pie Bites and Strawberries and Cream Pie Pops. Yet, while guests spend the weekend in the exaltation of pie, there is still another holiday and yet another Pi to honor. In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, a “Battle of the Barrels” will be waged with a Scotch, Bourbon and Irish Whiskey tasting on Saturday, March 13, and the holiday will inspire the hors’ d’oeuvres served during Friday and Saturday’s So-

cial Hours from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, all to the accompaniment of live music. By a very happy happenstance, on Sunday, March 14, the national holiday Pi Day is commemorated. For those unfamiliar, the physicist Larry Shaw, the “Prince of Pi,” created Pi Day in 1989, and Congress made it a national holiday in 2009. Originally a form of mathematical merrymaking, it has increasingly become a celebration of pie, as this irrational number had led to irrational cravings for pie. Truly Pie is having its moment – or weekend now. So whether you come for the math or the baked goods, joyful festivities await. Southern Baked cookbook, pies and more will be available throughout the weekend at HalfMile Farm. by Marlene Osteen

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Ad On Page

Take Out

Outdoor Dining

Live Entertainment

Dress Code

Reservations Recommended

Vegetarian Selections

Full Bar

Meals

The Restaurants of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Wine

Plateau Dining Guide

Children’s Menu

To see the most up-to-date information about dining on the plateau visit thelaurelmagazine.com/restaurants

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS 64 Highlands Plaza

4118 Kitchen + Bar

460 Main Street

The Bistro at Wolfgang’s Bridge at Mill Creek Don Leon’s at The High Dive Fire + Water Restaurant Fressers Courtyard Cafe

445 North 4th Street

(828) 526-5500

L, D

n n n

C n n 75

476 Carolina Way

(828) 200-0388

L, D

n n n n

C n n 70

Reservations Required

(828) 526-4446

B, L n n C n

n n n C n n 73

Village Square, 470 Oak Street (828) 526-4188

L ,D

n n n C n n 71

350 S. Fifth Street Smallwood Avenue

Lakeside Restaurant

455 Main Street Highlands, NC 490 Carolina Way

Meritage Bistro

L, D

(828) 526-2110

n n 70

(828) 526-9419 D n n n n n NC n n n 75 (828) 787-2525 L n n n NC n L, D, SB

(828) 526-1019

470 Skyline Lodge Rd

Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge On the Verandah

(828) 526-3807 D n n n n NC n n

L ,D

The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering

Hummingbird Lounge

n C n 71

n n

465 Main Street (828) 787-2990

Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar *

L, D, SB

(828) 526-5002

n n n C n n n

9 4

OPENING SOON 66 n n n n C n n 77

Highway 64 (Franklin Road)

(828) 526-2338

D, SB

440 Main Street

(828) 526-4906

298 South 4th Street

(828) 526-8364

L, D, SB

460 Main Street

(828) 526-3807

US 64 West

(828) 547-3096

220 Greystone Lane

(828) 966-4700

45 Slab Town Road

(828) 743-0020

L, D

n n C n n 74

25 Frank Allen Road

(828) 743-3000

L, D, SB

n n n C n n 74

Paoletti’s The Ugly Dog Pub Wolfgang’s Restaurant

n n

n n NC n 75

n n n C n n 74 n n n n NC n n

CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS Cashiers Valley Smokehouse The Greystone Inn Slab Town Pizza The Ugly Dog Pub B Breakfast

Lunch

D Dinner

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS 4th Street Market - (828) 526-4191 Asia House - (828) 787-1680 Bella’s Junction Csafe - (828) 526-0803 The Blue Bike Cafe - (828) 526-9922 Bryson’s Deli - (828) 526-3775 The Cake Bar - (828) 421-2042 Calder’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 526-0020 Dusty’s - (828) 526-2762 El Azteca - (828) 526-2244 El Manzanillo - (828) 526-0608 Highlands Burritos - (828) 526-9313 Highlands Deli/SweeTreats - (828) 526-9632 Highlands Smokehouse (828) 526-3554 Madison’s Restaurant - (828) 787-2525 Midpoint (828) 526-2277 Mountain Fresh - (828) 526-2400

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SB Sunday Brunch

L, D C n n n 74 B, L, D, SB n n n NC n n

Takeout Only

Pizza Place - (828) 526-5660 Rosewood Market - (828) 526-0383 Ruffed Grouse (828) 526-2590 Subway - (828) 526-1706 Tug’s Proper - (828) 526-3555 Wild Thyme Gourmet - (828) 526-4035 CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS Buck’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 743-9997 Canyon Kitchen - (828) 743-7967 Cashiers Farmers Market - (828) 743-4334 Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160 Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750 Cork & Barrel Lounge - (828) 743-7477 El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522 JJ’s Eatery and Canteen - (828) 743-7778 Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740

Dress Code: C Casual

NC Nice Casual

J Jacket

Mountain Cafe - (828) 577-0469 The Orchard - (828) 743-7614 Panthertown Cafe LLC (828) 862-366 Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company - (828) 743-0220 Subway - (828) 743-1300 The Falls Cafe and Grill - 828-877-3322 The Library Kitchen and Bar - (828) 743-5512 Slopeside Tavern - (828) 743-8655 Table 64 - (828) 743-4135 Town & Country General Store Deli - (828) 547-1300 Villa Amato (828) 885-7700 Wendy’s - (828) 743-7777 Whiteside Brewing Company - (828) 743-6000 Winslow’s Hideaway - (828) 743-2226 Zookeeper - (828) 743-7711

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LODGI NG thelaurelmagazine.com/lodging

Ad On Page

Pet Policy

Banquet Facilities Wireless Internet

Cable/Satellite TV

In Room Microwave/Fridge

Accommodations on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Whirlpool Rooms Exercise Facility

On Site Restaurant

Plateau Lodging

On Site Bar/Lounge Pool

CALL TO CONFIRM BEFORE YOUR VISIT.

HOTELS / MOTELS / BED & BREAKFASTS 19386 Rosman Hwy | Sapphire blackbearlodgeofsapphire.com | (828) 553-6535 n n n n 77

Black Bear Lodge of Sapphire Fire Mountain

700 Happy Hill Rd | Scaly Mountain

Greystone Inn

220 Greystone Ln | Lake Toxaway 445 Main St | Highlands

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

205 Main Street | Highlands

The Park on Main Skyline Lodge

firemt.com | (800) 775-4446 n n n n n n 15 thegreystoneinn.com | (828) 966-4700 n n

n n n n

oldedwardsinn.com | (866) 526-8008 n n n n n n n n n 9 theparkonmain.com | (888) 974-9738

470 Skyline Lodge Rd | Highlands skyline-lodge.com

n n n n 79

OPENING THIS SUMMER 66

VACATION RENTAL AGENCIES Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals

488 Main Street | Highlands meadowsmountainrealty.com | (828) 526-1717

105

401 N 5th St | Highlands

highlandsiscalling.com | (828) 526-3717

113

Landmark Vacation Rentals

17 US Hwy 64 E | Cashiers

landmarkvacations.com | (877) 926-1780

Rent in Highlands - CCP

507 Main Street | Highlands

rentinhighlands.com | (800) 684-2171 x 302

110

341 Hwy 64 W, Ste 102 | Cashiers

ncliving.com | (828) 743-1999

126

Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals

Silver Creek Vacation Rentals

CASHIERS, NC: High Hampton Resort - (800) 334-255 Hotel Cashiers - (828) 743-7706 The Lakehouse - (904) 753-0247 Landmark Vacation Rentals- (877) 926-1780 Laurelwood Inn - (828) 743-9939 Mountain Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-0258 The Orchard Guest Cottage - (828) 743-7614 Pebble Creek Village - (828) 743-0623 Reid Resort Rentals - (828) 743-5955 Silver Creek Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-1999 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 Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-1717 Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-3717 78 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

The Chandler Inn - (678) 982-8406 The Chateau - (561) 613-1496 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 Inn Lodge - (828) 526-5899 Highlands Resort Rentals - (828) 526-5839 The Inn at Mill Creek - 828-526-9999 The Lodge at Old Edwards - (828) 787-2560 Lullwater House - (423) 488-2799 Main Street Inn - (828) 526-2590 Mitchell’s Lodge & Cottages - (828) 526-2267 Old Edwards Inn and Spa - (866) 526-8008 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 Whiteside Cove Cottages - (828) 526-2222

SAPPHIRE, NC Black Bear Lodge of Sapphire - (828) 553-6535 Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-3441 Foxhunt At Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-7667 Hampton Inn & Suites Cashiers-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 - (800) 775-4446 The Vineyard at 3 High Holly - (828) 505-6190 LAKE TOXAWAY, NC Cabins at Seven Foxes - (828) 877-6333 Greystone Inn - (828) 966-4700 Lake Toxaway Realty Company - (828) 508-9141 DILLARD, GA: Julep Farms - (706) 960-9600

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SHOPPING Pages 82-85

photo by Charles Johnson

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FOUR-LEGGED FAMILY

Treat your pets to the comfortable lounging and joyful playtime they deserve! This pet bed will keep them relaxed and supported in style - after a day of enjoying chew toys and treats. Cinnamon Oatmeal Dog Treats $ 8.99 | Stuffed Chew Toys Assorted Pricing La-Z-Boy Pet Bedding | $199.99 Woof Gang Bakery | Cashiers

s u k a c i e t a l P P of our a few e f ind s f avo r i t

LUXURIOUS SOFTNESS Pamper yourself with this supersoft brushed microfiber Spa Robe. It’s lined in long loop cotton terry that’s both soft and absorbent. A luxurious combo! Spa Robe | $110 The Greystone Inn | Toxaway

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COMFORTABLY WARM These ultra-soft hoodies are perfect for these chilly mountain evenings. Grab a chair by the fire and pour a cold one in a 100% silicone pint - a rugged alternative to the beer glass. Hoodie | $37 Silicone Pint Glass $12 | Silicone Lid $6 Silicone Straw $2 | Silicone Combo $19 Highlands Aerial Park | Highlands

A SOLID CHOICE Tap your favorite spirits in a geologicstyled cobbled granite drink dispenser - and add a a special, masculine touch to your bar - or man cave. Hand-crafted Drink Dispenser | $139 Smitten | Highlands

ROCK OUT WITH YOUR MAT OUT Yoga Mats, restorative bolsters, and Ayurvedic body oils and teas- they customize to your needs for lifestyle balance. Jade Yoga Mats | Custom Ordering Yoga Highlands | Highlands

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The Custom Bar

elevated

style TJ Bailey’s

Ever the trendsetter, TJ Bailey’s elevates the concept of customer ser vice even fur ther with the opening of The Custom Bar, its black tie and formalwear galler y above Wild Thyme Gourmet in Town Square.

ince 1985, TJ Bailey’s has offered men (and now women at their Cashiers location) the opportunity to choose timely designer fashions to meet the demands of an elegant lifestyle.

It presents its clients with deeply personal service and the confidence that comes from mastering the trends that drive modern fashion.

That brio, which has won devoted customers from across the country, has led TJ Bailey’s to expand its services once more, beyond its Highlands flagship store and Cashiers branch. Located in the space above Wild Thyme

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Gourmet in Highlands’ Town Square, The Custom Bar is a beacon for faithful clients of TJ Bailey’s and dedicated shoppers seeking all things formal and black-tie. “We can create your look from head to toe at all price ranges,” says Store Manager Tanya Kuzmina. “Within The Custom Bar is our exclusive Groom’s Room, where grooms can choose from all of our suit and tux lines as well as peruse our shirts and accessories to find something truly special.” Of course, this shopping experience is predicated upon the exquisite customer service TJ Bailey’s is known for, and the visit is enhanced by The Custom Bar’s speakeasy-

style bar and lounge area, which elevates the entire process into another realm. “We want to make this as enjoyable and stress-free as possible,” says Tanya. “Our associates will ensure that the formal wear fits perfectly, and the grooms can send us their groomsmen’s measurements to guarantee that everyone will look perfect on that special day.” For more information about TJ Bailey’s and The Custom Bar, stop by at Town Square in Highlands or 95 Highway 107 in Cashiers, or visit tjbaileys.com. by Luke Osteen

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carolina rustic

furniture

For home decorating needs big and small, indoors and outdoors, a visit to Carolina Rustic Furniture is a necessity. This local business is a mar velous resource with a deep inventor y, knowledgeable staff, and warm, cour teous ser vice. For information, stop by 155 Warehouse Drive in Cashiers, or visit carolinarusticfurniture.com

f the arrival of spring has you thinking about enhancing the look of your home or completely renovating the place, you’ll want to visit Carolina Rustic Furniture at 155 Warehouse Drive in Cashiers. They have a showroom spotlighting furniture and accessories to create an entirely new look or enhance an existing space – the Living Room, Bedroom, Dining Room, Bathroom, Home Office, even the outdoors. “We specialize in authentic rustic furniture using real antique barnwood and natural woods like hickory and willow,” says Rita Waters, who co-manages the gallery with Mark Durham. “We have a large choice of good quality upholstered furniture.

People should come in and talk with us to explore the possibilities and discover just how much we can do to breathe new life into their home.” That personal touch and that deep knowledge have been hallmarks of Carolina Rustic Furniture and its sister showroom, Blue Ridge Bedding, located next door. In fact, that marvelous concierge treatment extends beyond the showrooms themselves. “We also have a wonderful delivery crew and they provide white-glove service that’s much-appreciated by our customers,” says Rita. “Our deliveries are on-time and our crews are courteous and efficient. That’s important for people living on the Plateau.” Carolina Rustic Furniture is open from

10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call (828) 743-6633 or (828) 577-6000.

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Visit Our Advertisers WEST END

1. On The Verandah Restaurant 4. The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts 5 The Dave Drake Ceramic Barn at The Bascom

SOUTH END 13. 4118 Kitchen & Bar 15. Dauntless Printing 26. Lupoli Construction 31. The Laurel 35. ACP Home Interiors 44. Blue Elephant Consignment Studio 45. Head Innovations 46. Cake Bar & Chocolate Heaven

MAIN STREET 123. The Park on Main Hotel 124. Landmark Realty Group 140. The Book Nook 142. Main Street Gifts 136. Dutchmans 152. Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty 160. TJ Bailey’s for Men 169. Country Club Properties 178. McCulley’s II 181. Oakleaf 189. Smitten 190. Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro 191. Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty 194. Old Edwards Inn 195. Madison’s Restaurant 196. The Wine Garden 197. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 202. Country Club Properties 202. Rent in Highlands CCP Vacation Rentals 207. Creative Concepts Salon

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WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN (Factoid: Named after Whiteside hero) 113. Edward Jones 117. Country Club Properties

ON THE HILL 310. McCulley’s 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

SPRING VILLAGE

CAROLINA VILLAGE

NORTH END

403. Warth Construction 406. Brookings Fly Shop & Cashiers Village Outfitters

704. Creekside Village: - Bridge at Mill Creek 707. Yoga Highlands 709. The High Dive 709. Don Leon’s 710. Meritage Bistro 711. Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals

813. Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center

VILLAGE PARK 613. John Cleaveland Realty 616. Fressers Courtyard Cafe

OUT NC 106 ➡ Peak Experience ➡ Fire + Water ➡ Highlands Aerial Park ➡ Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center ➡ Pat Calderone Gallery

OUT 64 EAST ➡ Black Rock Granite ➡ Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty ➡ WHLC ➡ Highlands Lawn & Garden ➡ Skyline Lodge/ Oak Steakhouse ➡ Highlands Rock Yard ➡ Center for Plastic Surgery ➡ Cullasaja Club ➡ 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.

8989 MM AR AC RH C H2 0221 0 21| T| H TH E LEAL U AU R ERLEM LM AG AG AA Z IZNI N E .EC. O CO MM

Visit Our Advertisers SLABTOWN

6. Slab Town Pizza

NORTH 107

16. Stork’s - Wrap. Pack. Ship 19. The Look Boutique

THE SHOPS AT CASHIERS COMMONS 28. Cashiers Kitchen Co. 33. Zoller Hardware

AT THE CROSSROADS 37. Landmark Realty Group

CHESTNUT SQUARE 43. A Jones Company 47. Lehotsky & Sons, Builders 55. Cashiers Valley Fusion

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 79. Jennings Builders Supply

VILLAGE WALK

80. A-List Antiques 80. Josephine’s Emporium 89. Nearly New Furniture Consignment 99. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty

SOUTH 107

102. TJ Bailey’s for Men 103. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming 104. Brookings Fly Shop & Cashiers Village Outfitters 108. Landmark Realty Group 109. Ugly Dog Public House 110. McCulley’s 127. Laura Moser Art 127. Merrell Thompson Photography 128. Mountainworks Custom Home Design LTD. 131. Tampa Bay Trust Company 136. McKee Properties 137. Bounds Cave Rug Gallery

THE VILLAGE GREEN 142.Village Green Commons 143. The Village Green

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WEST 64

154. Cashiers Valley Smokehouse 155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 156. Creekside: - Silver Creek Real Estate Group 173. Betsy Paul Properties 175. Srebalus Construction 176. Lenz Gifts

DOWN 107 SOUTH ➡ Silver Run Reserve

VISIT CULLOWHEE ➡ Four Seasons Landscape

VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY ➡ The Greystone Inn

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H ISTORY

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HISTORY photo by Charles Johnson

Pages 94-95

H ISTORY

1886

cashiers quake

Photos Courtesy of High Hampton History Center

Rock Mountain’s distinctive Rainbow Crack emerged upon the rock face like a bolt in the night.

n article titled Rescue on Rock Mountain was recently published in The Crossroads Chronicle. There was also a big picture, in color, illustrating the face of Rock Mountain with its Rainbow Crack in plain view. Our nationallyacclaimed Rescue Squad’s rescue of a man trapped on the steep side of the mountain and their use of a drone to get the exact location of that man is a thrilling read. Every time I hear anything about Cashiers’ Rock Mountain my mind goes back to over 130 years ago when an earthquake with its epicenter in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean traveled to the North Carolina mountains, causing face-changing damage to our own Rock Mountain. 94 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

That damage is the mountain’s Rainbow Crack, easily viewed from the High Hampton Inn. This happened on August 31, 1886 at 9:50 P.M. with the violent shaking lasting one minute. Located two thirds of the way down from the top of the mountain, the huge rainbow shaped crack measured 100 yards wide and 12 feet deep. Terrified citizens of Cashiers and Highlands, most at home at that time of night, ran outside and spent the rest of the night sleeping outside. There was no newspaper at that time in Cashiers, but the Highlands newspaper was filled with interviews with everyone eager to tell their stories. There were many aftershocks felt for quite a while. Before reaching Cashiers, the earthquake had first struck the city of Charleston, South Carolina, leaving much of that city a heap

H ISTORY

Artist

Henry LaCagnina

Nationally-celebrated ar tist Henr y LaCagnina left his mark in his summer community of Highlands.

of rubble. The shock waves continued on, racing west and northwest. Most experts agree the quake was around a Number 7 on the Richter Scale. Effects were felt and structural damage reported from Central Alabama, Central Ohio, Eastern Kentucky, North Carolina, Southern Virginia and Western West Virginia. It was felt as far north as Boston, Chicago and Milwaukee to the northwest, as far west as New Orleans, as far south as Cuba and as far east as Bermuda. I had ancestors living not far from the bottom of Rock Mountain in 1886, but none of their stories of the quake have survived. by Jane Gibson Nardy, Historian, Cashiers Historical Society

0th Century painter Henry LaCagnina was commissioned by President Roosevelt in the Great Depression to use his estimable artistic talents to revitalize Key West, Florida. His mission: document images of the people, land, wildlife, and culture. His contribution was supported by the WPA (Works Progress Administration), which employed thousands of artists and writers. Decent work in difficult times offered a godsend of $50/ month. Imagine. LaCagnina’s representations of island life renewed the spirits of the locals, intrigued others across the land, and helped preserve history. Over his 70-year career he worked in a variety of mediums. He was a fifth-generation Italian church painter. In 1943, he, among 350 other invited artists, designed posters for the war effort. That body of work was exhibited in the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. You can find LaCagnina pieces in the collections of the Fords, Mellons, and many other well-known patrons. Over his lifetime LaCagnina was a gallery owner, a muralist, educator, industrial designer, art jurist and fine artist. From 1975-80 he summered in Highlands, where he fascinated many with his furniture design/crafting and his colorful enamel work. He was best known in the area for hand-painted enamels depicting the Life of Christ on the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation’s doors and windows. He even designed an enameled shield as a wedding gift for local archivist and historian Ran Shaffner and his wife Margaret. He continued his craft until his passing at 94. His legacy adorns private homes and public buildings nationwide in the form of hand-carved and enameled doors, decorative furniture, and colorful murals. Learn more about the fine artists who summered in Highlands (or called it home). Make a date with Ran Shaffner’s Heart of the Blue Ridge for some serious thumbing, perusing, and/ or down-home studying. Go to highlandshistory.com or email hhs@highlandshistory.com. by Donna Rhodes

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about the history of Highlands.

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LIFESTYLES & WELLNESS Pages 98-107

photo by Charles Johnson

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

a quarter century

of cool

Glenn Murer and JT Fields

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Through some strange alchemy, the loving relationship between JT Fields and Glenn Murer has grown even stronger in the midst of a series of complications.

Glenn speaks of JT’s honesty, integrity t’s been nearly a quarter of a century and his ability to “draw people in,” while JT since JT Fields and Glenn Murer met – remains drawn to the “openness and sinceran encounter unwittingly engineered by ity that is in Glenn’s face.” JT’s roommate, Jack Austin, and his insisBetween them, there is reciprocal intence they go for a drink on a January night genuousness, vulnerability and trust – in Atlanta. shared traits learned during ten years of Snow was on the horizon for the folcouple therapy. lowing day. And so it was inevitable that As Murer tells it, “We had a will to stay tosomeone at the bar would suggest that the gether, and we realized that no partnership ensuing day of “rest” would best be served in a sledding expedition at Piedmont Park. And when it was understood that JT’s decrepit VW would not survive the snow packed roads, a ride was arranged. The next morning Glenn Murer honked his horn on the curb at JT’s apartment to take him to the park. Christmas carols blasted from the radio. JT was smitten. “I was 29 and at the height of trying to be cool, and here was this amazing guy, unabashed by his love for Christmas tunes, and so handJT and Glen, 2003 some,” he recalls. A magnetic force traveled between them. JT’s industrial strength eneris perfect and a lot of that knowledge comes gy, captivating laugh, and charming vitality with age.” equally enamored Glenn. Together they have made it through some A couple of rendezvous’ followed but the rough periods – as in the downturn of 2008 relationship stalled until the following Sepwhen Glenn’s development business sudtember when they met once again at a party. denly became very precarious and Mountain JT recalls regretting “that I screwed Fresh Grocery, the business they bought at that up.” the onset of the financial crisis, was strugAnd this time they didn’t – a year later gling to stay alive. JT recalls that “We were they celebrated the first of the 25 anniversain the foxhole together, funding the store deries that followed. pleted our entire savings.” Clearly they continue to see something Their shared passion for Highlands, a deendearing in each other.

sire to become more closely affiliated with the community, and Glenn’s history as a kid growing up in a hardware store had encouraged them to buy Mountain Fresh in 2007. Glenn figured it would be fun and easy and that the then-manager would stay on to run the store. It didn’t take long before they realized that none of that would be the case. The manager quit, and the demands of a hardware store were far different from those of a grocery with its perishable inventory. JT went to Highlands to do damage control, but as Glenn says “the mess kept getting bigger.” It was 11 years before JT could depart for good. They acknowledge that the experience of “turning the store around (which occurred in the third year and with the help of their new partner, Don Reynolds); and the years of distancing only solidified the relationship. They share a pride in the eventual success of the store, and of the symbol it became as the center of the community spirit of Highlands. They were married in 2017, appreciating “we were going to be together for the duration.” They like to think of themselves as “conventional.” Although with residences in Highlands, Atlanta, and San Miguel de Allende, they clearly are not. Still, as JT sums it up, “At the end of the day, we are happiest in our pajamas watching an English murder mystery. The boring parts have at last become the best parts.” by Marlene Osteen

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The Vaccine and the

Plateau

Getting back to a Plateau life that’s not shadowed by Covid fear will require courage, imagination and a concern for the lives of our neighbors. That’s what the Highlands- Cashiers Plateau Vaccine Initiative is all about. For information, call (828) 526-1310.

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he Covid-19 virus has effectively shut down America. Now there’s hope because the vaccine is slowly going in arms. But 37 percent of Americans say they don’t want to take the vaccine. The effects of the vaccine are clear. First, of course, is personal safety from the virus, and the chance of spreading to someone you love. The vaccine in arms means a reduction in deaths and fewer people with the horrific after-effects of this wretched disease. There will be a reduction in health care costs, and families who are forever financially scarred by a prolonged hospitalization from the virus. The bigger picture also includes an improved economy, and an increase in the tax base for our towns. Lost jobs come back,

productivity increases, restaurants can operate at full capacity and make money again, stores have more customers, hotels are full, our towns are alive again. For me, the most important effect of vaccines in arms is the ability to gather with friends, to hug someone I haven’t seen in a while, to be able to visit my mom in Assisted Living without fear. Many of us on the Plateau are at a time in our lives when travel is our plan, some of us still travel for business, or to see family. Can you imagine a time when we can do that without fear, without restrictions, quarantine, documentation? I dream of a time when cruises are again happy respites, Italy is not ravaged, and especially, when Australia will let me go to hold my grandbaby for the first time.

So now is our time to work hard to get as many people vaccinated as possible as quickly as possible, so life can return to a new normal. Everyone must do their part to encourage friends and family to get vaccinated to help our country and people thrive again. This is what the HighlandsCashiers Plateau Vaccine Initiative is about…helping our magical plateau get back to a full life, bustling with fun, energy and activity. Call (828) 526-1310 to get your family, your neighbors registered for a vaccine appointment. Do your part in this challenge. Help us to achieve a big percentage of immunization on the plateau so this is a safe haven for us again. by Robin King Austin

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Estate I A Quarter Century Planning of Cool for Blended Families

f you’re in a blended family, you’re already aware of the emotional and financial issues involved in your daily life. But what about the future? When it’s time to do your estate planning – and it’s never too soon for that – you’ll need to be aware of the entanglements and complexities that can get in the way of your vision for leaving the legacy you desire. You can take comfort in knowing that you’re far from alone. More than half of married or cohabiting couples with at least one living parent, or parent-in-law, and at least one adult child, have a “stepkin” relationship, according to a study from researchers at the University of Massachusetts and other schools. That’s a lot of estate-planning issues. Nonetheless, the task does not have to be overwhelming – as long as you put sufficient time and thought into it. Here are some ideas that may help: Seek fairness – but be flexible. Even in a non-blended family, it’s not always easy to

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be as equitable as you’d like in your estate plans – too often, someone feels they have been treated unfairly. In a blended family, these problems can be exacerbated: Will biological children feel cheated? Will stepchildren? Keep this in mind: Fair is not always equal – and equal is not always fair. When deciding how to divide your assets, you’ll need to make some judgment calls after carefully evaluating the needs of all your family members. There’s no guarantee that everyone will be satisfied, but you’ll have done your best. Communicate your wishes clearly. When it comes to estate planning, the best surprise is no surprise – and that’s especially true in a blended family. Even if you’re the one creating your estate plans, try to involve other family members – and make your wishes and goals clear. You don’t have to be specific down to the last dollar, but you should provide a pretty good overall outline. Consider establishing a revocable living trust. Everyone’s situation is different,

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS but many blended families find that, when making estate plans, a simple will is not enough. Consequently, you may want to establish a revocable living trust, which gives you much more control than a will when it comes to carrying out your wishes. Plus, because you have transferred your assets to the trust, you are no longer technically the owner of these assets, so there’s no reason for a court to get involved, which means your estate can likely avoid the time-consuming, expensive and very public process of probate. Choose the right trustee. If you do set up a living trust, you’ll also need to name a trustee – someone who manages the assets in the trust. Married couples often serve as co-trustees, but this can result in tensions and disagreements. As an alternative, you can hire a professional trustee – someone with the time, experience and neutrality to make appropriate decisions and who can bring new ideas to the process. Above all else, make sure you have the right estate-planning team in place. You’ll

certainly need to work with an attorney, and you may also want to bring in your tax advisor and financial professional. Estate planning can be complex – especially with a blended family – and you’ll want to make the right moves, right from the start. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Mary Beth Brody

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Leading a Healthy Community

Nantahala Health Foundation’s leadership decisions ensure even more health care resources for Western Nor th Carolina.

antahala Lisa Duff Health Foundation, a recently established regional nonprofit working to enhance health and wellness in Jackson, Macon, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary, has announced changes in leadership at both its board and staff Jane Kimsey levels. As of January, David Garrett, director of the Workforce Development Board at Southwestern Commission, has stepped into the chairman’s role on the organization’s 10-person board of directors, while Lisa Leatherman, a long-time Duke Energy employee, has been elevated to vice chair. “I appreciate the board’s trust in me to take on this position,” Garrett said. “I’m very fortunate to be taking the reins from (immediate past chair) Jane Kimsey, who has worked hard to build a solid organizational foundation, which has, in turn, facilitated our first transition in the chair role.” Born and raised in Georgia, Garrett moved to Jackson County in 2002 after falling in love with this region as an Appalachian 104 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

David Garrett

Lisa Leatherman

Trail thru-hiker. Garrett joined the Employment Security Commission (now NCWorks) in 2009, where he worked as an employment counselor before becoming the business service representative for the Southwestern Commission in 2014. Lisa Leatherman, Duke Energy’s Local Government Community Relationship Manager, stepped into the board’s vice chair leadership role left vacant by Garrett’s ascension to chair. A Duke employee for more than 30 years, Leatherman has held various cus-

tomer-facing positions at the utility company, including lake services, hydro relicensing, hydro operations, engineering and vegetation management. On the organization’s staff level, Advancement Officer Lisa Duff was promoted in January to Associate Director. A resident of Whittier, Duff joined Executive Director Lori Bailey in Nantahala Health Foundation’s Franklin office a little over a year ago after serving as the marketing and membership director of a nonprofit supporting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Prior to that work, she served as a community organizer for the American Cancer Society with responsibilities for fundraising and mission delivery throughout Western North Carolina. For more information about Nantahala Health Foundation’s mission to collaborate with nonprofit service providers and governmental agencies committed to improving social determinants of health throughout the region, please visit them at nantahalahealthfoundation.org or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

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algorithm

cataclysm

Donna’s been using her quarantine-distancing time wisely. A comment on the times: To the tune of “If I Only Had a Brain” We may not think we’re with ‘em But annoying algorithms Control our daily lives Search for recipes for muffins And our mailbox will be stuffin’ … itself With sneaky little spies. Google, Yahoo, Facebook Know wherever we look; They watch our every move. Where we go, what we’re buying … they Got our number, I ain’t lyin’, And it’s one we can’t remove. A muffin search elicited … brings Pop-ups unsolicited: Designer pans and mousse! Those muffins we were cravin’ Made computer screens a slave ‘n’ … cooked Our cupcakes and our goose. So next time we go looking For more than just some cookin’ … Let’s Be careful what we cursor. 1984’s Big Brothers And a few political others … can make Things a whole lot worser. We need a reverser.… …I know. Let’s give A.I. an impossible task. “Google. Find a recipe for a chayote muffin slathered in a fruit peel flambe, dotted with shreds of gold leaf and a splash of kumquat reduction, served on a fossil slab with mugwort mochi bathed in white chocolate.” Grease up a pan, Stan, I’m about to shovel a walloping slice of Gotcha down the Algorithm’s π-hole. by Donna Rhodes

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Joint Pain, A Moving Misery!

Maintaining good joint health is essential to living an active, no-pain life.

ho has joint pain? Who doesn’t have joint pain?! So many of us suffer miserably from some form of joint pain. Joints bring two bones together in many different forms and the way the bones move or articulate with one another determines the type of joint. Most joints have cushions and flexible surfaces, called bursa and cartilage. So, let’s discuss some of the remedies to slow or stop this progression and heal the painful area as much as possible. We can do most of this through natural methods, without drugs or surgeries. Yes, some conditions and injuries do require surgical or other invasive procedures, but not all of them. Any “Itis” condition has some type of inflammatory component, which means an abundance of painful

inflammatory cells have built up and are causing – you guessed it – pain! There are many different specialties of natural care to deal with the issue of pain relief and healing. Chiropractic care generally improves joint restrictions and increases blood flow. As chiropractic physicians, we also have different modalities to enhance these improvements, including Stem Cell Activation, which helps to stimulate the body’s natural dormant stem cells for tissue regeneration and improved circulation. Medical Acupuncture is another therapy that alleviates pain, stimulates endorphins and improves circulation. Massage therapy and soft tissue techniques release muscle tension and improve circulation. Physical Therapy improves muscular

strength and balance and improves circulation. Exercise gets the joints moving, the muscles stronger and the heart pumping, improving circulation! See the common factor here? Improving Blood Circulation! This is of utmost importance for reducing inflammation and, ultimately, pain. Getting on a good lifestyle plan that includes many of the above practices will put you on a path to feeling great and living Alive! Hope you can jump on the No-Pain Train soon! by Dr. Sue Aery Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture

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SL EI FREVSI T CY EL E S & W E L L N E S S

ACCOMMODATIONS

ART LESSONS

BEAUTY

CABINETRY

CLEANING

CONSTRUCTION

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L I F E S T Y L E S & W SEELRLVNIECSES

CONSTRUCTION

HOME DECOR

PICTURE FRAMING

POWER EQUIPMENT SERVICE

PRINTING

REAL ESTATE

ROOFING

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BUSI NESS

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BUSI NESS

GIVING BACK Pages 112-123

photo by Charles Johnson

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Becoming a

Horse Dog

The arrival of Jethro is an emphatic declaration that Carpe Diem Farms is happily going to the dogs.

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t’s been nearly four years since we have added to the family of “furry kids” at the farm. Ellie Mae, our rescued Yorkie came to us from “Angels Amongst Us” and has been a five-pound spirit to be reckoned with! She moved into our home with two cats and our 110-pound Xantos. Xantos died two years ago, and with him we lost our farm companion dog. He was the greeter who knew not a stranger, who preferred working with any worker who carried tools, and the minute he saw Ricky Siegel’s truck drive in he ran to the shop and assisted him in his farm projects. Or at least he kept him company and gave Ricky a sounding board for his thoughts! The newest member of the family is a Bernie-Doodle puppy to join Ellie Mae who is rightfully named Jethro. He will grow up to be the newest farm helper. Once we get potty training, lose baby teeth, and grow into his adult body we’ll find him a job! His heritage, the Bernese Mountain Dog,

is one of work and service. We’ll plan on getting him a cart and training him to help carry things around the farm. And most of all, have a purpose and a place for all that energy. He needs a job and we are going to give him one! He was born on a horse farm in Iowa and is now growing up on a horse farm in Highlands. At this age he is curious about the horses and wary of their size. He loves going to the stables, so we’ll see just what kind of a horse dog he will become. He seems very bright and quick to learn. Stay tuned for the continuing story of Jethro, down on the farm. by Sue Blair, Carpe Diem Farms

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Your Event

on the Green

The unparalleled vistas and venues offered by the Village Green make it an unforgettable choice when considering events large and small.

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lan your next birthday party, family reunion, corporate event, neighborhood gathering, wedding or other private function in The Village Green. The beauty of the 13+ acre park and its distinct venues create a memorable setting for your special occasion. The Village Green is flexible for all kinds of themes and setups. The Village Green has three venues that offer unique vistas and experiences perfect for an unforgettable event. The Gazebo is an open-air pavilion with a spacious lawn near the crossroads of Cashiers. The Pavilion is a rustic picnic structure in the center of the park with tables and a charcoal grill. The Village Green Commons is a majestic event space designed and constructed with 30-foot ceilings, a stained concrete floor, two garden courtyards, and massive hand-carved beams connected with mortise and tenon joinery The expansive open space of the Commons Main Hall with stacked-stone fireplace provides a stunning location for your special event. The

venue also features two smaller rooms, a catering pantry, green room and a state of the art audio-visual system. Venue rental can include the use of the Commons outdoor attached pavilion and lawn. During spring and summer, The Village Green blossoms with native azalea, rhododendron and lupine as well as roses and hydrangeas. The spectacular dahlia garden blooms into early fall. Winter is a secret season with its own lovely and peaceful landscape. The beauty of The Village Green inspires creativity to events memorable and unique. “Everyone loves a party,” says Executive Director Ann Self, “What better place to celebrate than in the delightful green heart of Cashiers!” If you’d like to know more about The Village Green hosting a wedding or special event, email info@cashiersgreen.com or call (828) 743-3434.

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28 Acres

of Generosity

The Plateau’s premier conser vation group has ex tended its domain by 28 acres, thanks to the generosity of Little Bear Pen LLC.

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ighlands-Cashiers Land Trust has just announced that Little Bear Pen LLC has donated 28 acres along Hwy 64 to the Land Trust. “The property extends from just past the Highlands Community Center to Sherwood Forest Road on the right as you leave town going East,” said HCLT Director Gary Wein. “The primary contact for the effort was Cantey Davis, the registered agent for Little Bearpen LLC, and he did a wonderful job pulling this together,” said Julie Schott, HCLT Director of Development. The gift comes as this segment of Highlands is facing increased development pressure and it’ll ensure that the property is protected in perpetuity. In all, HCLT preserves over 3.200 acres of forests, wetlands and vistas. It’s been a quiet force for the protection of the Wild Places on the Plateau since 1909. If you’d like to learn more about the Land Trust and its ongoing mission, visit hicashlt.org or call (828) 526-1111.

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And Then There

were 23

The siren call of the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society’s cats and dogs ex tends far beyond the Plateau. And people respond.

Morales Painting

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Scotty and Kathy

GI V I NG BAC K

ith a national reach on adoption websites such as Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet, as well as our own website, Facebook (with more than 24,000 followers) and Instagram, it’s no wonder that responsible pet owners travel from far and wide to meet their new best friend at CHHS. Adding to that is the national publicity the CHHS Animal Rescue Team has received for our work during puppy mill raids, hoarding and cruelty cases, and natural disaster response. (The CHHS Animal Rescue Team has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, and other news outlets around the country.) It also doesn’t hurt that our 10-acre campus is one of the most picturesque no-kill shelters in the United States, and that we are located in the most beautiful place on the planet. So it’s a little-known secret that adopters from 22 different states have traveled to CHHS to give our shelter pets a forever home.

Make that 23. Kathy and her son made the 14-hour drive from Connecticut this past January just to meet our shelter dogs. It was love at first sight for Scotty and Kathy. Scotty is a two-yearold Pit Bull mix we rescued last summer after he was found wandering as a stray in Glenville. We knew we would find Scotty a forever home but we never imagined this sweet dog would someday become a Connecticut Canine! Kathy checked in with us to let us know they all arrived safely back, and Scotty is loving his new family and home. We are proud and honored to serve as the animal welfare ambassador for the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, and to add the State of Connecticut to our national map of CHHS shelter pet forever homes. Established in 1987, 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 East. Our no-kill shelter is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. by appointment. For more information, visit us online at chhumanesociety.org or call (828) 743-5752. by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more Cashiers Highlands Humane Society

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Volunteers for

Vaccine Registration

A determined cadre of volunteers helps to prevent Covid-19 from establishing a beachhead on the Plateau. For more information, to register, or volunteer, please call (828) 526-1310.

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he call went out for volunteers to help register our citizens for the vaccine in the HighlandsCashiers Plateau Vaccine Initiative. Within days, people from all over the Plateau started coming together to help their friends and neighbors. We work hard to assure the volunteers are safe in a sanitized environment, training them and giving them the tools to handle the variety of calls. It’s been a heartwarming experience to work with the volunteers and to hear how grateful callers are for our help. The H-C Plateau Vaccine Initiative, started by the H-C Health Care Foundation, is fueled by the spirit of volunteers. On any given day, we have 6+ people in the conference room doing data entry, and back office tasks for the system led by Jerry Moore and Michael Murphy. The call center has six stations for people working the phones and works from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., six days a week. Now we are beginning outreach projects to get essential workers, rural poor and the Hispanic community registered. The initiative has been successful in getting two deliveries of vaccine for the community and had events on Jan 20 and 24 getting vaccines in arms of 976 of

our 65 and older members of our community. Our oldest recipient was 102! Over 50 Clinic volunteers help to make the event run “smooth as honey,” as one recipient said. HC Hospital Administrator Tom Neal is here every day, making sure we have all we need to be successful, organizing clinics and fighting to get the vaccine for the effort. Robin Tindell, Executive Director of the Foundation, joins Tom in that daily battle and they both coordinate with Macon and Jackson county officials and the state. Thanks to the generosity of spirit of the volunteers we have a long waiting list registered for appointments to get the vaccine. The challenge now is working the connections to get allocations of vaccine for the plateau. For more information, to register, or volunteer, please call (828) 526-1310. by Robin King Austin

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Rotarian

David Jellison

For Highlands Rotarian David Jellison, the notion of Ser vice Above Self resonates here on the Plateau and far beyond.

David Jellison

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GI V I NG BAC K

onnection, service, fellowship, and outreach are all reasons many individuals find Rotary Club a compelling, worthwhile organization with which to align oneself. David Jellison is one of those people. “For me, it’s been a way to meet and mix with people and to give something back to society and the town [of Highlands],” he said. Although at present, in compliance with pandemic restrictions on face-to-face gatherings, Rotary Club of Highlands meetings are held via Zoom every Tuesday at 12:15 P.M., the “normal” protocol is for Rotarians and guests to meet weekly in person, share lunch, and glean ideas and inspiration from a speaker before receiving updates on club projects and events. Jellison, who has been a member of Highlands Rotary since the late 1990s, serving as secretary since 2000, indicated the membership experience is rich and rewarding. He enjoys both Rotarian history and its impact. “Highlands is home to two Rotary Clubs, which are a part of an International Rotary Service Club effort dating back to the early 1900s,” he explained. “The contributions these service clubs make to the communities they serve and to the world in general are innumerable, including worldwide polio eradication, other health

threats, and natural disaster response.” He stressed that the Rotary Club of Highlands supports a great many local institutions and organizations, including Highlands School; Hudson Library; The Historical Society; Meals on Wheels; The Boy Scouts; Highlands Emergency Council, and much more. Plus, Rotarians volunteer and serve in such capacities as street guards for Halloween activities and the Christmas parade, collecting coats and gloves as well as distributing heating fuel for the needy, and numerous other worthwhile community service projects. “To fund these efforts, the Highlands Rotary Club sponsors an annual Golf Tournament, a Craft Beer Night, a Fourth of July Barbecue and Duck Race, Bingo Nights, a Club Sponsorship Drive, occasional talent shows, and a 5K Twilight Race,” he added. While Covid-19 has put a damper on many opportunities to celebrate, gather, and enjoy throughout the community, Rotary Club of Highlands’ work continues. by Deena Bouknight

123 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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(L-R Top Row): Jason Kimenker a nd Sean Cronin (L-R Bottom Row): Ashlie Mitchell-Lanning, Abby Powell and Maggie Elmer

leadership

cashiers

A new graduating class of Leadership Cashiers brings a dynamic energy to the community.

he second class of the Leadership Cashiers development program was recognized Tuesday in a virtual graduation ceremony. Themed “Giving Back,” the session featured special guest speaker Meghan Barp, President & CEO of United Way of Greenville County, who shared her perspective on community development and the importance of collaboration. Irv Welling, President of program sponsor Vision Cashiers, set the stage with remarks about the value of civic responsibility. He urged the audience to “get involved, volunteer, care for others, make a difference and be a servant leader.” He then introduced Ms. Barp who spoke to the importance of community commitment. 2019 LC Alumna and active community leader Maggie Carton provided examples of successful local volunteer efforts ranging from Covid-19 response and recovery to building a Cashiers dog park. Serenity Richards of Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library invited graduates to stay involved 124 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

with class colleagues and others by joining the Leadership Cashiers Alumni Network. Graduating 2020 class members were: Jairo Arenas, Michael Blaylock, Sean Cronin, Kathryn Davis, Helen Ellerbe, Maggie Elmer, John Garcia, Charlie Hudson, Jason Kimenker, Ashlie Mitchell-Lanning, Gary Long, Jr., Abby Powell, Kurt Pusch, Jennifer Reid Fowler, Julie Schott, Chris Stuckey, Nancy Warriner, Lindsay Heller and Jon Welch. The Cashiers Area Chamber’s community engagement initiative is based on a development model used by many cities across the country to prepare and motivate participants to offer quality community leadership. Now in its second year, the 2020 class began with an opening retreat at Silver Run Reserve last February. Its in-person format immediately converted to online conferences and later socially-distanced gatherings about once a month. A volunteer task force worked to establish the program, which the Cashiers Area Chamber underwrites and manages with

the financial support of Program and Session Sponsors: Vision Cashiers, Balsam West, Dillard-Jones Builders, Eric T. Moody CPA, First Citizens Bank, Harris Custom Builders/Silver Run Reserve, High Hampton, Landmark Realty Group, Southwestern Community College, Western Carolina University and Zoller Hardware. Other contributing investors include Albert CarltonCashiers Community Library, Church of the Good Shepherd, Leadership Cashiers Alumni Network, Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley and United Community Bank. For more information, visit LeadershipCashiers.org, email office@LeadershipCashiers.org or call 828-743-5191. Applications may be submitted for the 2021 class online and financial sponsorships and support are appreciated. byStephanie Edwards Executive Director, Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce

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solid

distinction

Travis, Anna Claire, Maverick and Harper Ramey

Highlands Rock Yard offers a vast collection of options for those all-impor tant cornerstones of landscaping projects and outdoor designs. It’s located at 1560 Flat Mountain Road, For more information, call (828) 200-0302.

n an environment surrounded by mountains, balds, and cliffs, architecture and landscaping organically takes on a natural vernacular. Thus, Highlands Rock Yard is well suited to supply much-in-demand hardscape materials, including rock, mulch, sand, gravel, dirt, and more, for various residential and commercial projects so that they can achieve Plateau distinction. Highlands Rock Yard was originally started as a branch of Highlands Lawn and Garden in 2003. David Sims, owner of Highlands Lawn and Garden, is Anna Claire Ramey’s father, and her husband, Travis, began working for Highlands Lawn and Garden in 2003. While working together, Travis envisioned Highlands Rock Yard – a place to

find a wide variety of rocks for the beautification of homes, walls, borders, patios, walkways, and more. Just one year ago, on January 1, 2020, Highlands Rock Yard became its own entity. Owner Travis manages the business’s day-to-day logistics, while Anna Claire, a nurse at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, also assists Travis with the business’s accounting and marketing. To see what Highlands Rock Yard is able to supply for projects, large or small, an inventory album is available. And, on the company’s Facebook site, regular posts feature photography of current projects. “We feature various types, sizes, colors, and shapes of native and Tennessee stones primarily,” said Travis, “but it really depends on the vision of the rock mason as to

which stone is used, its specific details, and how it’s laid.” Highlands Rock Yard has supplied to Highlands, Cashiers, Scaly Mountain, Sky Valley, Sapphire, Glenville, Tuckaseegee, Rosman, Brevard, Dillard, Mountain City, Clayton, Lake Burton, Franklin, Otto, and more. With spring fast approaching, Highlands Rock Yard is able to meet outdoor project needs, from gravel to refresh driveways to Daddy Pete’s Lawn & Garden soil for garden beds and boxes to masonry sand and rocks for building borders and walls. “We thoroughly enjoy being able to see the beautiful material we’ve provided throughout our communities and to know that our rocks are beautifying the area,” said Anna Claire. by Deena Bouknight

125 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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HOW TO NAVIGATE A HOT HOUSING MARKET

SELLING? HIGHEST OFFERS & SMOOTH CLOSINGS First impressions are everything, and exceptional marketing is vital to generate buyer interest from the beginning, resulting in competing offers and a higher selling price. Technology such as 3D virtual tours and video that allows potential buyers to view the home remotely is a must.

BUYING? FIRST-ON-THE-MARKET AWARENESS With property inventory remaining low for the foreseeable future, choosing a communicative broker with excellent negotiation skills is more important than ever. Our brokers are always aware of what is available on the market.

NCT T A CUTS UTSO D TO C OC NO TA AD Y AY

CILVI IVNI N CO NN CL G .GC. O MM REAL ESTATE GROUP

CH A ISEHRI S E R8S2 88-2784-37-41 39 -9199 9 9| CAS

HN LA H| I GHHI G LA DN S D8S2 88-2582-65-2269-9299 9 9

INFO@NCLIVING.COM

126 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

*IN 2020 (YTD) FROM 1/1/2020 - 10/12/2020, ACCORDING TO HCBOR MLS.

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OUR TEAM JOCHEN LUCKE

DAN ALLEN

PRESIDENT/BROKER

BROKER

BAMBI FAMOUS

PARKER ANDERSON

CHRIS DUFFY

RICK JACKSON

KEVIN KOACH

EDDY MCDONALD BROKER

CASSIE NEAL

BROKER

CHUCK SELF

MERRY SOELLNER

RAY TRINE

BROKER

AMANDA BRYANT ASSISTANT/BROKER

BROKER

MELISSA HAGGAR-JORDAN ASSISTANT/BROKER

BROKER

DARLENE OTT ASSISTANT

BROKER

LINDA PRIDGEN BROKER

ROB WHITNEY BROKER

RIVA SMITH

ASSISTANT/BROKER

127 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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The Historic Minnie Cole House

619 HWY 107 S 128 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

CASHIERS, NC 28717

828.743.3411

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It’s a new season.

While we’re not yet out of the woods, we can see the light that hopefully signals the conclusion of this pandemic era.

Like many, we took the opportunity to work even harder and to recommit… but also to reconsider and reimagine. While the world was changing, so were we. After 40 years of luxury real estate expertise in the Cashiers area, we know better than to alter what has made McKee Properties successful: 1: Our relationships with our loyal clients, 2: Our knowledge of area communities, neighborhoods and clubs, and 3: Our authentic experience with the highlydesirable plateau lifestyle. Deep Knowledge. Unmatched Experience. We’re incredibly excited about the future — the market, our company, our team and our partnerships. Here’s why: ›› The plateau real estate market continues to experience a steep, upward trend, breaking records and setting the stage for another highly successful year. From the average sales price to the number of sales to total dollar sales to a property’s time on the market, all indicators are positive and encouraging.

›› Two of our Co-owners/Brokers, Beth Townsend and Liz Harris, placed among the Top 10 Real Estate Agents in total volume sales, according to the Highlands-Cashiers Board of Realtors, making McKee Properties the only company to have two agents in this prestigious category. ›› We have re-affirmed our partnership with Garden & Gun Land, a program of the highlyregarded and well-read magazine, which will continue to expose Cashiers and our clients’ properties to a prime, wide audience. ›› You may notice we’ve given our look a bit of a makeover, as we do from time to time. After four decades, we know the importance of representing our clients with a brand image that stays fresh.

›› We love sharing good news and success stories, but we know that our story is best told by our clients. So, this year we’ve invited them to share what makes McKee Properties and our Brokers different from all the rest. We look forward to sharing this bright, new era with you! The Team at McKee Properties

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM 129 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

BUSI NESS BETH TOWNSEND Co-Owner / Broker LIZ HARRIS Co-Owner / Broker ANN MCKEE AUSTIN Co-Owner / Broker

COLEEN GOTTLOEB Broker-In-Charge SANDY BARROW Broker Associate JOHN BARROW Broker Associate / Rental Coordinator

WAYNE MONDAY Broker Associate PHILIP BRADLEY Broker Associate MAGGIE ELMER Broker Associate

JOANNE BRYSON Broker Associate CLAY CANTLER Broker Associate LOGAN CROCKER Broker Associate

KARA ADDY Marketing Director LYNDA HODGE Creative Director KARALINE SHOMAKER Marketing Coordinator

DEEP KNOWLEDGE. UNMATCHED E XPERIENCE. 130 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Creating theVision “

Our dogs are a complete part of our life. So, we wanted open fields and flat land for walking with them — and amazing views. Our agent was able to visualize this and make it happen, even when we couldn't see it. We refer anyone we know to McKee Properties." – MELANIE & PETER B.

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM 131 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Yellow Mountain Preserve 205.04 ACRES — This is the area’s finest estate opportunity, minutes from Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club and Old Edwards Club, and centrally located between Cashiers and Highlands, North Carolina. Yellow Mountain Preserve boasts the highest elevation on the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau, at 5,100 feet, and is a true legacy property. The 205.04-acre estate has roads and utilities in place for a low-density development or can be enjoyed as a single-family or shared-family estate. Elevation reaches 5,127 feet, offering unique high-elevation vegetation and the finest, grandest views in the area. The estate adjoins 12,000 acres of the Nantahala National Forest, offering unlimited trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. A 26-acre gentleman’s farm site sits at

OFFERED FOR $8,450,000

4,600 feet and provides a peaceful 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. At the summit, the Yellow Mountain fire tower rests near the boundary of the National Forest. The stunning panoramic views from there include Cashiers Valley, Whiteside Mountain, Lake Glenville and Sapphire Valley. Mountain laurel, blueberries and other heaths grow on the open bald of the summit, making it a truly special place. All of the views and natural surroundings, combined with electronic access through a stoned entry, a paved road, high-speed internet access and full cell phone coverage, makes Yellow Mountain Preserve an exceptional and unique piece of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Yellow Mountain Preserve is beautiful...by nature. MLS 95168

619 HWY 107 S 132 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

828.743.3411

BUSI NESS

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

133 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Wade Hampton Golf Club 4 BR / 4.5 BA — Located at a high point on approximately 3.5 acres in Wade Hampton Golf Club, a McKee Development, this home offers privacy and fabulous mountain views. Designed by the area’s top home and interior designers, this is essentially a brand new home offered with an exceptional furniture package. The spacious great room - with its vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling dry stacked stone masonry fireplace and walls of windows - is cozy, yet expansive. It flows beautifully onto the screened porch overlooking gorgeous, pristine views of the mountains in nearby National Forest. The large porch features a wall of doors that open completely, creating an exceptional entertaining space with the living room.

OFFERED FOR $3,500,000

It features vaulted ceilings, a stacked stone fireplace, and clear roll-downs that make the porch another “indoor” living space. The elegant kitchen and dining area is beautiful, with appointments fit for a chef and style fit for a designer. A beautiful master bedroom and second bedroom, along with a cozy den/library, offer plenty of main-level living space. Two guest suites upstairs offer vaulted ceilings and stunning floor-to-ceiling steel and glass windows. A two-car carport, complete with storage, and lovely perennial, low-maintenance landscaping complete this perfect home package. This home is a special beauty! Please call today to see it! MLS 95525

619 HWY 107 S 134 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

828.743.3411

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Little Ellijay Farm 4 BR / 4 BA — This beautiful 100-acre farm in the Cashiers/Glenville area, beside the Snowbird Community, is full of charm. It features gorgeous views, rolling land, a main house, a guest house, an art studio, a large functioning barn, gardens, a chicken coop, fruit trees, fenced pasture land

OFFERED FOR $2,995,0000 and freshwater ponds, springs and creeks throughout! Contact the listing agent today for a tour of this beautiful mountain farm. MLS 95528

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

135 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club 4 BR / 4.5 BA — This lovely, four-bedroom cabin in Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club offers great mountain views and is within easy walking distance of the clubhouse and amenities! Tucked in the cabin and lodge area of the club, this home offers many conveniences and great neighbors. Current finishes provide a “ready to go” opportunity without the need for remodeling or building. The spacious living room features beam accents and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. It adjoins a lovely dining area and

OFFERED FOR $2,650,000

opens to the deck with a stone fireplace, seating and dining space, and mountain views. The kitchen, located just off the dining room and living room areas, provides plenty of workspace, a Wolf range/oven, great appliances, a center island and easy access to a side entrance, laundry room, pantry and office area. The master suite is located conveniently on the main level, and three spacious guest suites are located on the upper level. This is a fantastic and rare opportunity in Mountaintop! MLS 95388

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

136 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

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High Hampton

$1,450,000

4 BR / 3 BA — This is a rare chance to own a classic High Hampton mountain home purchased from the original owner. The family hand salvaged old barn wood to create a warm living space that exudes mountain charm. A master bedroom on the main level has a beautiful view and privacy from the rest of the home. The living space offers an abundance of natural light through the many windows on the backside of the home. A dining area separates the open living space from the kitchen. A view of the 7th fairway of the newly-designed Tom Fazio golf course at High Hampton is visible through the trees. MLS 94727

UNDER CONTRACT

Buck Knob Island

$1,395,000

3 BR / 3.5 BA — This home is located on the top knoll of Buck Knob Island in

the middle of Lake Glenville! This property conveys the feeling of secluded living, while remaining completely accessible and convenient to the mainland of the nearby town of Cashiers. The five-minute boat ride is what makes this community unlike any neighborhood or club in the mountains. No cars, no traffic, just neighbors and ATVs roam the roads of Buck Knob. The home was custom designed by the seller for mountain lake life. The view of Lake Glenville from atop Buck Knob extends several directions, with mountain views beyond the lake. MLS 95225

PHILIP BRADLEY C

843.224.5592

PHILIP@CASHIERS.COM

137 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Wade Hampton Golf Club 3 BR / 3 BA — This lovely three-bedroom, three-bath home is located in Cashiers, NC in the renowned Wade Hampton Golf Club, a McKee Development. It occupies a nearly-level lot with excellent views of Chimneytop Mountain, the Wade Hampton golf course, low-maintenance perennial gardens, and a pretty stream that flows along the boundary. Its location near the end of the cul-de-sac is private and provides opportunity for a beautiful near-level walk along the golf course to the Wade Hampton clubhouse. The home offers convenient one-level living complete with an open vaulted living, dining and kitchen area looking out through large

OFFERED FOR $1,200,000

floor-to-ceiling windows towards the view. It also features three spacious bedroom suites and a family room/den/office. A two-car attached carport is located at the front, providing covered entry into the home. The prestigious Wade Hampton Golf Club membership is available by invitation and offers one of the finest golfing experiences in the world. Don’t miss out on this lovely one! MLS 95569

UNDER CONTRACT

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

138 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

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WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB / MLS 94423

Lots & Land LOT

ACRES

DESCRIPTION

MLS

SUBDIVISION

R-43

0.72

Wooded and gently sloping at end of cul-de-sac

95244

Wade Hampton Golf Club

$195,000

1.25

Near level with mountain views

94480

Cowee Mountain

$175,000

N-53

0.54

Gently rolling, golf course view

93265

Wade Hampton Golf Club

$120,000

R-46

0.91

Gently rolling at the end of cul-de-sac

94423

Wade Hampton Golf Club

$110,000

R-25

0.91

Wooded and gently rolling

94896

Wade Hampton Golf Club

$100,000

0.78

Wooded in a cul-de-sac

94514

Continental Cliffs

$ 58,000

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB / MLS 93265

PRICE

COWEE MOUNTAIN / MLS 94480

SANDY BARROW & JOHN BARROW C

478.737.9664

828.506.9356

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Between two North Carolina mountain ridges lies an expansive grassy meadow. Silver Run Creek winds along the middle, sparkling in the sunshine. This is Silver Run Reserve. A community that more than surrounds you with peace and beauty, it fills you up. Here you are free to roam and run… to hike and play… to seize the day and savor the moment. Here at Silver Run Reserve, you’re free to be.

EXPERIENCE C ASUAL MOUNTAIN LUXURY

828.342.3194

140 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

SilverRunReserve.com

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A private, low-density mountain community, located five minutes from Cashiers, NC on the prestigious 107 South corridor. With five distinct residential offerings, including homes and estate homesites, Silver Run Reserve features curated and natural amenities for indoor and outdoor fun and wellness.

LIVE WELL. RUN FREE.

142 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

| OWNER / BROKER LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

143 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

BU A DSVIENRETSISS E R ’ S I N D E X 4118 Kitchen and Bar A Jones Company A-List Antiques ACP Home Interiors Around Back at Rocky’s Place The Bascom Bear Shadow Festival Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Betsy Paul Art Raffle Betsy Paul Properties Black Bear Lodge Black Rock Granite and Cabinetry Blair Realty The Blue Elephant Blue Ridge Bedding Blue Ridge Music The Book Nook Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery Bridge at Mill Creek Brookings Fly Shop Canyon Spa Carolina Rustic Furniture Cashiers Chamber of Commerce Cashiers Candy Shoppe Cashiers Valley Fusion Cashiers Valley Smokehouse Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, MD Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals Charles Johnson Fine Art Photography Chocolate Heaven/Cake Bar Christine’s Home Decor Classic Lighting & Design, Inc. Country Club Properties Creative Concepts Cullasaja Club Dauntless Printing Dinner With Duffy Don Leon’s at The High Dive Dutchmans Edward Jones Investments Fire + Water Fire Mountain Inn & Cabins Four Seasons Landscaping Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar Fressers Courtyard Cafe Dr. Edward D. Frederickson MD FACP The Greystone Inn Head Innovations High Country Furniture & Design The High Dive Highlands Aerial Park Highlands Lawn Highlands Rock Yard Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Andrea Gabbard Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Sheryl Wilson Highlands Transportation Company Home Emporium Hummingbird Lounge Imperial Security & Wiring Jack’s Upholstery Jennings Builders Supply Josephine’s Emporium John Cleaveland Realty

4118kitchen-bar.com acphomeinteriors.com aroundbackatrockysplace.com thebascom.org bearshadownc.com meadowsmountainrealty.com betsypaulproperties.com blackbearlodgeofsapphire.com blackrockgraniteandcabinetry.com blair-realty.com blueridgebedding.com blueridgemusicacademy.com boundscaverugs.com thebridgeatmillcreek.com brookingsonline.com lonesomevalley.com carolinarusticfurniture.com cashiersareachamber.com cashiersvalleyfusion.com cashiersvalleysmokehouse.com plasticsurgerytoday.com highlandsiscalling.com charlesjohnsonfineart.com christineshomedecor.com classiclightinganddesign.com ccphighlandsnc.com cullasajaclub.org dauntlessprinting.com dutchmansdesigns.com edwardjones.com firemt.com firemt.com fsl-wnc.com four65.com wecaterhighlands.com thegreystoneinn.com highcountry.com highlandsaerialpark.com sothebysrealty.com highlandssir.com homeemporium.com oldedwardsinn.com IS-W.co jbwnc.com jcrealty.com

144 M A R C H 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

P 71 P 35, 103 P 100 P 12 P 56 P 59 P 50 P 105 P 64 P 147 P 77 P 108, 117 P 100 P 118 P 87 P 57 P 35 P 29 P 75 P 45 P 116 P 87 P 119 P 35 P 101 P 74 P 102 P 108, 113 P 56 P 121 P 109 P 113 P2 P 108 P 17 P 48, 109 P 72 P 70 P 80 P 103 P 15 P 15 P 32 P 73 P 71 P 102 P4 P 108 P 28 P 70 P 42 P 64 P 115 P 21 P 109 P 61 P 10, 11 P9 P 25 P 62 P 65 P 109 P 33

The Kitchen CarryAway and Catering Lakeside Restaurant Landmark Realty Group Landmark Realty Group - Pam Nellis Landmark Vacation Rentals Laura Moser Art Lehotsky & Sons Lenz Gifts & Luxury Linens The Look Boutique Lupoli Construction Main Street Gifts Martin Lispcomb Performing Arts Center McCulley’s McKee Properties McKee Properties - Philip Bradley McKee Properties - Sandy and John Barrow McKee Properties - Maggie Elmer McKee Properties - Liz Harris McKee Properties - Beth Townsend Meritage Bistro Merrell Thompson Photography Morales Painting Mountain Spring Spas and Pools Mountainworks Design Nearly New Oakleaf Old Edwards Inn & Spa On the Verandah The Park on Main Hotel Pat Calderone Peak Experience ProClean Services Reach of Macon County Rebecka’s Home Cleaning Service Rent In Highlands-CCP Ristorante Paoletti Roman’s Roofing LLC Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center Silver Creek Real Estate Group Skyline Lodge Slab Town Pizza Smitten The Spa Boutique at Old Edwards Inn Srebalus Construction Co. Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship Tampa Bay Trust Company TJ Bailey’s for Men The Ugly Dog Pub - Highlands The Ugly Dog Pub - Cashiers Vic’s for Men Victoria’s Closet Victoria’s Sportswear The Village Green Warth Construction WHLC FM 104.5 Wilbanks Smile Center Dr. Joe Wilbanks Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro Woofgang Bakery & Grooming Yoga of Highlands Zoller Hardware

thekitchenofhighlands.com landmarkrg.com landmarkrg.com landmarkvacations.com lauramoserart.com lehotskyandsons.com lupoliconstruction.com highlandspac.org

P 70 P 75 P 39, 109 P 109 P 39 P5 P 108, 112 P 122 P 25 P 120 P 112

mckeeproperties.com mckeeproperties.com

P 63 P3 P 27, 37, 65, 128-143 P 137

mckeeproperties.com mckeeproperties.com mckeeproperties.com mckeeproperties.com meritagehighlands.com

P 27, 139 P 65 P 132-136, 138 P 37 P4

merrellthompson.com

P5 P 118

mountainhotspring.com mtnworks.com nearlynewnc.com oakleafstyle.com oldedwardsinn.com ontheverandah.com theparkonmain.com calderonegallery.com peakexp.com procleanserves.com reachofmaconcounty.org rentinhighlands.com p¡aolettis.com romansroofingnc.com scalymountain.com ncliving.com skyline-lodge.com slabtownpizza.com oldedwardsinn.com srebalusconstruction.com tampabaytrustcompany.com tjbmens.com theuglydogpub.com theuglydogpub.com victoriasclosetnc.com victoriasclosetnc.com victoriasclosetnc.com villagegreencashiersnc.com warthconstruction.com whlc.com wilbankssmilecenter.com wolfgangs.net yogahighlands.com zollerhardware.com

P 19 P 23 P 114 P 107 P 9, 108 P 77 P 79 P 61, 108 P 60, 115 P 108 P 60 P 108 P 110 P 75 P 109 P 42 P 126-127 P 66 P 74 P 57 P 9, 108 P 109 P 15 P 49 P 86 P 74 P 74 P 114 P 114 P 114 P 92 P 148 P 19 P 96 P5 P 119 P 101 P 109

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PARTING SHOT Double Purple Vision by Greg Clarkson

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March 2021 Laurel Magazine

Articles inside

Plateau Picks

Becoming a Horse Dog

A Tasty Weekend in March

Art and Science

Algorithm Cataclysm