May 2021: The Laurel Magazine by The Laurel Magazine of Highlands NC and Cashiers NC

a e

L UR L The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

Art + Automobile The Bascom’s FreeWheeling pg. 18

Botanical Meets Mechanical May 2021

Our cover artist, Sue Steele Thomas

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CON T E N T S MAY 2021

13 What To Do

28 Highlands Weekends of Live Music

63 Recreation & Creation

76 Upper Middle Creek Falls

81 Arts

90 The Art of Quilting

99 Dining

102 A Taste of Home

119 Shopping

124 Shopping for Fashion

134 Lake Toxaway

134 Bear Tracks Travel Center

143 History

146 Cashiers Historical Society

149 Lifestyles & Wellness

156 A Frog Day Afternoon

163 Giving Back

164 Rotarian Jane Jerry

178 Commerce

178 Black Bear Lodge

150

A Good Life in a Good Place

At a Glance Guides

106

New Chef at Canyon Kitchen

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VOLUME NINETEEN, ISSUE FOUR

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 our May Issue! Just like the forests and fields springing to life around us, we think you’ll find this issue loaded with good things and at least a couple of surprises. Need proof? Well, consider William McReynold’s scholarly dive into the month itself. Passion is embedded within these 31 days. Or read about the return of Music to the Plateau and the opening of Farmers Markets in both Cashiers and Highlands. These are nothing but blessings for both residents and guests, both nods to a storied past and signposts for a brighter year ahead. Or join Luke Osteen for a classic cup of Joe at a local coffee shop and discover why there’s something precious being served once more. Let us show you how to squeeze every bit of delight out of this magical month. 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 14-58

Photo by Susan Renfo

W H AT TO DO

The Risqué

Month of May

Sure, the month of May is Merr y, but there’s also a bit of Friskiness built in.

s months go, May is a little risqué. Its name comes from the Latin Maius after a Greek god who was romanticized to be the goddess of fertility. On May 1, May Day, one of the merriest days of the year, we classically begin the festivities of the month with a fine picnic. Add, perhaps, a Maypole with colorful streamers and braids. One can just hear Queen Guinevere (Vanesa Redgrave or Julie Andrews) singing: Tra la! It’s May! The lusty month of May! That darling month when ev’ryone throws Self-control away. It’s time to do A wretched thing or two, And try to make each precious day One you’ ll always rue! It’s May! It’s May! The month of “yes you may,” The time for ev’ry frivolous whim, Proper or “ im.” It’s wild! It’s gay! 14 M a y 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

A blot in ev’ry way. The birds and bees with all of their vast Amorous past Gaze at the human race aghast, The lusty month of May. So, you see why I say risqué. In May a great deal of pollination and procreation takes place. Don’t tell the kids. May brings other gifts. Three meteor showers are visible in May: the Eta Aquariids, Arietids and Virginids. Dust off that telescope the kids gave you for Christmas. The Mayflower (Epigaea repens) is a harbinger of spring and also symbolizes the hope and courage of Pilgrim Americans whose crossing vessel was called the “Mayflower.” May contains many commemorative dates. Month-long observances include: Cystic Fibrosis Awareness, Better Hearing and Speech, Asian Pacific-American Heritage, National Bicycle Month, National Golf Month, and National Burger Month. Works for me! In the U.K., May is the National Pet Month and National Smile Month. May hosts many religious commemorations including the Feast of the Ascension, Bright Wednesday through Saturday and Thomas Sunday.

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Someone has designated the first Saturday in May the World Naked Gardening Day. Risqué again. Fittingly, the first Sunday is World Laughter Day. I’m not making this up. The first full week of May is National Teacher Appreciation Week. The second weekend is World Migratory Bird Day. And don’t forget: the second Sunday is Mother’s Day in scores of countries including the U.S. And to our Latin American friends and compatriots who celebrate Cinco de Mayo we say: Felicidades! If none of the above moves you to reverent observance, there’s still hope. The third Friday in May is National Pizza Party Day and May 26th is our own National Paper Airplane Day. Show the grandkids how to make and fly a paper airplane. Have a merry May. Dare I say it, may the birds and bees be aghast. by William McReynolds

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Ride and

Seek

The beautiful cars at the hear t of the 14th Annual Highlands Motoring Festival, won’t just be in downtown Highlands – they’ll be touring through the highways and byways of Western Nor th Carolina. For information, visit HighlandsMotoringFestival.com.

he 14th Annual Highlands Motoring Festival, set for June 1013, is centered on a display of gorgeous automobiles arrayed around Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, yet its pull and attractions extend far beyond the confines of the Plateau. Steve Ham, the festival’s coordinator, spotlighted the three different driving tours: Thursday, June 10 “One Lap of the Mountains Speciale” is for a faster pace group and covers around 100 miles. “One Lap of the Mountains Classic” is for a casual pace group and covers around 100 miles. These motoring activities include a boxed lunch stop near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Friday, June 11 The One Lap Grande, “The Original” is greater than 150 miles and also includes a stop for lunch at a restaurant with reservations

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for 50 cars. All drivers for the motoring routes depart from and return to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in Highlands. “We’ve designed all events with Covid in mind, just in case,” said Ham. Saturday, June 12 For many Motoring Festival veterans, Cars in the Park, a juried display of approximately 100 specially selected vintage and innovative automobiles from around the world, is the centerpiece of the entire event. It’ll be staged from 7:30 A.M. to 3:45 P.M. at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park. It’s free and open to everyone and is not to be missed. Even if you’re not a hardcore auto buff, you will be seduced by this display. The theme for 2021 is Pure Bloods d’Italia, with a spotlight on classic cars of such makes as Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini. Added Ham, “We have noteworthy guest speakers coming, the

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Isotta Fraschini Flying Star

two car shows – including High Octane, which is a more casual automotive gathering open to anyone interested in displaying their automobile – soirees in the evenings, and much more.” Also this year, Highlands Motoring Festival has partnered with The Bascom: A Center for Visual Arts to offer “Celebrate Art + Automobile.” A special exhibition at The Bascom will be “Freewheeling: The Allure of the Automobile in Contemporary Art” that runs from May 11 through August 21. Bascom’s Bunzl Gallery will feature works of renowned international automotive artists. Additionally, a rotating display of extremely rare and unique automobiles will be available to visitors. The festival’s overall net proceeds benefit local charities. “There are so many exciting things going on,” said Ham. “The festival is definitely worth putting on the calendar.” Check out HighlandsMotoringFestival.com. by Deena Bouknight

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Art +

Automobiles

Brian Tull

FreeWheeling, set for May 11 through August 21, is The Bascom’s dynamic celebration of the fusion of engineering and style.

he Bascom: A Center for Visual Arts is showcasing the design artistry of cars and their hold on the public’s imagination with Celebrate Art + Automobile. One aspect of this project is a special exhibition at The Bascom titled FreeWheeling: The Allure of the Automobile in Contemporary Art, which runs from May 11– August 21. The 2021 Highlands Motoring Festival has aligned with The Bascom: A Center for Visual Arts to present Celebrate Art + Automobile. One aspect of this collaboration is a special exhibition 18 M a y 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

at The Bascom titled Freewheeling: The Allure of the Automobile in Contemporary Art, which runs from May 11–August 21. Located in The Bascom’s Bunzl Gallery, the exhibit will feature works by renowned international automotive artists, including canvas, paper, and sculpture. Additionally, a rotating display of extremely rare and unique automobiles will be available for visitors to view. Shared Billy Love, Bascom’s creative director, “This multitiered experience, curated by artist and architect Knight

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Dan McCrary

Martorell, is presented in the appreciation of art and the automobile. It examines design as art, the inherent duality of functional art, the allure of the automobile as art itself inspiring expression in another art-form, and the dialogue between inspiration and expression.” Added Martorell: “Some of the paintings in ‘Freewheeling’ are not about cars at all, but contain cars as supporting actors in a compositional narrative. On a very personal level, curating ‘Freewheeling’ has been the marriage of, and the opportunity to share, two great passions in my life, art and automobiles. Choreographing this experience, within a contained gallery space, also embraced a third passion, architecture.” Anyone in the Highlands area the weekend of Highlands Motoring Festival - June 10-13 will have plenty of activities to choose from: car shows, a parade, an opportunity to support local charities, and a visit to The Bascom, which provides an ongoing opportunity for local and regional artists to showcase their work. Plus, visitors can purchase handcrafted items and art. “The Bascom’s three galleries and the Winkler Sculpture and Nature Trail are host to approximately 10 exhibitions each year, which pair with our education programs to attract 20,000 visitors to The Bascom,” said Love. For an in-depth preview of this exhibit, see our profile of our May Cover Artist and FreeWheeling Contributor Sue Steele Thomas on Page 82.

by Deena Bouknight

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Reunite

with CLE

Lonesome Valley

Explore the intricacies of the digital frontier and the majesty of a Wild Place just outside of Cashiers with a pair of presentations offered by the Center for Life Enrichment. Visit clehighlands.com or call (828) 526-8811 for more information.

t the Center for Life Enrichment, the 2021 season is full of promise, with exciting and enriching lectures and events. While remaining sensitive to health guidelines and social distancing, CLE is offering in-person presentations, as well as some Zoom events. The season kicks off this month with an exploration of the iPhone and iPad. Instructor Loraine Smith will take you beyond the basics to explore tools that will assist you daily. Loraine has been guiding people through the innovative world of Apple for the last two years at CLE and is an Apple-Certified Business Partner. After this class you’ll be able to keep up with passwords, send photos from your device and utilize Siri like a pro. Cost is $80 for members and $90 for non-members. It’ll be held Wednesday, May 19, from 10:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. It’s easy to understand and appreciate the great outdoors with a visit to Lonesome Valley in Cashiers, led by Gary Wein, Executive Director of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust. Over 300 acres of the Lonesome Valley Box Canyon have been conserved as part of the development plan including a 24-acre conservation easement and the restoration of Logan Branch. The canyon boasts the tallest wall of 20 M a y 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

sheer granite rock east of the Mississippi River. Good walking shoes and a camera are a must. Bring a boxed lunch and beverage to enjoy after seeing the rare granite dome ecosystem. Cost is $40/$50. Take part in the adventure at 10:00 A.M. Monday, May 24, with a return set for 1:00 P.M. This trip is limited to 15 people. No matter how much you’ve read while remaining at home, you will still enjoy learning with Hilary Lithgow of UNC-Chapel Hill as she examines how recent wars are represented and remembered through classic literature as well as contemporary American fiction about the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Red Badge of Courage, All Quiet on the Western Front, War Porn, and The Yellow Birds, among others will be explored. Cost is $25/$35. The class will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Friday. CLE membership is not required to attend events. You can register and view the entire Center for Life Enrichment 2021 catalog by visiting clehighlands.com or calling (828) 526-8811. Attendance for students is free (please call to register). The CLE office is located in the Peggy Crosby Center at 348 South Fifth Street in Highlands. by Bonnie Dayton

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Always Fresh

Always Local

Thanks to guidelines, the good things offered at the Green Market are truly the Taste of the Plateau. Find out for yourself at 2:00-5:00 P.M. ever y Wednesday at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road nex t to the Cashiers Post Off ice.

omegrown, handpicked, and handmade local goodness can be found at the Green Market, Cashiers’ farmstand market for local growers. The market is “producer only,” meaning that the vendor must be the grower or producer of all the products they sell and source. Vendors must produce within a 125-mile radius of Cashiers. That means that the season for each fruit and vegetable is longer. Shopping at the Green Market provides a forum for learning how food is grown, who grew it, and why it tastes so good. Fill your basket with naturally raised meat and dairy items, fresh eggs, jams, pickles, freshly baked bread and delicious granola. Discover the variety of locally foraged mushrooms. Set your table with fresh cut flowers that morning or plant your entryway with locally grown perennials. Shop handmade soaps and other natural botanicals. Always fresh. Always local. During this time of physical distancing, the Green Market will follow best practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our customers and vendors. Customers should plan to bring face coverings to shop. Market hours will be strictly observed, no early

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shopping. Customers should stay home if they are experiencing illness of any kind. Vendors will also follow the same procedures in addition to safe set-up and sanitizing practices. The Green Market is open during the growing season from 2:00-5:00 P.M. every Wednesday at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road next to the Cashiers Post Office. Be sure to visit www.CashiersGreenMarket.com and “Like” us on Facebook (CashiersGreen) to keep current with vendor information and market news. by Ann Self, Executive Director of The Village Green

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Enjoy Stories

As You Walk The Cashiers Greenway Ramble Stor ywalk is an irresistible tale that unwinds over the course of a gentle amble through the Village Green in Cashiers.

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ith its rolling emerald expanse and meandering walkway through reedy wetlands and shadowed forest, and, of course, its perpetually inviting playground, you’d be forgiven for imagining the Cashiers Village Green as something out of a storybook. Well, that vision has become a reality with the unveiling of the Cashiers Greenway Ramble StoryWalk. This innovative fusion of education and entertainment was made possible through a collaboration between Vision Cashiers, The Village Green, The Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, and The Literacy Council of Cashiers. This StoryWalk provides outdoor adventure that champions reading along with family connection, health, and wellness. Pages of a story are posted at a series of stations along a trail, allowing families and friends to enjoy a story as they walk the path. The first installation is up and features The Coming Soon Series, which is a delightful series of 18 pages positioned on standard bases along the Ramble. The intention behind the series is to educate the public about what they can expect from this attraction for their children, and to thank the many

generous donors for making it possible. Although the content of the Coming Soon Series is geared to adults, each page offers a fun, educational activity for children in both English and Spanish. The first story, Cashiers Come Play With Me, will be installed in mid-June. It is the story of how the Cashiers Village Play came into being and is geared toward children at a second grade reading level. Each page is offered in English and Spanish and will include activities for older children. This original book was written by Ann Self, Executive Director of the Village Green, illustrated by local artist Kat Ford, and translated into Spanish by Ana Crespo. For more information, call Village Green Executive Director Ann Self at Director@Cashiersgreen.com or call (828) 743-3434; or contact Maggie Carton, the chairman of Vision Cashiers’ Pathways and Preservation Task Force, at margcarton@yahoo. com or call (828) 743-5753 (office).

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Live Music

Is Back

Sweet harmonies bring passion back to the seasonal soundscape of Highlands evenings.

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Curtis Blackwell

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usic is coming back to Highlands this month and all you have to do is step outside and take a short walk to the center of town. The return of the Highlands Twin Concert Series – Friday Nights Live and Saturdays on Pine – the cherished local tradition that was thwarted by the pandemic is reason to celebrate. While the series is billed as a chance to breathe in some culture and the open-air, it’s also a reaffirming sign that life is getting back to normal and that the Coronavirus is losing its grip on our lives. Participating musicians comprise some of the most talented and diverse of our local region. Friday concerts are a jamboree of traditional Mountain Music – music made on banjos, fiddles, mandolins, dobros and guitars. It’s an old-time genre, known for its harmonies, and the merry and sweet, or slower and melancholy sounds that evoke the lively jigs and reels of the Scots-Irish who settled in these mountains generations ago. It’s as well a wistful reminiscence of the famous dance parties of years ago at Highlands’ Helen’s Barn. Audience participation – whether by dancing, stomping or simply clapping is encouraged. Silly Ridge Roundup will perform at the inaugural session of the

season on May 21. The Highlands-based troupe offers an eclectic blend of Americana, bluegrass, and folk music, and is sure to bring joy, energy, and toe-tapping music. Saturdays on Pine are a welcome amalgam of several music genres. Whether it’s the compelling beat of traditional rock and roll, the lonesome whine of a country crooner or the plaintiff sounds of sweet soul music, the evening offers a chance to once again hear the live music we have all missed for too long. Bring a blanket and some blanket-ready fare and join friends and neighbors under the evening sky. The Caribbean Boys will take over the stage for the opening of the Saturdays on Pine Season on May 22. Friday Night Live concerts take place at Highlands Town Square from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Saturdays on Pine are at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Pine Street and also begin at 6:00 P.M. The weekend series continues through October 22 and concerts are free. For more information about Saturdays on Pine or Friday Night Live, visit highlandschamber.org or call (828) 526-2112. by Marlene Osteen

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Shrimp Boil

is a Comin’

The Friends of KelseyHutchinson Founders Park will host their 2021 Shrimp Boil on Saturday, June 19, at, naturally, KP Founders Park. There are protocols in place to ensure the event will be in accordance with Covid guidelines.

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riends of Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park is once again serving up its wildly popular Shrimp Boil from 4:30 to 7:30 P.M., this time with a drive-through twist. Diners/Drivers will enter the park area near the intersection of Fourth Street and Oak Street. Once their tickets are taken, they will be directed to one of two lanes of traffic, one proceeding left down the alley that connects to Pine Street and the other remaining on Oak Street. Visit online at foundersparkhighlands.

org for information on the event and where to buy tickets. The event, which was cancelled last year in the midst of the pandemic, is the sole fundraiser for the park, which was opened in 2017. The park features a stage pavilion, amphitheater, restrooms, an interactive fountain, a Little Free Library, and an ice rink in the winter. The tireless efforts of the Friends of Founders Park have given the town the urban green space it’s deserved.

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Mother’s Day

Flowers

The kaleidoscopic shapes and colors of Dahlias are on display in all their glor y at the Foster Memorial Dahlia Garden, the scintillating treasure chest in the hear t of the Village Green.

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ach year the Foster Memorial Dahlia Garden in The Village Green draws thousands of visitors to enjoy these beautiful blooms. Petal forms can include classic pompoms, spidery cactus, and daisy-like single blooms. The Village Green Dahlia Garden features these stunning and unique flowers. The blooms are different unusual shapes and bright colors, but each one is beautiful. With a tax-deductible gift, The Village Green will plant dahlias and other perennial blooms in the park. Visit our website, and under the Explore tab in the menu bar, click on Dahlia Garden to learn how you can honor the mothers and special women in your life with this special gift. Wherever you see dahlias, daylilies, Lenten roses, and daffodils, you will know that yours are among them. It is a memorable gift that provides immeasurable joy for countless visitors who enjoy Cashiers’ park for the people. The Village Green provides a beautiful, free public space; however, it is conserved by a nonprofit organization that depends on contributions to maintain the park and provide such an exceptional venue for the community. The Village Green is in the heart of Cashiers, for the people of Cashiers. To learn more about these events or to make a donation, call (828) 743-3434 or visit VillageGreenCashiersNC.com. by Ann Self, Executive Director of The Village Green photos by Ed Boos

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Exercise Your

Green Thumb

The days are growing long and warm – it’s time to get back in the dir t. But f irst, some quick lessons, cour tesy of the Plateau’s twin libraries.

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fter months of cooler-to-downright cold temperatures, leafless – though beautifully silhouetted – trees, and plenty of soggy days, evidence of spring is everywhere. May is the right time to stop worrying about freezes and frosts and to consider exercising a green thumb. Whether adept at all things out-of-doors-related or a newbie with a practical interest, libraries provide tons of necessary resources. “We have shelves and shelves of gardening and landscape design books, native plants and green gardening techniques, and sustaining native wildlife and insects like bees and butterflies with intentional gardening,” said Serenity Richards, branch librarian at Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. “Plus, the free Universal Class site also has such classes as an introduction to gardening, vegetable gardening 101, tropical gardening, and all about herbs. We have an extensive collection of gardening e-resources, as well, eBooks and eMagazines in e-iNC. And, Kanopy has videos from Great Courses on gardening and sustainable living, how to grow anything, garden design and planning, food gardens, planting with native plants.” The Universal Class’s Introduction to Gardening focuses on soil preparation, pest control, plant propagation, and four categories of gardening: flower, vegetable, herb, and specialty. Also available at both libraries within the Fontana Library

system, are resources regarding flower arranging. “We have a variety of books on that topic, plus at least one Universal Class,” said Carlyn Morenus, branch librarian, at Hudson Library in Highlands. In addition, would-be home/amateur landscapers can find plenty of books on the subject to transform their staid yard into something stellar. Another Universal Class, Landscaping 101, makes certain to cover all the basics, including: - determining harmony, balance, color, natural transitions, proportion, and line - assessing present landscape needs - settling on the intended purpose of the landscape - gathering ideas - developing a basic plan and creating a timetable for the work - learning how to avoid common landscaping mistakes - making the most of what already exists, such as native plants Universal Class is available for use on library computers or at home, as are other library-offered e-resources. by Deena Bouknight

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World

Bee Day

Local Honeybees will get their day in the sun when Jackson County Beekeepers, Mountain Man Cave Honey, and The Village Green celebrate World Bee Day from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Saturday, May 22. Everyone is invited to this free educational event.

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ountain Man Cave Honey, Jackson County Beekeepers, and The Village Green will be co-sponsoring a free event for the public to celebrate World Bee Day on Saturday, May 22, at the Gazebo of the Village Green from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Tying along with The Village Green’s mission of preserving and enhancing land for our community, this year’s theme is Bee Engaged! The event will feature hive demonstrations, various activities and games for all ages, light refreshments, and live music featuring Asheville Singer/Songwriter Oliver Padgett from 1:00 to 2:30 P.M.. Children’s activities will include many arts and craft and education exhibits. “Our goal with the Open House and Apiary Tours would be to expose the Southern Jackson community to the plight of the honeybee, raise awareness, and to demonstrate simple ways guests may help this fragile but so important insect,” says Rose Mary Achey, the President of Jackson County Beekeepers. To raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development, the UN designated 20 May as World Bee Day. The goal is to strengthen measures aimed at protecting bees and other pollinators, which would significantly contribute to solving problems related to the global food supply and eliminate hunger in developing countries.

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Highlands

Marketplace

Highlands Marketplace is a dazzling showcase for local farmers and ar tisans, Saturdays from 8:00 A .M. until 12:30 at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park.

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ighlands Marketplace, staged every Saturday from 8:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Pine Street, serves up a bounty of the products of the Plateau. Local farmers, artisans, and growers gather to offer the freshest and most colorful selections you’ll find anywhere. Whether it’s spring lettuces, organic salves and tinctures, eggs, or handmade crafts you’ll not be disappointed. Farmers will be offering the first fruits of their fields and you’ll find fresh eggs from contented chickens, honey, and a full spectrum of fresh flowers harvested on the Plateau. There’s also an irresistible selection of fresh-baked pastries and breads. Look for canned goods, jams and jellies, and herbal teas and tisanes. This is also a place to visit if you’re seeking handmade soaps and essential oils, and homemade salves that are crafted using formulas that date back hundreds of years. The Highlands Marketplace is a great way to start your weekend, so bring your baskets and your market bags and load ‘em up! If you choose to bring your four-legged friends, please make sure they’re leashed. But just as important as all the foods, all the treats, all the goods, is the sense of community that forms the bedrock

of this entry on the town’s social calendar. This is where Highlanders gather. Stories are told, gossip is exchanged, and jokes are swapped. People of all ages and all social standings stroll through and weigh their purchases. If you don’t spend part of your time talking with the vendors and artisans, well, you’re not getting your money’s worth.

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Meander in May

Meander in May, set for Saturday, May 22, is an invitation to discover and rediscover the unique charms of Highlands.

t’s May, the weather is warming, most of us are vaccinated, and we’re ready to wander … here, there, and yonder. Visit Highlands, NC/Chamber of Commerce encourages you to offer the following invitation to one or more friends and come downtown to do your wandering. Help launch (and maybe even lunch) the first annual Meander in May event, set for Saturday, May 22, from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. I tell you this with candor, Neighbor, friend, Highlander, Saturday, May twenty-two Me and hopefully you Shall gather down on Main For Music, Art, (no rain) … I can’t imagine a grander thing Than me and thee meandering. Musicians and artists shall be situated all over town. Residents and visitors are encouraged to watch, listen, engage, and indulge in other offerings along the way. It’s a way to regroup, re-boot, and rejoice after a year of seclusion. As an extra precaution, the event is out-of-doors, Covid-safety in effect. Participants will be provided with a town map to go and seek out their favorite artist/musician. Help us get the word out and join the fun. For more information about the May Meander, visit Highlands, NC/Chamber event. Go to visithighlandsnc.com. Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about Meander in May

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Timely

Summer Read

Author Mary Alice Monroe will illuminate the timely and timeless lessons embedded within her new novel, The Summer of Lost and Found, with a pair of presentations, May 28 and 29.

Mary Alice Monroe

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est-selling author Mary Alice Monroe has just released a here-and-now book titled The Summer of Lost and Found. Monroe will be discussing the new novel as well as her writing process on May 28 at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, and on May 29 at Hudson Library in Highlands. Although Monroe resides on the South Carolina coast, the Plateau is a favorite destination. No doubt, fans and new readers alike will enjoy The Summer of Lost and Found, which explores pandemic dynamics as it relates to families: “forced isolation, economic strain, aroundthe-clock togetherness.” She added, “From that examination emerged two main themes – letting go and living in the present. Doing both gives us fresh eyes to see our world around us. And oftentimes, you discover treasures in your life that you had not realized during the busyness and demands of daily life.” An author’s journey involves not only self-discovery, but also history, culture, and the human spirit. Monroe explained, “Writing The Summer of Lost and Found during 2020 was an experience like no other. When I write, I typically plot out the major details of every chapter before I write a single word. But not with this book. I wrote in real-time, and it was a roller coaster writing journey, much like our daily

life journeys throughout the year.” Even though some people may not consider reading about Covid-19 ideal summer literary escapism, Monroe urges readers to consider her stories are nature-oriented getaways; plus, “there are always lessons to learn, truths to uncover, and treasures to be found in the ashes of chaos and uncertainty.” She is considered an effective writer who draws in her audience because of her ability to introduce characters and situations with whom readers can relate. Monroe commented: “I believe it’s important to write what you know because it’s authentic to you through knowledge or personal experience. It doesn’t mean to write about your own life per se, but to draw inspiration and details from the compilation of your life’s experiences and the menagerie of people you meet along your journey.” In fact, Monroe has been stretching her writer’s talents with the June 15 publication of her first middle school novel, The Islanders. It’s set on tiny Dewees Island in South Carolina and it involves a lonely 11-year-old boy finding himself and forging friendships that will carry him through a tumultuous family life. Her talks at the libraries on May 28 and 29 are free to the public. by Deena Bouknight

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Run for the

Joy of It

The Twilight 5K and 10K Race beckons serious and not-so-serious runners for a bit of fresh air fun and competition, Saturday, May 15 throughout Highlands. For more information or to register, visit highlandstwilight5kand10k.com.

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f you were born to run, Baby, this story is for you. Apologies to The Boss for a bit of plagiarism, but this spring is making us all wake up with a song in our heart, and runners are especially happy that they can lace up their running shoes and participate in 5Ks again. The Rotary Club of Highlands Twilight 5K and 10K Race is the place to start and is fun for the entire family. Starting at 6:00 P.M. at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on May 15, this race stands apart from the rest and offers a chance for everyone to participate, while raising funds that support local youth and recreation programs. The 5K course is a largely flat course that beckons serious runners hoping to improve their times and enjoy beautiful scenery, but is also perfect for walkers and strollers, entire families who want to enjoy an evening of fun with their community. The 10K course is a challenging one that pushes even the most seasoned runner to new limits, while they assault the bear, Big Bear Pen, that is. Participants choosing the 10k course must be at least 15 years of age. Typically, this race is followed by an outdoor concert at the park, but given that modified Covid restrictions are still in place, there will be no concert after this race.

Don’t despair, though, because organizers are planning to return in August for the annual August Twilight race, followed by a concert. Details will be made available as they are finalized. Make plans to register for both races. As always there will be prizes, including $100 for a new overall course record and $50 for any other age group record. You may register right up until the day of the event. For more details, visit highlandstwilight5kand10k.com. Please note that the Twilight 5k course is USATF certified 5k course NC 16004DW. Early packet pickup is Friday May 14 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the Highlands Recreation Park. Parking for the event will be available at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, Highlands Recreation Park and the Highlands Post Office. by Mary Jane McCall Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about Highlands Twilight Runs

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Thank a

Soldier

The Memorial Day Weekend gives Highlanders a series of events to honor Fallen Heroes.

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emorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer season here on the Plateau. It’s a time when we bring the barbecue grill out of storage and invite family, friends, and neighbors over for a cookout and catching up. The long holiday weekend beckons us to enjoy long-standing traditions and make new ones. This year promises an eagerly anticipated return to our outdoor concerts as Covid restrictions are lifting a bit and it’s hoped that the state will have expanded the allowable crowd size to accommodate these events. Anticipating that the concerts will be a go, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce has lined up Trudition to play the Friday Night Live concert on Friday, May 28, and Ashley and Her Heathens will play Saturdays on Pine, the following day. Both concerts will be from 6:00 until 8:30 P.M. and visitors are encouraged to confirm that the new state mandates will allow them to go on as planned. Likewise, social distancing and masks will be needed to keep everyone safe. Most importantly, it’s a time for us to remember the true meaning of the holiday, a day dedicated to remembering our fallen service members who gave their all to protect our freedom and way of life.

Each year, Wreaths Across America, assisted by American Legion Highlands post 370 and other volunteers decorate veteran’s graves at Highlands Memorial Park, a moving reminder of the sacrifices of so many. American Legion Highlands Post 370 is also planning on having their annual ceremony honoring our fallen soldiers at the Highlands Veterans Plaza in front of the Highlands Police Department on Monday, May 31, at 10:00 A.M. During this ceremony they also place bricks honoring local military service members along the curving brick path that forms the centerpiece of Veteran’s Plaza. Anyone interested in placing a brick in honor of their service member should contact the Legion at ncpost370@gmail.com or by visiting the kiosk at Veteran’s Park for an application. On this day of celebration and solemn remembrance let’s all remember, “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Author Unknown. by Mary Jane McCall

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Garden Club

Plant Sale

Highlands Mountain Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale, slated for Saturday, May 29, at the Town Ballf ield, is animated by the spirit of Laurel’s beloved Wiley Sloan.

his year’s Highlands Mountain Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale, set for Saturday, May 29, promises to be an exceptionally joyous occasion. It marks another milestone in a return to normalcy as our Covid numbers continue to decline, allowing us to once again hold events that unite the community. This once-a-year opportunity allows everyone the chance to purchase native plants grown by some of the most accomplished gardeners on the Plateau. No Big Box plants here, these have all been lovingly cultivated in native soil and are plants native to our region, so they’ll grow and thrive for years to come. This year, the focus is on plants that attract pollinators, thereby ensuring that our gardens provide Mother Nature with a helping hand by maintaining a healthy habitat for our pollinators who depend on flowering plants. The addition of native flowering beauties such as Bee Balm, Astilbe, and Clematis are wonderful additions to your garden and will provide a wonderful environment for our bees, birds and butterflies to thrive in. These stunning perennials will only get more beautiful in seasons to come as they proliferate and help maintain a healthy ecosystem. Of course, there will be other plants available as well, including the always popular Hosta in its many varieties, Cinnamon Ferns and other surprise offerings. This year the Club will honor Wiley Sloan, a treasured supporter who passed away in 2020. Affectionately known among club members as “The Hosta Man,” Wiley and his wife, Sarah,

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were ardent supporters of the Garden Club and Wiley could often be seen dispensing gardening wisdom while wearing his whimsical Hosta Hat. The sale is held on Saturday May 29 from 9:00 A.M. until noon at the Town of Highlands Ball Field at the corner of Highway 64 and Hickory Street. Be prepared to come early as the sale is extremely popular and long lines quickly form. Proceeds are used for scholarships for local students who are studying horticulture, environmental studies and education, as well as for other community projects. It is a chance to beautify your garden while giving to a good cause. Cash or check only, please. by Mary Jane McCall

Wiley Sloan in his Hosta Hat

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E Pots on

The Green

Pots on the Green, set for June 25-26 on The Village Green, proves that playing in the mud isn’t just for kids.

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veryone’s invited to Pots on the Green, a two-day ceramic art show celebrating the area’s rich pottery heritage June 25-26 at The Village Green. For more information, visit villagegreencashiersnc.com. Pottery lovers, mark your calendars for the annual Pots on the Green Ceramic Art Show and Demonstrations, held on Friday evening, June 25, and Saturday, June 26, at the new building. This two-day event celebrates the rich pottery heritage of our region and features the work of numerous local potters and their myriad of creations. You’ll find a mindboggling array of pieces, including mugs, sculptures, bowls, plates, tea pots, tea cups, lamps and dinner ware. All are available for purchase and you can talk with the artist who created your ideal piece, getting a glimpse into their creative world. Whatever your aesthetic – Americana rustic, clean and modern, whimsical, traditional Asian style – you’ll discover

something to match. Get to know the artists, learn their unique techniques and take home your favorites. Pottery pieces add that oneof-a-kind, individual touch to a home and you won’t find a better opportunity to look and learn. Artists will also be demonstrating their craft in four distinct presentations, so it’ll be possible to watch the often complex process through which each piece is born.

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about Pots on the Green

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ighlands Mountaintop Show, set for June 26 and 27 at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park in downtown Highlands, marks the return of this cherished event on the Plateau social calendar and the flowering of the local

artistic community, which struggled to get through the Covid-shuttered days of 2020. Paintings, prints and photography will be accompanied by top quality crafts like turned wood, art glass, sculpture and home accessories. There is a great selection of rustic furniture, as well as pottery, jewelry, and other wonderful things. The 65-plus artisans come from all over the mountains of Western North Carolina, north Georgia, South Carolina, and eastern Tennessee. This is your chance to meet the talented people who pour their heart and soul into their amazing creations so that you can enjoy them for years to come. The show is held in beautiful KelseyHutchinson Founders Park on Pine Street downtown. It runs from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. both days, rain or shine, and there is no admission charge. For more information about the event, visit highlandsvillageartshow.com

Highlands

Mountaintop Show

Highlands Mountaintop Show will be staged at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, June 26 and 27.

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Erick Baker

to Perform

Singer-Songwriter Erick Baker’s exuberant music marks the resumption of the Orchard Sessions at The Farm at Old Edwards, Thursday, June 17.

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Erick Baker

OUTDOORS

t’s well known that the Coronavirus has hit the music scene hard. The announcement of the reopening of the Orchard Sessions at The Farm at Old Edwards and that music concerts will no longer be quarantined on the Plateau is reason to celebrate. After the past year’s enforced inactivity, the return of the music sessions and the chance to embrace nature, listen to music and simply being together is eagerly awaited. Now in its fifth season, the resumption of these exceptional gatherings and its gifted artists will officially launch on Thursday, June 17, with a show by Knoxville’s Erick Baker. The Emmy Award-winning writer and singer songwriter didn’t grow up singing or playing music. In fact, as he says “My performing career began in the smoky corners of Knoxville, Tennessee’s, restaurants and bars singing cover songs for distracted drunks and underage college students. I hadn’t seriously

considered pursuing a career in music until May 2007 after an unexpected opportunity to open for John Legend at Knoxville’s Tennessee Theatre.” That night changed Baker forever. Since then, he’s shared a tour bus with Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famers, performed in front of crowds of over 20,000 people and played for uniformed men and women in stations around the world. He’s released seven albums that reflect his genre-bending approach and the intricately crafted, emotive Americana music he writes and performs. Mountain Xpress describes him as having a “raw and powerful” voice and an “ability to whip an early crowd into a respectable frenzy.” But recording and performing are not his only projects. Two years ago, Baker made the decision to bring his music career to a halt to focus on being with his family. Out of this came the opportunity to host the PBS television series Tennessee Uncharted.

And soon to be released is his inspiring children’s book Willie The Weed, a story that, “Celebrates our differences, encourages optimism, and reminds us that #weallbelong .” Shows begin each Thursday evening at 6:00 PM and finish at 8:00 PM – perhaps just in time to stargaze at the night sky. The cover charge is $15 for hotel guests and members with early online tickets available. And there is a $25 cover charge for the public, with online ticket sales opening two weeks in advance, if available. Every ticket includes complimentary light bites and a cash bar. Limited seating available and taking a seat in the grass is certainly welcome. The sessions will move indoors to the new Orchard House in the event of rain. For updates and more information, visit: OldEdwardsHospitality. com/OrchardSessions. Please note that dates are subject to change. by Marlene Osteen

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M AY Spring won’t let me stay in this house any longer! I must get out and breathe the air deeply again. – Gustav Mahler

• Highlands Marketplace, 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

All the events that we’ve previewed here may not happen when their appointed time arrives. View the complete Highlands Cashiers Plateau Calendar

• Happy Mother’s Day!

• A Garden in Every Season’ Virtual Tours: Highlands Biological Garden, 11:30 A.M., (828) 526-2623, facebook.com/ highlandsbiologicalstation. • Highlands Food Pantry Open, 3:15 to 5:30 P.M., behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, (828) 421-1789.

• Highlands Food Pantry Open, 3:15 to 5:30 P.M., behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, (828) 421-1789.

• Green Market 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.. The Village Green Commons, (828) 743-3434. • Cashiers Quilters meet 12:30 P.M. at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, (828) 331-7031, cashiersquilters.com. • Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 P.M., The Ugly Dog Pub,

•• Green GreenMarket Market 2:00 The 2:00toto5:00 5:00P.M.. P.M.. Village at TheGreen VillageCommons, Green (828) 743-3434. Commons on Frank Allen •Road, Cashiers Quilters meet (828) 743-3434. 12:30 P.M. at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, (828) 331-7031, cashiersquilters.com. • Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 P.M., The Ugly Dog Pub,

• Highlands Food Pantry Open, 9:00 A.M. to Noon, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, (828) 421-1789. • The Bascom’s FreeWheeling exhibition, Bunzl Gallery, May 11 through August 21.

• Highlands Food Pantry Open, 9:00 A.M. to Noon, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, (828) 421-1789.

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• Highlands Art League Food of Highlands-Cashiers Pantry Open, meeting, 4:30 P.M. 3:15 to 5:30 P.M.,The behind Bascom, artleaguehighlandsand below The Highlands cashiers.com. United Methodist Church, (828) 421-1789.

• Happy Memorial Day! • Betsy Paul Art Raffle, benefiting Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department. Drawing 5:00 P.M., (828) 743-0880.

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• Highlands Food Pantry Open, 9:00 A.M. to Noon, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, (828) 421-1789.

•• Highlands Pantry Tuesday Food Boozeday Open, A.M. to at The9:00 Bridge, Noon, and below The 3:00 tobehind 4:00 P.M., Highlands United Methodist reservations required. Church, (828) 421-1789. (828) 526-5500 , • 2021 Village Nature thebridgeatmillcreek.com. Series: for Hemlocks, • VillageHope Nature Series 5:00 P.M. “Restore via Zoom. Email virtual Our director@cashiersgreen.com Earth” 5:00 P.M., -for link. by emailing Register director@cashiersgreen.com.

Please be sure and call ahead before attending.

• Highlands Wine Shoppe Weekly Wine Tasting with Annelize, 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. (828) 526-4080, highlandswineshoppe@gmail.com. • Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 P.M., The High Dive.

• Highlands Marketplace, 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. • MET Opera’s stars, Renee Fleming and Jonas Kaufmann, in a combined concert, 1:00 P.M.. Highlands Performing Arts Center.

• Highlands Wine Shoppe Weekly Wine Tasting with Annelize, 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. (828) 526-4080, highlandswineshoppe@gmail.com. • Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 P.M., The High Dive.

• Highlands Marketplace, 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. • Rotary Club of Highlands Twilight 5K and 10K Race, 6:00 P.M. at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park, highlandstwilight5kand10k.com.

• Highlands Wine Shoppe Weekly Wine Tasting with Annelize, 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. (828) 526-4080, highlandswineshoppe@gmail.com. • Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 P.M., The High Dive.

• Friday Night Live concert, Highlands Town Square, 6:00 until 8:00 P.M., highlandschamber.org, (828) 526-2112. • Top Chef Dinner, Fisher Vineyards Dinner, The Farm at Old Edwards, OldEdwardsHospitality. com/Fisher Vineyards..

• Highlands Marketplace, 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. • Highlands Meander in May event, 11:00 A.M. to 8:30 P.M., visithighlands.com. • World Bee Day, 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., Village Green Gazebo. • MET Opera’s stars, Rigoletto, 1:00 P.M., Highlands PAC. • Saturdays on Pine, 6:00 P.M., Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, (828) 526-2112.

• Highlands HighlandsWine Wine Shoppe ShoppeWeekly Weekly Wine Annelize, WineTasting Tastingwith with 4:00 to 7:004:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Annelize, (828) (828)526-4080, 526-4080, highlandswineshoppe@gmail.com. highlandswineshoppe@ •gmail.com. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 P.M., The High Dive.

• Author Mary Alice Monroe, 12:00 P.M., at Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library, (828) 743-0215 • Friday Night Live concert, Highlands Town Square, 6:00 until 8:00 P.M., highlandschamber.org, (828) 526-2112.

• Highlands Marketplace, 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. • Highlands Mountain Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale, 9:00 A.M., Highlands Town Ballfield. • Zachary Tolbert House Tours, 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 PM. • Books & Bites with author Mary Alice Monroe, 12:30 P.M., Hudson Library, (828) 526-3031. • Saturdays on Pine, 6:00 P.M., Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, (828) 526-2112.

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RECREATION & CREATION Pages 64-78

Photo by Susan Renfro

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Funny Name.

Prized Plant.

An aerial view of Rock Mountain with Chimney Top in the background.

A local inn incorporates wise conser vation practices into its development plans, benef itting local plants and wildlife and sweetening life on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

he Divided-leaf ragwort, or Packera millefolium, is a federal species of concern and is considered threatened in North Carolina. This means it is protected on government land, but has no real protections on private lands outside of conservation areas, said Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust Stewardship Coordinator Kyle Pursel. This at-risk ragwort grows throughout the Plateau, including Rock Mountain, which is located on High Hampton Inn property in Cashiers. High Hampton has a conservation easement with the HCLT for several slopes and the summit of Rock Mountain, and the adjacent mountain also on High Hampton property, Chimney Top. Areas under a conservation easement cannot be developed or clearcut, but can have trails and limited recreational infrastructure on them. Pursel discovered patches of ragwort growing in an area of High Hampton slated for development and took action. “High Hampton has been very good about allowing HCLT and others to rescue and move any plants that are within their new development areas,” said Pursel. “This site is within an area where a road to access some lots is slated to go in. The exact site is close 64 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

enough to the proposed road that it could be impacted, or it could be impacted later when the lot it is on is sold and developed, so the rescue was a precaution before any construction began and while it is still owned by High Hampton, since they welcome these kinds of rescues and a subsequent owner may not, just to be safe.” Most of the ragwort was moved to suitable locations throughout Rock Mountain where they would not be under threat of development. One clump of ragwort went to the Highlands Biological Station for use in their Rock Outcrop Garden in part to educate the public about this species. This is the second major plant rescue at High Hampton in the past few years. HCLT and other organizations completed a rescue north of Hampton Lake a few years ago, targeting pink-shell azaleas, swamp azalea, fairy wand, and other plants. Many of those azaleas found new homes at McKinney Meadow in Cashiers. HCLT has also released predatory beetles on the Carolina hemlocks found on Rock Mountain to help protect them better against hemlock wooly adelgid. Pursel said conservation easements are a way land can be conserved while it remains privately held and be managed for habitat

OUTDOORS

HCLT Kyle Pursel finds Divided-leaf ragwort on Rock Mountain.

and species health. The original conservation easement between the HCLT and High Hampton was in 2004 and covered Chimney Top and the slopes of Rock Mountain. Pursel said this easement was the driving force to change their name from the Highlands Land Trust to the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust. HCLT formed an additional conservation easement on the summit of Rock Mountain a few years later. Pursel said reasons for entering into a conservation easement range from protecting rare species and habitats, protecting open space and wildlife habitats, scenic views and important viewsheds, steep slopes to reduce landslide risks, and streams and wetlands for preserving water quality. Other reasons can include conserving small farms, buffering other protected/conserved lands, or to provide public recreation opportunities. HCLT is responsible for monitoring all conservation easements they hold and must do so at least once a year. “We look to make sure the terms of the easement are being upheld and that the conservation values (the reasons we did the easement) remain intact and healthy,” said Pursel. “If the terms are violated, we are also responsible for holding the violators to task and making sure the issues are appropriately resolved. While not obligated, we also can help with habitat management, invasive species control, species monitoring, scientific research, educational events, and give advice to the landowners.” He added that maintaining the trails providing access is up to the landowners, as most conservation easement are on private land. By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News

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Fly-Fishing

Perspective

The view from the stream is one that’s deeply personal, yet infused with a reverence for the majesty of nature and a respect for fellow anglers.

eing in the fly fishing industry my whole career, there’s one event in the history of the sport that catapulted its popularity like nothing else. That was the release of Robert Redford’s A River Runs Through It. After its debut, everyone wanted to shadow cast just like Brad Pitt on the beautiful Blackfoot River. The Movie (as it’s referred to in the industry) was hands down the one tangible thing that did more for the sport of fly fishing than anything else…well, that was before Covid came to town. In fact, there’s speculation that Covid might have driven up to five times as much interest in the sport of fly fishing as The Movie did! There are a lot of mixed ideas and speculation on how sustainable all this new interest in the sport is, and what the future might hold. Personally, when I go fly fishing on my own time, one of my big goals is to go somewhere that I will likely not see another person. 66 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

With all this new interest that will become harder for sure. On the other hand, all this new interest is a major opportunity for not only fly fishing as an industry, but most importantly if we do this properly, we can create new voices to be heard on conservation efforts that help the things that bring us all together: Streams, Rivers, Lakes, Seas, and Oceans If you are reading this as an experienced fly fisherman, when you run into a new angler who’s getting their feet wet in our great sport, be welcoming, be kind, and be helpful. You were in their shoes once. Plus, you never really know who you’re talking to, and this “newbie” could be the person that in five years helps pass a bill in Congress that will help and better the very river you are standing in. by Matt Canter, Brookings Fly Shop

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Common Course

Courtesy

Erika’s wise words on Golf Course Behavior take on added weight when they’re given as Motherly Advice.

n honor of Mother’s Day I was inspired to write about a topic that all mothers constantly remind their children about, and as a mother of two I do as well...Etiquette. This is also known at the Do Not Embarrass Me Out in Public Plea! With regards to golf, etiquette is all about respect, respecting the golf course and respecting the people around you. I would argue that knowing how to carry yourself on the golf course is just as important as grip, posture, and alignment. Here are just a couple of everyday practices that are neglected by seasoned golfers and beginners alike: Always, always, always, show up on time! Once you show up, make sure to keep up. Instead of waiting until it’s your turn to start your pre-shot routine, be thinking about your next shot while other people are playing. Always leave the golf course better than the way you found it. What do I mean by this? Simple. Fix your divots, rake the bunkers, and repair your ball marks. It’s fine if you happen to move some earth during your round, but do everyone a favor and fill those divots with some sand. Finally, the worst offense of all...ball marks! Putting is hard enough – it’s more difficult when you have to navigate unrepaired ball marks resembling potholes. I can promise you that a little common courtesy will go a long way on the golf course. If you need another reason to heed these words of advice, well, to steal a quote from every single Mother in the World: “Because I said so!” by Erika Mason, PGA Director of Instruction, Old Edwards Club and The Saddle at GlenCove

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Our Ringed-Necked

Ducks

A “flotilla” of female Ring-necked ducks by William McReynolds

They dive, they dabble and they decorate our lakes and ponds – Ring-Necked Ducks are leaving us for the season, but not without putting on an endlessly enter taining show.

he ring on the Ringed-Neck Duck (Aythya collaris) is almost never visible, so don’t strain to find it. The male is formally attired in black and white, like an avian orca, while females are clad in coffee browns with yellow/orange wings and white eye-shadow around their piercing eyes. These hardy ducks are much smaller than Mallards and, unlike most diving ducks, can take flight leaping directly off water without a take-off run. These are migratory birds that winter here on the HighlandsCashiers Plateau and find summer breeding grounds in eastern Canada and northern New England. They form small flocks on our wooded lakes and ponds as well as freshwater marshes, bogs, estuaries and slow-moving rivers. A flotilla of Ring-Necks might join other small ducks to form a mixed flock. Ring-Necks are diving ducks that forage underwater for aquatic plants, roots of pondweeds, sedges, smartweeds, grasses, algae and whatever the habitat provides. Aquatic insects and mollusks are fair game. They sometimes upend themselves for “dabbling” in shallow water such as flooded fields. Young ducklings feed on insects. Courting and pairing starts during the winter months. The eager male’s displays involve head and neck movements, the head held back and then thrust forward or, in water, head feathers are held erect with rapid canoodling. The nest, a shallow bowl of grasses and weeds

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lined with down, is built on a hillock, clump of dry grasses or mat of floating vegetation, all near open water. As few as six and as many as 14 gray-brown-buff eggs are incubated by the female for 25-29 days. She leads the ducklings to water within 24 hours of hatching and teaches them to find safety hidden in their watery habitat. Unlike most ducks, the female Ring-neck stays with her young until they can fly, around 50 days after hatching. Then comes the original empty nest syndrome. Happy May birding from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. By May, the Ring-necked Ducks have probably taken their leave for northern climes, making room for returning hummingbirds and warblers. Welcome all! 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

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No Better Balm

Than a Good Dig

Joey Kyle’s Plateau Planting Wisdom will pay dividends later in the season – witness his Wild Greens Pesto.

hat all gardeners know, especially those who reside on the Plateau and are well known for their affection for the activity, there is no better balm to the soul than digging in the soil. The beginning of May, with its brighter and warmer days, signals it is time for the first plantings of the season. Mountain wisdom dictates that the precise day for doing so dawns on Mother’s Day – May 9. For Joey Kyle, head gardener at Many Hands Peace Farm at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center, spring plantings begins with transplanting the annuals that were started 6 to 8 weeks earlier indoors – squash, peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes. Planting the “3 Sisters” of corn, squash and beans – crops that thrive in concert – should also commence by first planting the corn, then the squash which grows along the ground and finally when the corn is one foot tall, the beans - they will grow up the corn stalks. As to the beans, Kyle recommends planting several varietals at intervals throughout the growing season. But the thing with gardening – as I learned from Kyle – if you

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want to achieve that perfect world of potential and promise, the end product of one’s own homegrown vegetables, you have to invest in the hard work. The key to success: weeding, mulching, and composting. Kyle reminds us “As plants grow so do weeds.” So weed first, then mulch. Prepare your bed by moving aside the old mulch first, pull any weeds and then apply a layer of fresh mulch. For good measure, add worm castings or good compost. The rules for planting are equally straightforward. It’s important to make sure that your plants are properly spaced – placed too close together they will compete for sun, water and nutrients and run the risk of mildew. A rule of thumb is to space the plants according to their expected width at maturity. If planting on an incline, dig a ditch along the contour to avoid loosing the topsoil to rain. “Nature abhors blank spaces” is another Kyle adage. You can of course cover those bare areas with mulch but Kyle urges us to “go gangbusters – experiment with things you have not planted in the past”. Perhaps try companion plantings of herbs and marigolds

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interspersed among the beds – pretty plants that can fill in the intervals while promoting bees and pollination that will ultimately cut down on disease and pest pressure. Talking to Kyle I know that he would agree with NY Times columnist Margaret Roach who argues that we should “dig into the whole garden, because it offers everything - it offers a lens into the food web, to the story of evolution and adaptation among species.” And as you wait for the future of your garden to realize and vegetables to harvest, you may decide to make now Kyle’s recipe for Wild Greens Pesto, putting to good use those wild weeds pulled from the garden: Gather 4 cups tender wild green – violet, plantain, winter cress, sheep sorrel, garlic mustard, chickweed) and add to ½ cup of olive oil, and a handful of sunflower seeds to a food processor. Blend until creamy, adding of the following to taste – lemon, salt, pepper, parmesan, sumac or chives. Enjoy! by Marlene Osteen

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Jason Love, Associate Director, Highlands Biological Stati

OUTDOORS

Sustaining the

Ecology

A worm-eating warbler has its wing measured gently by a Blue Ridge Bird Observatory biologist.

Keeping track of our winged neighbors requires a concer ted effor t and a watchmaker’s attention to detail.

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ion

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ast summer, thanks to funding from the Highlands Biological Foundation, the Highlands Biological Station initiated a MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) bird banding station on our campus. MAPS is a continent-wide research program aimed at better understanding songbird demographic trends, which is important given recent research findings showing that bird populations in North America have plummeted nearly 30 percent since the 1970s. One factor that may play a role in this decline is food availability. We know that insects, particularly larval insects like caterpillars, are critical food items for both adult songbirds and their young; a shortage of caterpillars means lower survivorship of nestlings. To try and quantify the abundance and biomass of insects from trees on our campus, this summer we’ll be implementing a project called Caterpillars Count!. This project was developed by Dr. Allen Hurlbert, an ecology professor at UNC-Chapel Hill. Lauren Whitenack, a former UNC-Chapel Hill IE student at HBS, will be the lead MAPS bird-bander for the Station this summer. She’ll also be implementing the Caterpillars Count! project at HBS and three other banding stations in the mountains that are run by our partner, the Blue Ridge Bird Observatory. Researchers will use the Caterpillars Count! data to correlate insect abundance and biomass with data collected from birds that we capture and band, such as songbird body fat index and the number of fledglings and juvenile birds captured. We also hope to have our Nature Center summer campers assist with Caterpillars Count! For more information about our MAPS bird banding station, visit our website at highlandsbiological.org/data/ or call us at (828) 526-2602. The Highlands Biological Station is a multi-center campus of Western Carolina University.

How Does Caterpillars Count! Work? Anyone can participate in Caterpillars Count! Visit caterpillarscount.unc. edu to get started. Select a leafy branch of a tree and identify the insects found on the leafy branch to Order (e.g. moth, beetle, fly), estimate the length of each insect, and count the number on a given leafy branch. You can also place a white cloth or “beat sheet” below the branch, shake the branch, and collect data on the insects that fall on the sheet.

by Jason Love, Associate Director, Highlands Biological Station

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Likeable,

Hikeable Falls

Stepping just slightly off the Beaten Path reveals hidden wonders like the hypnotic Upper Middle Creek Falls.

e have lived three miles from this waterfall for over 16 years and it was only last year that we became aware of its existence. We had passed by the trailhead along highway 106 hundreds of times. Only on a few occasions did we notice cars parked where the trailhead is located. Even though the height of the falls is only about 40 feet, it is one of our favorites, especially after a heavy rain when the flow is at a high volume. The photo was taken two days after a three-inch rain. It is a nice waterfall to visit most any time. If you are feeling really adventurous and you are a glutton for punishment, a second waterfall, Middle Creek Falls, is less than a half mile from the trailhead. Be forewarned that it is a 76 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

moderate to difficult trail that is hard to follow requiring some scrambling to get to the base of the falls. If interested, look for a hike description online. Trailhead directions: From the intersection of US 64 and Highway 106 in Highlands, drive west nine miles on Highway 106. Look for a school bus sign on the right. Park immediately in front of the sign. There is enough space to park two cars. The obvious trail head begins a few yards east of the sign. If you pass Lazy A Road on the right, you went a few hundred yards too far. Hike description: This hike is rated easy-to-moderate. The first few feet of the trail are somewhat steep but doable. Proceed down the trail

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At a Glance Waterfall Guide Enjoy this sampling of area water falls, for a deep dive visit thelaurelmagazine.com/recreation.

HIGHLANDS Bridal Veil Falls From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 2.3 miles west on US 64; Waterfall GPS: N35.07180 W-83.22910 Difficulty: You can park your car in a little parking area and walk 50 feet. Dry Falls From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 3.15 miles west on US 64 to a parking area on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.06884 W-83.23869 Difficulty: There are lots of steps you must go down to get behind Dry Falls. Bust Your Butt Falls From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 6.35 miles west on US 64 to the pullout on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.09268 W-83.26573 Difficulty: Don’t stop on the road itself! Glen Falls From the junction of US 64 and NC 106 in Highlands, drive 1.75 miles south on NC 106 and bear left at the sign for Glen Falls. Take Glen Falls Road, not Holt Road. Drive 1.05 miles to the parking area. Waterfall GPS: N35.03128 W-83.23829 Difficulty: There’s some climbing involved here.

about 100 yards where you will take another trail to the right. After a couple hundred feet, you will come to Middle Creek. You must cross the creek. It is an extremely easy crossing as it is only a few feet wide. The last time we visited the falls there was a board across the creek to step on. The falls are just ahead. The best viewpoint is approximately 12 feet above the creek. by Ed and Cindy Boos

Upper Middle Creek Falls From the intersection of NC 106 and US 64, follow NC 106 South for 9.3 miles. Exactly 1 mile before you reach the Georgia state line, and about 0.3 miles after NC 106 crosses Middle Creek, a yellow School Bus Stop sign will be on the right. Park on the right side of the road right at the sign. Waterfall GPS: N35.00714 W-83.32916 Difficulty: The four-tenths of a mile hike is not strenuous but it can be confusing. CASHIERS Silver Run Falls From US 64 in Cashiers, head south on NC 107 from 4.05 miles – there’s a pullout area on the left. Waterfall GPS N35.06599 W-83.06558 Difficulty: No difficulty.

Whitewater Falls From US 64 west of Lake Toxaway, take NC 281 for 8.5 miles and turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls into a parking area. Difficulty: Not strenuous, though the paved path is a bit uneven. Cashiers Sliding Rock Cashiers Sliding Rock, a million miles from the cares of the 21st century, is easy to get to. From the Cashiers Crossroads, travel south on NC 107 to Whiteside Cove Road. Head down the road for 2.6 miles to where the road crosses the Chattooga River and pull over just across the bridge. Difficulty: A piece of cake. Spoonauger Falls From Cashiers, travel on NC 107 8.2 miles. The name changes to SC 107 – travel for 4.9 miles. Turn right onto Burrells Ford Road. Drive approximately 2.0 miles to the Chattooga Trail parking area on the left (look for the Forest Service Bulletin Board) Hike north on the Chattooga Trail, which roughly parallels the Chattooga River for 0.25 mile, then cross Spoonauger Creek. Immediately on the right will be a side trail. Difficulty: There’s nothing tricky. Schoolhouse Falls From US 64, take NC 281 North for 0.85 mile and bear left on Cold Mountain Road. Stay on the road. When it becomes unpaved, travel about 0.1 mile. Take the road on the right and travel for 0.1 mile to a parking area. Take the trail to the right of the information kiosk. At the intersection, proceed straight on Panthertown Valley Trail. Turn left onto Little Green Trail. Schoolhouse Falls is about 0.15 mile ahead. Waterfall GPS N35.16330 W-83.00674 Difficulty: The hike isn’t challenging. Point phone camera at QR code for comprehensive information on more of the many waterfalls in the Highlands and Cashiers area.

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Go with

the Flow

Vexing questions about water need to be answered before buying Plateau proper ty.

“

Where is my water coming from and where is it going?” This is the first question any potential buyer of property in our area should ask, especially when looking for land with a fabulous view. The Plateau receives rainforest amounts of precipitation in most years, but finding a productive well can be a challenge. If the parcel you like doesn’t have the benefit of a neighborhood or municipal water system, you’ll have to have a well and pump installed. Most well drilling companies in our area are capable of drilling deep wells, which is important because view opportunities may require a depth of 800 feet or more. This work can get expensive. It’s not unusual for a buyer to be quoted prices between $5,000 and $12,000 for the pump equipment and installation, depending on the size of the pump. When water is found, but gallons per minute production is too low for a home, there is another possible solution. For low producing wells, or older wells experiencing cracks, fracking may improve performance. Miller Well Drilling of Hayesville, North Carolina, discusses hydrofracking on their website: “Today, most drilling companies bring in a fracker whenever they have exhausted the limits of their drilling equipment. Water 78 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

well hydrofracking uses only potable water and usually produces a minimum of 50 percent yield improvement in the well, making a formerly unusable well sustainable for the client’s needs.” When there’s no neighborhood or municipal sewer system, a land buyer may apply for a county septic permit. After processing the application, a county health department environmental engineer visits the site. In the best-case scenario, the engineer is able to design a traditional system, including tank and drain lines, which fit on the property appropriately away from any nearby well head and the home itself. A North Carolina licensed septic installer is retained to give an estimate and execute the project. So simple! However, depending on the rock and soil depth, different types of soils, such as saprolite or clay, can present design issues for septic system engineers. Private soil engineers can work with you on development and installation of a specialized system, if needed. In cases of delicate soils and slopes, systems may need to be hand dug. Be sure your installer is capable of such work and works closely with the county at each stage. by Dinah Davis Broker, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Meadows Mountain Realty

ARTS Pages 82-97

Photo by Susan Renfro

AA RR TT SS

Botanical Meets

Mechanical

The lines, the cur ves, the irrefutable suggestion of thrumming horsepower waiting to be untethered – there are a thousand reasons for Sue Steele Thomas’s automotive passion. Those reasons lie at the center of a pulse-pounding exhibition at The Bascom.

s far back as she can remember, Sue Steele Thomas has had a love affair with art … and cars. Why cars? The clean lines, sculptural forms, and reflective surfaces had her at vroom. That was back in the ‘80s and she’s still loving every detail about automobiles, from their smell to their sound to their look. “Some people think a woman liking cars is crazy, but I really do like automobiles,” she says. “When I started painting auto images, I was pretty much the only female at any gathering. I approached my work from a painterly point of view. Then someone suggested I go to community college and study mechanical drawing so that I could nail down perspective, proportion, and the math of it all. I found a young student who tutored me in math while I walked him through 82 M a y 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

fluidity of organic line. That technical study gave me and my work the authenticity I needed.” “Along the way I fused the botanical to the mechanical. Flowers, trees, shadows, and car surfaces merged into an amalgam of naturemade and man-made shapes. That style was inspired by a friend who said, ‘Find something uniquely you, then carve out your niche in the automotive world.’ BAE (best advice ever).” Perhaps Sue’s strongest influence was her husband, Radford. When she met him, he had seven cars. In his lifetime he’s owned 80, from Jags to Packards. Since marriage, they’ve had all kinds of cars. She says, “We are both fascinated with vehicles. On occasion we still drive to dealers and wax poetic over an automobile’s aesthetic.” When Sue isn’t painting cars, looking at cars, or photographing

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Sue Steele Thomas

them, she’s teaching. She was a college art professor for nearly two decades. The past two years she’s taught kids, pre-K through five. It was a huge shift, but a glorious one. She says, “When you tell a college student to darken a value, they’ll likely argue/complain. When you ask a pre-schooler, they’ll run to their table, make the change, run back to you for a high five.” Even though Sue’s shadow work looks supremely complex, she insists it’s simple … simple lines, simple shapes, simple forms using the basic principles and elements of design. And yes, it’s drawn in pencil by hand and painted, repainted, and unpainted to perfection. No digital work here! Sue’s a fine watercolorist, but she incorporates opaque gouache

into her compositions. She might spend most of her day mixing paint and pigment to get just the right consistency and color, not too thick, not too thin or the paint will crack or be transparent. It’s a tricky balance requiring scores if not hundreds of test samples. You can see the results of her meticulous prep and final products at The Bascom’s FreeWheeling exhibition in the Bunzl Gallery, May 11 through August 21. This special showing is in partnership with Highlands Motoring Festival. Learn more about Sue’s process and background by visiting steelethomasstudios.com. by Donna Rhodes

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HCCMF’s 40th

Anniversary Cho-Liang Lin

Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival’s bravura 40th Anniversar y delivers an entire season of superlatives. For information or tickets, call (828) 526-9060 or visit h-cmusicfestival.org.

ince 1982, the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival has been bringing internationally-known musicians to the mountains in fun and creative programming, and they plan to kick off their milestone 40th Anniversary Season Live with a bang on Monday, July 5.

Legendary violinist Pinchas Zukerman opens the Festival with his wife, cellist Amanda Forsyth, and brilliant young pianist George Li in a program of Trios of Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. This concert will only be offered once, and will be the first concert in the Festival’s new home in Cashiers, in the beautiful new addition to the Village Green.

Cho-Liang Lin, one of the most important violinists in classical music these days, will lead a crack group of string players including members of the Vega Quartet in Mendelssohn’s thrilling Octet for Strings on July 9 (Highlands) and July 10 (Cashiers); and continuing their tradition of presenting and nurturing rising young stars at the beginning of their careers, HCCMF will welcome the Rasa String Quartet also making their Festival debut in music of Beethoven, Haydn and Dvorak on July 11 and 12. The Rasa will also be featured at a special program entitled Martinis & Mozart on Tuesday, July 13, at the Orchard House at Old Edwards Farm. You’ll have a chance to mix and mingle with the Quartet while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres along with great music of Mozart and Beethoven in a magical setting.

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These concerts represent just the first two weeks of the sixweek Festival – check out the entire lineup on their website at h-cmusicfestival.org. Tickets may be limited if restrictions are still in place, so make your reservations now and secure your seat to finally experience live music again after a year away.

George Li

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Pictures at an

Exhibition

Of course Mussorgsky’s sensational Pictures at an Exhibition will be per formed at the opening of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival’s exhibit of Program Book Ar t at The Bascom, Sunday, June 27. For reser vations, call (828) 526-9060.

he Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival and The Bascom join forces to present a very special Music and Art event to help celebrate the Festival’s milestone 40th anniversary season. On Sunday, June 27, at 5:30 PM, Modest Mussorgsky’s great masterpiece Pictures at an Exhibition will be performed live at The Bascom in a Transcription for String Quintet by a virtuoso group of musicians from Atlanta. At the same time, The Bascom will feature an exhibition of over 20 years’ of original artwork commissioned by the Festival for their annual Program Book and posters – almost all by area artists. Featured are pieces by Sallie Taylor, Diane McPhail, Richard Bordeaux, Susan Robert, Rosemary Stiefel, Ann Strub, and more. Mix and mingle with the musicians – Sissi Zhang and Kenn Wagner, violins; Yinzi Kong, viola; Charae Krueger, cello; and Brittany Conrad, double bass – at a reception with refreshments afterwards. This event is the first of the Festival’s 40th Anniversary Season this summer and seating is limited – so make your reservations now by calling (828) 526-9060 or by email hccmfnc@gmail.com. For the Festival’s full schedule, visit h-cmusicfestival.org. by Nancy Aaron, Executive Director, Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival

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PAC isBack! The Highlands Per forming Ar ts Center springs to life with a calendar crammed with events and per formances. Highlands PAC is located at 507 Chestnut Street.

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he Highlands Performing Arts Center is booked and ready to go! The Membership Campaign is still ongoing. We plan on seeing you all at PAC this summer. The season will feature the favorite bluegrass group Seldom Scene (June 18); countertenor Terry Barber with Tony-nominee Grace Fields (June 26); the comedy Men Are From Mars/Women Are From Venus (August 14); retro rock/yacht rock with a tribute to Neil Diamond by Neil Zirconia (September 17); Broadway by Bravo Amici (formerly Amici Forever, September 26); more retro rock with Fleetwood Mask (October 1); and Thanksgiving weekend brings more bluegrass with Sideline (November 26). Audience members are anxious to get back to live music, so be sure to check out the Season Brochure, 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, and first choice of

seats and more. The MET Opera, National Theatre and Great Art on Screen can still be streamed online. Check out the website for the titles, dates and links. In addition, the PAC will show two of the MET Opera’s stars, Renee Fleming and Jonas Kaufmann, in a combined concert on Saturday, May 8, at 1:00 P.M.; and Rigoletto on Saturday, May 22, at 1:00 P.M. Since Covid-19 is still a large part of our lives, the PAC has improved the air filtration system for your safety. Before each event, the entire lobby, auditorium, restrooms and backstage will be sanitized with a hospital-grade disinfectant. Masks will be required; hand sanitizer and wipes will be available. Good things are coming as we all look forward to the new normal! Please support PAC by becoming a Member. Go online: HighlandsPerformingArtsCenter.com click on PAC. It’s that easy. by Mary Adair Trumbly, Highlands Performing Arts Center

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Scott Daniel Takes the helm at

Highlands Playhouse

Highlands Playhouse’s Scott Daniel is ensuring ever y thing is in place as the cur tain rises on a season f illed with possibilities.

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Scott Daniel

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ovid may have stolen the show last year, but it won’t in 2021. Your favorite Highlands Playhouse performance(s) will take center stage midsummer, Good Lord willing and the curtains

do rise. And that’s just the beginning of a series of exciting changes. The Playhouse is announcing its new Executive Director, Scott Daniel. Scott’s a man of many talents, among them, actor, playwright, creative consultant, designer, director, and much more. His resume stretches from Florida to California to Broadway to international cruise ships with an impressive list of successful accomplishments at every turn. “Transplanting to Highlands Playhouse was very easy,” says Scott. “The community is passionate about quality productions. My experience and devotion to performing arts dovetailed with the community’s enthusiasm and the Playhouse mission. I am honored to be chosen for this special role. “The Board, Marshall (director), staff and I are working together now to see how we can expand our seasonal offerings to more than what we’ve done in the past. We hope to grow from eight weeks to eight months (April-January). Highlanders are eager for entertainment following the 2020 dark year. We’re off to a carefully-paced start due to Covid. But we are making sure it’s worth the wait.” Everyone is getting ready for what happens next. Sleeves are rolled up. Hands and knees are calloused from hours of prep. All this hard work readies the town for toe-tapping entertainment as Scott throws

himself, a million percent, into the season. He says, “An arts organization is a communicative, symbiotic relationship. Together we can make magic in the mountains.” The most important thing you can do is when tickets go on sale, support the Playhouse by purchasing seats. Scott closes with, “Let us know you want us there by supporting us any way you can. We are not going anywhere; we are here for you. Buy tickets, see shows, see them again, tell friends, and visit the website early and often to catch the latest: highlandsplayhouse.org.”

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Sew On &

Sew Forth

Lois Williams tried to stop, but the siren song of Quilting proved irresistible.

ois Williams Wrangle is a prolific quilter, but she hasn’t always been. Her quilting epiphany came in 1995. A friend at Church of the Good Shepherd made quilts for annual fundraising raffles. When she had to quit, she asked church women to continue in her stead. Lois didn’t know how to quilt, but she wanted the tradition to continue. On the following Wednesday at 12:30 on a wing, a prayer, and a fat quarter, she walked into the Cashiers Quilters weekly meeting to embark on a new craft. The rest is history.

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The quilters welcomed her with open arms, nimble-thimbled fingers, and yards of fabulous fabric. Today Lois stitches lap quilts, adult and baby quilts, and so much more. If a thing’s not moving she’s likely to cover it with nine-patch, double-wedding ring, or eightpoint star. Her husband once laughingly said, “Okay, let me get this straight. You buy a bunch of fabric. You cut it into little pieces. Then you stitch it all back together again.” Right now, Lois is working on three quilts, shifting one to the other. Her most recent project is a pink baby quilt. Yep, you guessed

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Lois Williams Wrangle

it. It’s for a granddaughter, due in October. In the early 1900s quilts were household essentials. They were made of repurposed clothing, feed sacks, old linens, and fabric scraps. Mid-century templates replaced paper and cardboard patterns. Technology kicked in the 1980s when hand quilting was replaced by affordable quilting machines. Today, most quilters do piecing by hand or sewing machine, then ship the cover off to a company that stitches quilt-top, fill, and quiltbottom together in a variety of dazzling designs. In just one century we’ve come a long way from quilting bees (piecing together Grampa’s

thread-bare overalls and flour sacks) to phenomenal hand-dyed art fabric creations. Cashiers Quilters are gearing up or a 2021 regrouping. Join them on Wednesdays at 12:30 P.M. at St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Beginner to advanced quilters are welcome. Aside from making quilts for family and friends, you can make cozy gifts of comfort for seniors, shut-ins, those in recovery, or those in need. Assuming the Covid veil is lifted, you’re invited to Cashiers Quilt Show at the Cashiers Fall Leaf Festival, October 9. Call Guild President Joan at (828) 331-7031 or visit cashiersquilters.com.

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Masterpieces at

a Master Place

Just before it plunges into a busy Summer Season, The Bascom pauses for a moment to ref lect on over 30 years of vision and inspiration that’ve earned it a reputation far beyond the conf ines of the Plateau.

he Bascom creates visual art experiences that inspire and empower individuals and communities through seeing, thinking and doing. The continuous goals of The Bascom’s programming are building essential creative skills for area youth and adults, increasing professional development opportunities for artists and educators, and becoming a key player in the creative economy in Western North Carolina. For over 30 years, The Bascom has been a vital cultural resource to the Western North Carolina region. What began in 1983 as a small exhibition space in one room of the Hudson Library now occupies a

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6-acre former horse farm near downtown Highlands. The 28,000-square-foot main building houses exhibition and event spaces, classrooms, offices, and a retail outlet. The adjacent David Drake Studio contains studio space for pottery and threedimensional arts instruction and additional retail space. Entrance to the campus is through an early 19th Century 87-footlong covered bridge. Along with sizable terraces, our outdoor spaces include meadows and forest land, streams and trails, unblemished mountain views and sculpture installations. Annually, more than 25,000 people visit The Bascom. An additional 500 take classes in ceramics, drawing and painting,

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with more than 1,200 youth participating in art activities. We reach another 3,000 visitors and residents through our extensive outreach programs. We partner with local, county and state organizations and provide programming in local schools, libraries, senior centers, literacy councils, regional arts organizations and community nonprofits. Our impact on the regional artistic community is significant in that we support almost 300 working artists through residencies, retail sales, exhibition sales and instruction. If you’d like to learn more, visit thebascom.org or call (828) 526-4949. Of course, the best way to understand The Bascom and its treasures is to allow yourself a languid stroll through its galleries and spaces. It’s located at 323 Franklin Road. by Billy Love, The Bascom

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Bringing the Outside In The Ar t League of Highlands-Cashiers’ May meeting, set for May 24 at The Bascom, is a deep dive into the endlessly fascinating works of botanical ar tist Carol Misner.

he Art League of Highlands-Cashiers’ May Program, set for Monday, May 24, at The Bascom will be given by Carol Misner. The program begins at 4:30 P.M. with a wine reception. At 5:00 P.M. Misner, a botanical artist, will give a presentation of her work. Ms. Misner, a former math professor, began her professional art career nearly two decades ago in Birmingham, Alabama. A friend, an interior designer, recognized the quality of her creations, and encouraged her to begin selling her work instead of giving it away. She took his advice, and her friend’s interior design company became her first venue. Her work’s popularity grew, and she began receiving recognition across and beyond Alabama. While attending the Atlanta Market, she took her portfolio to the Wendover Art Group, and she was immediately added to their stable of artists. Her work was highlighted a few months later at the High Point Market. Ms. Misner has been a recurring featured artist for a number of auctions for major charities in Birmingham, including First Light, Exceptional Foundation, and Art Blink. Additionally, she received the high honor of being chosen by Birmingham Aids Outreach, which selects only one artist per year, to feature at its Arty Party fundraiser. Carol has developed a unique technique, generally working in monochromatic acrylic washes, by applying several layers of paint, each as the previous layer dries. Those familiar with her paintings, immediately recognize her distinctive style. Since moving to Highlands in 2015, she has produced many works of local flora. Blackberry Farm, a luxury hotel and resort in Walland, Tennessee, has commissioned over two dozen of her paintings in which Highlands’ plants were dominant. She says of her recent work, “My paintings depict the things that people really love about Highlands. My renderings bring the outside in.” Misner’s original works and limited edition giclee reproductions grace homes and businesses throughout the United States and can be purchased directly from the artist, as well as locally at Acorns of Old Edwards Inn. Her website is carolmisnerstudio.com. This informative presentation, as well as the wine reception, are free and the public is invited. For more information about the Art League, visit artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com.

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Capturing Hearts

Gracing Homes

For Annell Metsker’s evocative por traits, the life of the hear t is always the hear t of the matter.

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f you’re a Laurelphile, you probably remember Annell Metsker’s beautiful cover/article a decade ago. She’s back, having evolved from a photographer/painter to a stunning oil painter, both digital and traditional. She still takes photographs and uses them as reference, but today she considers herself first-andforemost an oil painter. Annell’s happiest portraying a human or pet, capturing bold color, shape, form, and texture at peak light. She paints a dramatic story, establishing the subject’s true character with daubs, layers, and textural smears of impasto in photo-realism, impressionism, or abstraction. While many of her portraits of pets are often an homage to a cherished four-legger now waiting at the Rainbow Bridge, one of her most heart-tugging works of art is that of a child. Annell shares the experience, “I painted a first-time mom (at age 42) and her newborn. Every six months I created photo-realism paintings of her daughter. By age two-and-a-half the mom was satisfied with my process and allowed more creative freedom for what I

call my Angel Portrait. As I studied the daughter’s face I kept thinking, ‘This child is truly an angel.’ “Months after unveiling the Angel Painting, I received a call from the grandmother. She said her daughter and baby were casualties in an auto accident. She said the paintings were a great comfort, for they captured her loved ones’ spirits. She felt their presence. I still get gooseflesh thinking of the foreshadowing of that sweet Angel.” It’s the heart she paints into her work that makes it so captivating. Contact Annell through her website, annell.com, or email her at annell@annell.com, or call her at (704) 996-0559. She’ll discuss your commission goals, background settings, wardrobe choices, and all the factors built into her art. Email several photos to get started, or set up a shoot at her Covid-free studio. While she frequents Charlotte, she is a Lake Glenville resident and available for consultation. Let her fill your heirloom portrait and your home with heart-warming memories and forever smiles.

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DINING Pages 100-113

Photo by Susan Renfro

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Where Conversation Owners Clay and Leigh Hartman

Resumes

Just what the doctor ordered: Calders Coffee Cafe ser ves up palate-pleasing beverages, comfor t food that soothes something deep inside, and healthy doses of conversation. It’s located at 384 Main Street in Highlands.

ou’re probably a lot like me when it comes to tumbling out of the far end of this long, sad pandemic – a bit dazed, tripwiresensitive to a random cough or a sudden sneeze, and hungry, so hungry, for conversations with friends and out-of-the-blue people just passing by. Languid conversations and quick, unexpected exchanges – these are the social lubricants that have made life on the Plateau not simply bearable, but sweet, and joyful, and marked with a touch of strange. They’re a gift that we freely share with one another and we bequest it upon visitors without hesitation. Don’t believe me? Recall the last time you stopped by Highlands Post Office to mail a package. Or visited Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library to check out a DVD for the night. Or went to a kids’ soccer game at Zachary Park. I’ll bet you a half-dozen cupcakes that you became enmeshed in a conversation that enlightened or entertained or shocked you in some way. Of course! That’s the way it’s always been! The McKees and the Alleys and the McCalls and the Brysons set the standard for welcoming visitors and newcomers. 100 M a y 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

And folks gathered at The Mountaineer, and Tommy’s, and Helen’s Barn, and Bill’s Soda Shop, and Evan Pell’s General Store, and they’d share a meal or a cup of coffee or a pour of peach bounce (I’m looking at you, Helen’s Barn), and they’d chat, and gossip, and talk big, and whisper notions. What a show! And everyone was invited! (By the way, if you’re a resident and you don’t know what I’m talking about and proclaim that you’ve never been part of the conversation, then Shame on You! Open your ears and your eyes and your mind and your heart! It’s been this way since the Cherokee and their Sacred Fires – you may not receive a formal invitation, but you’re always welcome to join in the talk. But we went silent in March 2020. We and the country and the world. Taking the place of those earnest chats and circular chautauquas was silence and an undercurrent of unease, even when we were following all the correct practices and procedures. Which brings us to Calders Coffee Cafe, where the conversation has resumed in all its cheerful, unpredictable glory. I visited on an ordinary Tuesday morning and stayed for a little over an hour.

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Over the course of this visit, I saw eight friends for the first time since Before-Covid, learned of the arrival of three grandchildren, one divorce, two deaths, and one romance that not only survived but grew stronger over the course of the last year, and heard the Funniest Riddle in the Western World: “Why was Cinderella such a lousy baseball player?” “She had a Pumpkin for a Coach!” (My son Alex brought that one home from Mrs. Chalker’s Great Beginnings Class at Highlands School 27 years ago. What’s the life cycle of kids’ jokes and riddles: Do they set out across the world at the speed of laughter, arriving home after decades of service; or do they lie dormant like a hibernating Black Bear, waiting years for a sunny spring morning when they can startle and delight once more?) Calders has preserved and revived something precious and vital that I’d feared had departed some time in the last 14 months. Of course, this is all enhanced by Calders’ Bill of Fare, which, naturally, boasts organically-grown, ethically-sourced Java (that includes the signature Calders Vibe); Teas; Hot Chocolates (Milk and Dark – both wonderful, the Dark transcendent), Iced Drinks, and Frozen Beverages. Let me spotlight the Shot in the Dark that I enjoyed on this visit: This is a smooth cup of java laced with a double shot of espresso. Consume the entire cup and you’ll be inspired/compelled to A) Write an opera; B) Develop an innovative hair style for yourself and your pet

(and begin trimming it into existence right there); or C) Track down that Golden Person who never knew you existed in high school and proclaim to him/her that he/she made the biggest mistake of their life when they let you get away. On the food side of the equation, there are Sandwiches (croissantbunned, english-muffined, and biscuited), pastries (including divine Cinnamon Rolls), and pretzels. All of them facilitate the process of rumination and conversation, but let me single out two: New Yorker Bagels (that are actually made in the Big Apple) and Welsh Cakes, light and fluffy and as close to an emotional hug as my Anglophile Sweetie is apt to get until we’ve achieved some form of herd immunity. Trust me, arm yourself with one of these savories and a cuppa of something brewed up at Calders and you’ll find the courage to fully embrace this strange season and, this is most important, rediscover the sublime joys of the Plateau’s favorite pastime. Calders Coffee is located at 384 Main Street in Highlands. You can order online at calderscoffeecafe.com or call (828) 526-200-9308. But really, it’s best if you stop in and chat. by Luke Osteen photos by Susan Renfro

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A Taste

of Home

Clif Gottwals

Clif Gottwals’ recipe recaptures sunny memories from decades ago and promises to light up your menu.

or May, PalmerHouse Properties Elevated broker and coowner Clif Gottwals brings us the ultimate summer recipe – a Tomato Salad plucked from his childhood growing up on a farm outside Annapolis, Maryland. Gottwals recalls, “One of my fondest childhood memories of summer was picking a tomato in the garden and eating it while still warm from the sun. Fresh-picked, sun-ripened tomatoes have an incomparable taste. My Mom’s Summer Bread and Tomato Salad made frequent appearances on the porch dinner table. For me, this recipe reminds me of summer and family time on the porch.” A former executive at JP Morgan, Gottwals spent nearly a quarter of a century working around the globe. During that time, he called 15 different places “Home.” After many years of marathon hours, relentless travel and the roller coaster ride of the job, Gottwals decided to opt for a completely new life. Making a complete break from the financial sector, he moved to Florida to teach school. While suffering summers off in the Florida heat, a friend told him about Highlands, where the mountain air was cool and culture was rich. Highlands instantly enchanted him and within six weeks of his first

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visit, he purchased a summer home here. Like so many others before him, he soon decided to make the Plateau his year round residence. From that decision came both a new career and the start of a new chapter in his history. Having bought and sold many homes during his career, he realized that he had experience that was readily transferable to being an effective real estate broker. In July 2020, he and business partner Doug Helms opened the Highlands PalmerHouse Properties Elevated office in July 2020. Two years ago, a contractor commented that his family had been in Highlands for a long time. That prompted his curiosity and, after some research, he discovered that his Great Great Uncle, John Z. Gottwals, was the architect of Highlands United Methodist Church and architect and owner of the John Ziegler Gottwals House – the charming 1892 Victorian home listed on the National Historic Register, located at 802 Fourth Street. I don’t know if Gottwals expected to find this kind of deep connection when he first discovered Highlands, but it is clear that Highlands was meant to be his home.

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Clif Gottwals’ Summer Tomato and Bread Salad (Really, His Mom’s) Ingredients One Large Loaf of Crusty Bread - cut into bite sized chunks (should be 8-10 cups worth) 3 to 4 Large Heirloom Tomatoes (fresh, never refrigerated) cut into bite sized pieces 1 Large Sweet Yellow Pepper Cut into small pieces 1 Large Sweet Vidalia Onion cut into small pieces 1/2 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/4 cup of Red Wine Vinegar 1 teaspoon of Lemon Juice 1 teaspoon of Honey 1/2 cup of Finely Chopped Fresh Basil 1 tablespoon of Freshly Crushed Garlic Salt and Pepper to taste Directions 1. Dry the chopped bread overnight or in 300-degree oven for 15 minutes 2. Make the vinaigrette by combining Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Honey and Garlic and add Salt and Pepper to taste. 3. Combine the chopped vegetables and chopped, dried bread in a large mixing bowl 4. Pour vinaigrette over top and use a wooden spoon to combine the vegetables, bread and vinaigrette without over mixing. 5. Let sit unrefrigerated for 30 minutes to three hours, stirring occasionally to distribute the juices throughout the salad 6. Immediately before serving stir in the chopped basil and enjoy! 103 M AY 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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A Gourmet’s

Extravaganza The bounty of Fisher Vineyards’ sun-drenched slopes will complement the meal composed by Master Chefs Chris Hall and Matthew Basford at The Farm at Old Edwards, May 21. For more information and reser vations (a must), visit OldEdwardsHospitality. com/FisherVineyards.

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or those of us consumed by visions of food and wine, the upcoming Top Chef Dinner on Friday, May 21, at The Farm at Old Edwards is a portal to fantasy. A gourmet’s extravaganza – the night presents a chance to sip the astonishing wines of California’s Fisher Vineyards while chatting with vintner/co-owner Rob Fisher. The meal, a veritable feast from two of Atlanta’s acclaimed chefs – Chris Hall of Local Three and Matthew Basford of Canoe. A selftaught cook, Hall grew up around the corner from Local Three, and was schooled in kitchens from Philadelphia’s Le Bec Fin to Atlanta’s Canoe. Matthew Basford draws on his years of experience cooking in his native Australia and then in New Orleans at Dominique’s in the Maison Dupuy Hotel. The menu begins with a symphony of luscious bites: Steelhead Tartar, Beaux Bridges Crawfish, Grilled Georgia Shrimp, and Pate de Foie Gras Gougères – paired with the winery’s bright and zippy Unity Rosé. Each course on the served menu is a taste of the delicious. The Fisher Mountain Estate Chardonnay that debuts the first served course, Basford’s succulent Butter Poached American Snapper strewn with chunks of smoked avocado, showcases the wine’s lovely translucence and almond flavors. Hall’s dish of Spiced Tennessee Rabbit served with a surprising vernal salad composed of Fava Beans and Spring Peas follows, a graceful balance to the expressive Fisher Unity Pinot Noir.

My mouth waters at the description of the third course – Basford’s Roasted Australian Lamb Rack, with an earthy multicomponent side of Eggplant, Maitake, and Baby Beets – an iconic coupling with the highly rated 2005 Fisher Vineyards, Wedding Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon poured from magnums. The wine’s described by the critic Robert Parker as, “being able to provide immense enjoyment with its beautiful fruit, and abundant texture.” Steak lovers are certain to revel in the fourth course of Hall’s Marinated Hanger Steak with Caramelized Onion & Spinach Risotto. It’s a dish crafted to enhance the “dark, dense and explosive” dimensions of the 2016 Coach Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon. For dessert, Basford’s Double Chocolate Tart with Blue Smoked Ice-Cream and Hazelnut, offers an explosion of flavors – a luscious ending to a glorious meal. For more details and to book dinner visit OldEdwardsHospitality. com/FisherVineyards. The same weekend, Fisher Vineyards will be at Half-Mile Farm for a hosted weekend, May 21-22 (complimentary for Half-Mile Farm guests and includes): Friday social hour with live music, hors d’oeuvres and a Fisher Wine tasting station, Saturday sit down tasting, and Saturday social hour. Check availability at HalfMileFarm.com. by Marlene Osteen

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New Chef at

Canyon Kitchen

Executive Chef Ed Selle

Executive Chef Ed Selle takes the reins of Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley’s culinar y program.

anyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley has named a new executive chef to oversee its nationally-recognized culinary operations. Chef Ed Selle, a North Carolina native, has been tapped to direct and oversee meals and events for the restaurant and community, including special events and weddings. Chef Selle will continue the restaurant’s lineage of talented Southern chefs following in the footsteps of Chefs John Fleer, Adam Hayes and Ken Naron, and will continue the restaurant’s focus on fresh, seasonal, locally sourced products as its new executive chef. A graduate in Culinary Arts & Sciences and Restaurant Management from AB-Tech in Asheville, Selle’s primary focus and passion is Appalachian cuisine. Though he’s spent winter seasons working in Big Sky, Montana, and Tallahassee, Florida, along with classically trained French chefs 106 M a y 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

– making him a well-versed culinarian – Western North Carolina is home. Selle has spent the bulk of his career in the kitchens of Cashiers’ most prestigious private clubs and restaurants. Growing up in Brevard and working on his family’s farm, Chef Selle embodies the ideals of Canyon Kitchen’s philosophy and believes wholeheartedly in the “Farm to Table” or “Field to Fork” concept that the award-winning restaurant is known for. Locally grown produce, dairy, sourwood honey, and various fauna play a major role in his menu development, for which he constantly seeks out the freshest and best ingredients. Canyon Kitchen is one of the most beautiful restaurant settings in the country, framed by verdant forests and meadows, encircled by thousand-foot granite cliffs. Located in the Lonesome Valley community but open to the public since 2009, Canyon Kitchen is a

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seasonal restaurant featuring an exquisite dining experience in a relaxed setting. The restaurant is housed in the rustically elegant Jennings Barn where its post and beam structure and accordionstyle walls open to view the kitchen gardens at the foot of Cow Rock Mountain. This incredible setting has given Canyon Kitchen the rare distinction of being recognized as an Open Table Diners’ Choice Award for Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants in America. Canyon Kitchen is open seasonally to the public Wednesday through Sunday from Easter to Thanksgiving. For more information on Canyon Kitchen, please visit lonesomevalley.com/canyonkitchen/ or call (828) 743-7967. by Luke Osteen / photos by Susan Renfro

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New Culinary

Crossings

Front Row: Holly Jondro, Asst. Manager; LynLeigh McLain, Host Manager/Special Events Scott Tavernier, General Manager Back Row: Jarren Heng, Sous Chef; Brett Harris, Executive Chef Missing: Mick Cauthen, Bar Manager

Bridge at Mill Creek makes a play for the top of the Plateau Restaurant Food Chain with an ambitious new chef and a top-of-itsgame management team. Its menu and deeply indulgent ser vice will turn a visit into an event – call (828) 526-5500 for reser vations.

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hen David and Debi Bock of David Bock Builders teamed up with Donna and Kevin Bradley, of Black Rock Granite & Cabinetry, to open a dynamic new restaurant in downtown Highlands, the quartet thought the hard part would be overseeing the extensive renovations that would mark the opening of Bridge at Mill Creek. “We knew it could be a fabulous addition to the town of Highlands, complete with outdoor seating right on the scenic Mill Creek,” says Donna. “With the inspiration of Black Rock’s lead Designer, Gregg McLain, and our combined labor forces we designed and installed the interior finishes in the restaurant and couldn’t be more proud of the end result!” It quickly became apparent that assembling the correct leadership team would also be paramount to the success of what quickly became a landmark dining destination. And as the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau revs up for a back-tonormal busy season, it’s clear that the two couples have found the right players for these key positions. “We are so excited about our new General Manager, Scott Tavernier; our new Chef, Brett Harris; and Jarren Heng, Sous Chef, Holly Jondro, Asst. Manager, Mick Cauthen, Bar Manager and LynLeigh McLain, Host Manager/Special Events Coordinator,” says Debi. “We all are looking forward to an amazing year and we all feel very lucky to be able to work and live in the Highlands community.”

“After nearly 45 years in the food industry, I’m excited about the opportunity to work at Bridge at Mill Creek,” says Chef Brett. “The restaurant’s focus will be on food from the region as well as great quality upscale comfort food. I am also excited that we are introducing catering at Bridge at Mill Creek, and we’re introducing Sunday Brunches, which is something that all Highlanders treasure.” “We have carefully chosen a well-experienced team of culinary perfectionists and an experienced management team dedicated to providing the very best culinary delights along with service that our little piece of Highlands “heaven” deserves,” says GM Tavernier. All of these decisions means that Bridge at Mill Creek is unveiling new menus for lunch and dinner, served with aplomb and a warm, inviting attitude. “In the heart of Highlands, we have created a sophisticated, farmto-table atmosphere that’s like no other on the mountain,” says David. “Stop in for lunch or dinner and experience casual luxury, nouveau comfort food at its finest. Chef Brett has created absolute perfection utilizing the freshest ingredients and our excellent service will keep you coming back for more.” Visit Bridge at Mill Creek at 445 N. 4th Street in Highlands. For reservations, call (828) 526-5500 or visit thebridgeatmillcreek. com. For information on rehearsal dinners, special events, or private dinners, contact scott@bridgeatmillcreek.com.

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Ad On Page

Take Out

Outdoor Dining

Live Entertainment

Dress Code

Reservations Recommended

Wine

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Meals

The Restaurants of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Full Bar

Plateau Dining Guide

Children’s Menu

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

64 Highlands Plaza

(828) 526-5002

L, D, SB

20 Old Mud Creek Road, Scaly

(828) 526-0803

B, L, D

460 Main Street

(828) 526-3807

445 North 4th Street

(828) 526-5500

L, D

384 Main Street

(828) 200-9308

B, L

Reservations Required

(828) 526-4446

B, L

465 Main Street

(828) 787-2990

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Village Square, 470 Oak Street

(828) 526-4188

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595 Franklin Road

(828) 526-3554

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455 Main Street Highlands, NC

(828) 787-2525

350 S. Fifth Street

(828) 526-2110

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Smallwood Avenue

(828) 526-9419

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490 Carolina Way

(828) 526-1019

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OPENING SOON

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HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS 4118 Kitchen + Bar Bella’s Junction Cafe The Bistro at Wolfgang’s Bridge at Mill Creek Calder’s Cafe Fire + Water Restaurant Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar Fressers Courtyard Cafe Highlands Smokehouse Hummingbird Lounge *

The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering

Lakeside Restaurant Meritage Bistro

470 Skyline Lodge Rd

Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge

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Highway 64 (Franklin Road)

(828) 526-2338

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440 Main Street

(828) 526-4906

298 South 4th Street

(828) 526-8364

L, D, SB

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460 Main Street

(828) 526-3807

The Greystone Inn

220 Greystone Lane

(828) 966-4700

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The Orchard

Highway 107 South

(828) 743-7614

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14 Raggedy Lane

(828) 547-1300

SEASON OPENING MAY 17 n

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25 Frank Allen Road

(828) 743-3000

L, D, SB

45 Slabtown Road

(828) 743-7711

B, L, SB

On the Verandah Paoletti’s The Ugly Dog Pub Wolfgang’s Restaurant

n NC C

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CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS

Town & Country General Store Deli The Ugly Dog Pub Zookeeper B Breakfast

Lunch

D Dinner

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS 4th Street Market - (828) 526-4191 Asia House - (828) 787-1680 The Blue Bike Cafe - (828) 526-9922 Bryson’s Deli - (828) 526-3775 The Cake Bar - (828) 421-2042 Don Leon’s at The High Dive (828-200-0388 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 Madison’s Restaurant - (828) 787-2525 Midpoint (828) 526-2277 Mountain Fresh - (828) 526-2400

112 M 21 || TTHHEELLAAUURREELLM MAAGGAAZZI IN NEE. .CCO OM M M AY a y 220021

SB Sunday Brunch

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 Cashiers Valley Smokehouse (828) 547-3096 Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160 Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750 Cork & Barrel Lounge - (828) 743-7477

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Dress Code: C Casual

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NC Nice Casual

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El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522 JJ’s Eatery and Canteen - (828) 743-7778 Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740 Mountain Cafe - (828) 577-0469 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 Villa Amato (828) 885-7700 Wendy’s - (828) 743-7777 Whiteside Brewing Company - (828) 743-6000 Winslow’s Hideaway - (828) 743-2226

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LDOI N D IGNI G NG thelaurelmagazine.com/lodging

Ad On Page

Pet Policy

Banquet Facilities Wireless Internet

Cable/Satellite TV

In Room Microwave/Fridge

Exercise Facility

Accommodations on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Whirlpool Rooms

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

Black Bear Lodge of Sapphire

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oldedwardsinn.com | (866) 526-8008 n n n n n n n n n

1600 Golden Road | Lake Toxaway, NC

earthshinenc.com | (828) 862-4207 n n

Fire Mountain

700 Happy Hill Rd | Scaly Mountain

firemt.com | (800) 775-4446 n n

Greystone Inn

220 Greystone Ln | Lake Toxaway

thegreystoneinn.com | (828) 966-4700 n n

Earthshine Lodge

445 Main St | Highlands

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

205 Main Street | Highlands

theparkonmain.com | (888) 974-9738

470 Skyline Lodge Rd | Highlands

skyline-lodge.com

The Park on Main Skyline Lodge

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OPENING THIS SUMMER

VACATION RENTALS The Vineyard at 37 High Holly 37 High Holly Road | Scaly Mountain thevineyardat37highholly.com | (828) 505-6190

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VACATION RENTAL AGENCIES Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals

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

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401 N 5th St | Highlands

highlandsiscalling.com | (828) 526-3717

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

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341 Hwy 64 W, Ste 102 | Cashiers

ncliving.com | (828) 743-1999

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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 114 M aAY y 220021 21 | | TTHHEELLAAUURREELLMMAAGGAAZZI N I NEE. C . COOMM

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 120-128

Photo by Susan Renfro

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CASUAL EXPLORATION Step out of your head, and into the serenity of National Forests land and trails. These ultra comfortable and proudly local casualwear are the perfect companion to exploring Mother Naure on the plateau. Vintage-Inspired Cap | $20 100% Cotton Tshirt | $20 Bartram Market | Scaly Mountain

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a fe w o f o u r fav o r it e fi n d s

FUN AND FESTIVE What’s not to love about this cotton, f lowing dress? Covered in ditsy f lorals and detailed with a smocked bodice, puff sleeves and tiered silhouette, this ethereal midi dress is perfect for just about anything. LoveShackFancy Masie Dress | $ 485 Wit’s End | Highlands

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ELEVATE YOUR MORNINGS Elevate your morning coffee - or afternoon tea - to special-occasion status with the Old-World style of this cream and sugar set. The ceramic plate and scrolled metal tray can even hold small plate of cheese, cookies, or other treats to accompany your coffee or tea hour. Ceramic Coffee / Tea Set | $117.99 Town and Country General Store | Cashiers

A WELL-DRESSED MAN MAC jeans are revered for their comfort, f lattering look, & fun contemporary style. Pair them with this handcrafted belt for a perfect well-dressed and stylish combo. Paolo Vitale Stretch Belt | $119 Mac Jeans | $249 TJ Bailey’s | Highlands and Cashiers

ESSENTIALLY YOGA Bolster your movements with the quality of Manduka essential yoga accessories - crafted using simple, natural, and whenever possible, renewable material. Yoga Strap | $12 Recycled Foam Yoga Block | $18 Pro Lite Zest Yoga Mat | $120 Fusion Yoga and Wellness | Cashiers

FUN AND FLATTERING This tunic is everything! Flattering and playful, this piece will take you from a day at work to an evening at your favorite restaurant. Joseph Ribkoff Tunic | $185 Spoiled Rotten | Highlands

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The Bird Barn

returns

Bird Barn & Garden, opening in The Shops at Cashiers Common, is an insider’s destination for all who cherish our feathered neighbors and the ar tistr y of a carefullycomposed landscape.

Glenn and Kim Ubertino

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t’s pretty obvious that the Plateau has always had a love affair with its birds. Consider the tireless work of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. Every issue of Laurel has a detailed exploration of the lives and loves of our feathered neighbors, courtesy of the deep knowledge and insatiable curiosity of William McReynolds. That’s why it should be a surprise to no one that Glenn and Kim Ubertino, the dynamic couple who’ve powered Zoller Hardware into a must-visit destination in Cashiers, are opening Bird Barn & Garden, right next to Zoller in The Shops at Cashiers Commons. It features everything that birds (and the people who love them) could ask for – feeders that are accessible and designed to confound squirrels; birdhouses (both practical and whimsical); and varieties of bird seed. This last bit of information is of importance to the Plateau’s serious bird lovers. Bird Barn & Garden will be offering the coveted Bird Barn Blend. This exclusive mix of seeds is specially formulated for birds here in Cashiers and Highlands. In fact, the centerpiece of Bird Barn & Garden is the daily presence of LeRoy Parr who, with his wife Sandy, made The Bird Barn a Cashiers institution. LeRoy will be welcoming shoppers with his trademark warmth and encyclopedic expertise. It’s an insider’s knowledge served up free for the asking. And then there’s the Gardening part of the equation. Like its love

affair with its birds, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is passionate about its gardening – witness the outsized presence of the Plateau’s Garden Clubs, and the storybook homes set in the midst of magnificent landscaping, or the jewel-box gardens scattered across The Village Green. So naturally, The Bird Barn and Garden offers an assortment of goods to make local gardens dazzle. That means you’ll find high-end tools designed for comfort and ease-of-use, decorative and clever pots, organic seeds, and ornaments and signs. And just like Leroy and his Avian Wisdom, Bird Barn and Garden offers the services of a pair of women who’ve spent years landscaping on the Plateau, Moselle McCall and Desiré Newman. If you’re reading this magazine, you know that gardening and landscaping here is a highly stylized enterprise. Plants need to be conditioned to the peculiarities of growing in a temperate rainforest, and the distinct geometry of slope and curve requires an insider’s knowledge of planting in the mountains. That’s where their insight and wisdom really comes into play. And, of course, there’s the simple pleasure of browsing and discovering, and this being Cashiers, just chatting. It’s been part of the landscape as long as there’ve been people here on the Plateau. In fact, it’s the sort of energy and easy-going spirit that the Ubertinos have brought to Zoller Hardware. by Luke Osteen / photo by Sarah Fielding

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What’s Hot, What’s Not

The choices for Women’s Clothing on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau ensure a fun shopping adventure.

ho What Wear, that fashionable website that pops up in our news feeds, offers us a daily look at what’s hot, what’s not and what wardrobe items we need each season to refresh our look. The good news is that armed with our new fashion sense, all we have to do is head to our local small businesses to find the pieces, outfits or accessories we’re looking for. Shopping in Highlands and Cashiers is such a fun experience. Highlands has even been named one of USA Today’s best small town shopping experiences! The boutiques are adorable, the personal attention unparalleled, and you’ll never have to worry about crowds. A Jones Company

A Jones Company is a charming boutique located in the center of Cashiers Village, directly across the street from the Cashiers Farmers Market. They offer a wide variety of curated goods for living and giving. Among their most beloved lines are Johnny Was Clothing, Barefoot Dreams, Juju Jams pajamas, Nest Fragrances and hand-crafted jewelry. A shopping bonus here is that their adjacent business, Cashiers Candy Shoppe, offers you a chance to refuel after a day of shopping on your favorite treats such as Jelly Belly jellybeans, or a small batch confection made lovingly by a small American owned candy maker. There’s a new star on the Highlands retail scene and that star is Allison Diane Clothing, located at Bryson Square in downtown Highlands. Stepping into this 124 M a y 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Allison Diane Clothing

modern boutique is a delight to the senses. From their artful and tasteful décor that incorporates just enough of an industrial vibe to get the senses stirring, to their thoughtfully curated inventory, you’ll find that perfect outfit or accessory here. Their clothing lines include Able jeans, tops and purses. They also have an extensive line of cute, stylish, easy to wear and care for clothing from Duffield Lane. Mothers and daughters will even find adorable coordinating outfits here. Season-less cashmere is also one of their specialties and they offer an extensive line of tops, scarves, sweaters, ponchos and accessories from such lines as Courtland Park, Two Bees Cashmere, and Johnsons of Elgin. They also carry an extensive line of jewelry and purses to complete your look. Stop by today for a shopping experience you’ll be sharing with your friends. Allison Diane Clothing is located in Bryson Square at 114 North Fourth Street, Unit 2.

clothes are all the rage right now and that “joggers and matching sets with a fun pair of sneakers is the look of the season. Also, flowy dresses. Neutral colors remain as popular as ever, but people are wanting to add some bright colors as well. Jeans are a staple in every closet. Boot cut, straight leg and high waisted styles are very popular denim trends.” You’ll find all of that and more at Annawear.

Bear Tracks

Bear Tracks Travel Center at 10932 Rosman Highway at Lake Toxaway has a few questions for you for your next outdoor adventure: Forgot to pack something?; Leave your belt at home?; Need some more socks?; How about some new jeans?; Could you use a new pair of boots?; How about a cool cowboy hat? This outfitting store has Wolverine, Wrangler, Carhartt, Woolrich, Red Head, M & F Western, Nacona and Justin branded products, meaning you’re covered from head to toe. Even if you’re not in the market for hiking/outdoor gear, souvenir logo T-shirts for you, a family member, or someone special back home are always a big hit.

Annawear Bags on Main

Anna Herz, owner of Annawear on Main Street in Highlands, shared that comfy

SHOPPI NG Bags on Main at 364 Main Street in Highlands carries today’s best brands for him and her, with an emphasis on customer service. And don’t miss Snoozies, a comfy cross between a sock and slipper, with soft soles and a brushed fleece exterior.

often has a food truck on hand, so enjoy a cold beverage and bite to eat while you’re there.

Dutchman’s Casual Living Store Bella Cotn and Bee Bags

Owner Diane Brady co-founded Bee Bags with her sister Ginny in 2011. In the 10 years since, the business has evolved into what is now Bella Cotn and Bee Bags. They proudly feature sleepwear, apparel, shoes, boots, and accessories for the chic, sophisticated woman. Bella Cotn pajamas are manufactured in Peru using the world’s finest pima cotton known for its exceptional durability, softness, and brilliant luster. Bee Bags handbags are handcrafted on site using the finest Italian and South American leather hides. Each and every Bee Bag is a one-of-akind creation. Stop in at 236 Highways 107 North in Cashiers and make yourself at home at Bella Cotn and Bee Bags

custom furniture vignettes, fabric swatches and upholstery samples in a full spectrum of colors and textures, and kitchen accessories. But it’s also home to a surprising range of handmade soaps, beautifully scented candles, and decorative jewelry. Discovering these surprises in the midst of this two-story emporium is half the fun. Elevation

Elevation at 330 Main Street in Highlands is a local women’s clothing, shoe and accessory boutique. Its hallmark is the warm, exceptional customer service extended by its employees. It’s a marvelously indulgent experience and it makes every visit a delight.

C. Orrico Headwaters Outfitters

Palm Beach, Florida’s favorite place to go for comfortable, sophisticated style has made its way to Highlands. C. Orrico has been setting the standard for classic American style since 1985. Their bright, colorful pieces are perfect for a day of shopping or a night out on the town. Dutchman’s Casual Living Store on Main Street in the heart of Highlands is a rambling two-story gallery loaded with

Outdoor adventurers won’t want to miss Headwaters Outfitters at 25 Parkway Road in Rosman. They offer self-guided paddling and tubing trips with reservations, and guided fly fishing by appointment only. Their retail store/fly shop offers a great selection of hiking clothes and accessories. Forks of the River Taproom is adjacent and

Lenz Gifts

Which brings us to Lenz Gifts, straddling the divide between Cashiers and Highlands at 1473 US 64 West. This unassuming cabin houses an exquisite selection of must-beseen, must-be-experienced high-end luxury intimates and sleepwear by Hanro, Natori, Feraud Paris, and Rosch.

Martha Anne’s

Martha Anne’s…on the Hill on Fourth Street in Highlands, offers shoes and apparel for the independently stylish woman with a sense of fun. Martha Anne has carefully selected this collection, and it’s just as surprising as she is. The fun part of the equation comes out when you consider the shoe selection. There’s a playfulness about the styles that shows Martha Anne is the woman making the decision. But really, that sense of joy extends to the coats, and clothing, and designer pieces that adorn this charming boutique. Come in for a browse and you’ll be surprised and seduced by this eclectic collection. McCulley’s, a Highlands tradition at 343 South Fourth Street and on Main Street for over 35 years, and the South’s premier stop for all things cashmere and more, now has a picturesque location in Cashiers at 24 B Canoe Point next to Rusticks and Vivianne Metzger Antiques. You’ll find the largest 125 M AY 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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McCulley’s

selection of Scottish cashmere in the United States and exclusive designer fashions. Owner Mary Bynum and her friendly and knowledgeable staff look forward to seeing their loyal customers who’ve counted on them for years as their “go to” cashmere source, as well as meeting new friends who are looking for the best quality clothing at fair prices. This rustically elegant boutique is a delight for the senses. Naturally, the first thing you’ll notice is the luxurious 100 percent Scottish cashmere, offered in a mind-boggling array of colors and styles – sweaters, scarves, wraps, vests, socks and more. McCulley’s also features one of the largest selections of Belford Cottons as well as their finely-crafted merino wool, silks and pima cotton items.

fundamentals and timeless styles. In much the same way a mermaid would browse through an undersea garden, a shopper can’t resist being drawn through the rooms behind the showroom, encountering scarves, shoes, resort wear, and athleisure wear. Among the collection are the eye-catching resort styles of IBKUL, a line that features UPF 50, the IceFil cooling element (which can cool the body five degrees in normal use), underarm mesh treatment along with wicking and anti-microbial features in exclusive prints and patterns. “I want to offer clothing that’s unique to our area, while complementing the two shops that are our neighbors — The Look and Sashay Around,” says Becca. “This is a place where you can relax and browse, just like the feeling that you get from Cashiers itself.” It’s located on 107 North, approximately 100 yards from the Crossroads. Nancy’s Fancys and The Exchange

The Mountain Mermaid

With a name like The Mountain Mermaid, you know you’re in for an enchanting shopping experience, coupled with a healthy dose of whimsy. That’s the effect owner Becca Burch is aiming for, and she’s had a lifetime to fashion the image. She’s stocked her boutique with lines that reflect her sense of style, comfort and quality. For instance, shoppers can expect to find a full range of St. James styles. This French-made line has won an international reputation for its carefully composed sweaters and tops, maintaining its fashion 126 M a y 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Are Nancy and Bob retiring from Nancy’s Fancys and The Exchange? No way! Not after 40 years! In fact, they’re getting bigger and better. Look for their expansive new space this summer — two miles from Highlands’ Main Street on Highway 106 with lots of parking, and lots of porches for entertaining. They’ll be staging a Grand Opening this summer. Narcissus

Narcissus at the Crossroads in Cashiers

brings a decidedly European flair, thanks to owner Guiliana Kaufman, originally from Florence Italy. Guiliana has worked with top designers and has the background, creativity and talent to bring the best to you. At Narcissus you will find quality and unique clothes, beautiful Italian scarves, and one of a kind jewelry to compliment your every look. Narcissus clothing offers a refined touch for all seasons and is a must see while in Cashiers. Nora & Co.

Nora & Co. at 40 Village Walk Way in Cashiers is a carefully-curated collection of art, accessories for the home, apparel, and accessories and gifts for yourself and loved ones. If you’re committed to finding the unusual and the fanciful, well, here’s the place. It’s a boutique that demands an attentive browse. Nora herself offers free giftwrapping and she can ship items anywhere in the country. For more information, call (828) 743-1040, but you really owe yourself a visit.

Peak Experience

You’re on the Dillard Road and see the Peak Experience signs. Have you actually taken the time to stop? You should. You really, really should. As owner Victoria Ingate says, “We hear it all the time. ‘We drive by but this is the first time we’ve stopped.’ These folks always come back.” You may be familiar with the name,

SHOPPI NG Peak Experience, because of the colorful SolMate Socks they carry. These colorfully mismatched socks are made right here in a family owned mill in North Carolina. The stunning hand-painted silk tunics and shawls from Tennessee have become collectors’ items, perhaps because no two are alike. There’s nothing like wearing something that no one else in the world will have!

Sashay’s full array of contemporary classics: blouses, shirts, pullovers, skirts, pants, dresses, rainwear, and more. Accessorize with beautiful scarves, handbags, and belts. There’s something for every taste from divine to sublime to glitzy and glam. And don’t forget wedding apparel from motherof-the-bride to the bridal party.

accessories. They also feature fine furniture pieces and original artwork by Jo Ann Williams Walker. To end your quintessential day of shopping, take a moment to visit their back porch and hear the soothing sounds of a tabletop fountain while enjoying an unexpected view of Shortoff Mountain.

Robin’s Nest

The Look Boutique Spoiled Rotten

Robin’s Nest in Cashiers carries a variety of apparel designed for the contemporary woman. Most of their lines are designed for mom and daughter like Clara Sun Woo, Foxcroft, Gretchen Scott, Tribal, French Dressing, Habitat, and Terra SJ and Liv. They also carry handmade scarves, embroidery wraps and jewelry from a variety of artisans to complete your look. They can outfit you from casual wear to more upscale outfits for those special occasions.

Jonna McDowell of Spoiled Rotten in Town Square, Highlands, reiterates that comfort is the look and feel of the season. “We are all starting to feel that traveling in the US is going to be the best plan. There will be a lot of local travel maybe 3 to 5 hours from home and possibly overnight stays. Clothing will be comfortable and easy-care. People always enjoy brights in the spring and summer months with pinks and oranges being enduring favorites, and don’t forget your white pants.” They’re especially excited to be offering Pure clothing this year, a line that embodies comfort and style, and travels well.

Now in its 10th year, The Look Boutique in Cashiers at 137 Highway 107 North is infused with excitement around new designers as well as an expansion of existing lines from the designers that savvy Plateau Shoppers already know and love. You can find your very own “look” here or by visiting this darling white cottage with a picket fence. Inside, you’ll discover a beautiful collection of fashionable apparel, jewelry and accessories in this beautiful mountain resort area.

Sashay Around The Brier Patch The Southern Way

You don’t have to go to the UK to find what’s hot in fashion. Sashay Around on Highway 107 North in Cashiers has the latest line of Wellies and Wellie Bobs, which guarantee happy feet in rain or snow. For the uninitiated, Wellies are cool polka-dot, stripe, and flower-print rubber boots you’ve probably seen strutting around town and country. Add to that Wellies’ line of sweats and vests in dazzling colors. If country club casual is more your style, check out

A relaxing stop on any shopping excursion is The Brier Patch at 4186 Cashiers Road. Stepping into this oasis is a delight for the senses. This gift and home accessory store features a multitude of lamps for your every need; an array of beautiful pillows; hostess gifts of every imaginable kind; décor items; tabletop fountains; vases; silk flowers; and, plants and containers; and, fashion

The Southern Way is a men’s and women’s southern casual clothing store, located at 338 Main Street in Highlands. You can count on friendly service and a knowledgeable staff, making for a fun, breezy shopping experience. Just a little off the beaten path (in more ways than one), The Summer House at 2089 Dillard Road outside of Highlands has earned a national reputation for its home furnishings and accessories and insightful design services. That’s why you’ll find their touch in mountain getaways, and beach 127 M AY 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 Summer House

homes, and estates scattered across Wine Country. But here’s a bit of Insider Baseball known to only the savviest of shoppers — The Summer House Bed & Bath Shop offers a deeply sensuous collection of luxury linens, pajamas, nightshirts, robes and loungewear.

TJ Bailey’s

TJ Bailey’s is a destination boutique offering classic, curated style with exceptional customer service since 1985. Building lasting relationships of trust and a shared appreciation for impeccable style, this Plateau institution aims to empower its clients by dressing them for success. TJ Bailey likes to proclaim that it’s a family – it supports its clients, each other, and its communities. You find the same level of services and the same fashion sense at both locations – 343C Town Square on Main Street in Highlands; and 95 Highway 107 South in Cashiers.

Victoria’s Closet

Victoria’s Closet is something of a local legend for its eye-popping fashion surprises and its jaw-dropping prices. It’s a consignment shop, a fine consignment shop. (Editor’s Note: Case in point, seven years ago, this writer was in the shop to pick up an ad for my boss. Now if you know me, you know my fashion sense is on about the same level as a chimp. A fairly clever chimp, but still. So there I was, waiting, when my attention was captured by some sort of hat-thing that looked like it came out of an MGM musical from the 1940s. Owner Kerry Stanger patiently explained to me that it was a “ fascinator” and was a particular fashion choice of English women of the landed gentry. She said that the shop had placed it on the shelf for the low, low price of $8. Eight bucks I can handle. Well, next year Tricia and I were at High Tea at Selfridges in London and perched atop her head was that slightly silly fascinator. And it blended right in! We got a lot more than $8 worth of fun out of that fascinator!) Wish & Shoes

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Wits’ End Shop

In the world of retail it’s becoming difficult to find a thriving business that has been family owned for generations. Wits’ End Shop has been both a Main Street fixture and a Highlands institution for over 80 years “We’re known for our colorful prints, cashmere and jewelry, but more than that, we’ve become a truly intergenerational store. We have grandmothers and granddaughters shopping here at the same time,” says Manager Susan Young. by Luke Osteen

Town and Country General Store

Town and Country General Store is here to offer you just a little bit of everything: clothing, jewelry, home décor, candles, local

Florida-based Wish & Shoes, which opened its fifth store on Fourth Street in May. This unique boutique offers shoppers the utmost in personal service, at a level usually reserved for Rodeo Drive and 5th Avenue. Owners Rachel Gottfried and Peter Mastrorio said they visited several towns and cities in search of a new location for the summer season, and couldn’t be happier with the cool mountain air. What makes Wish & Shoes unique? After over 30 years in the retail clothing business, and with a demanding customer base, Rachel and Peter know what women want, and they and their associates go over and above to provide it. Wish & Shoes is located in the renovated, brightly lit, and inviting location at 211 South Fourth Street. The space is modern, elegant, and filled with stylish American and European designers offering head-to-toe fashion for women of all ages. You’ll discover lines you can’t find anywhere else in Highlands and right now is the time to shop for your fall and winter fashions with new merchandise arriving daily.

One of the newest businesses to join the upscale retail district in Highlands is South

Point phone camera at QR code for more complete information on Women’s Clothing in Highlands and Cashiers

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Visit Our Advertisers WEST END

1. On The Verandah Restaurant 2. Highlands Smokehouse 4. The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts 5 The Dave Drake Ceramic Barn at The Bascom

191. Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty 194. Old Edwards Inn 195. Madison’s Restaurant 196. The Wine Garden

SOUTH END 13. 4118 Kitchen & Bar 15. Dauntless Printing 26. Lupoli Construction 27. Pat Allen Realty Group 31. The Laurel 35. ACP Home Interiors 36. The Summer House Bed & Bath 37. The Summer House 38 Nancy’s Fancys/The Exchange 44. Blue Elephant Consignment Studio 45. Head Innovations 46. Cake Bar & Chocolate Heaven

MAIN STREET 100. Main Street Nursery 103. Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 123. The Park on Main Hotel 124. Landmark Realty Group 134. The Southern Way 136. Dutchmans 140. The Book Nook 141. Bags on Main 142. Main Street Gifts 146. Wit’s End Shoppe 147. Calders Coffee Cafe 148. Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry + Wine Shop 152. Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty 153. Allison Diane Clothing 159. Colonel Mustard’s 160. TJ Bailey’s for Men 163. Spoiled Rotten 166. Annawear 167. The Christmas Tree 169. Country Club Properties 178. McCulley’s II 181. Oakleaf 185. Ristorante Paoletti 187. The Dry Sink 189. Smitten 190. Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro

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197. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 201. Hudson Library 202. Country Club Properties 202. Rent in Highlands CCP Vacation Rentals 207. Creative Concepts Salon

WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN (Factoid: Named after Whiteside hero) 113. Edward Jones 117. Country Club Properties 119. Highlands Pharmacy

ON THE HILL 303. Mirror Lake Antiques 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 710. Meritage Bistro 711. Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals

813. Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center 813. Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival

VILLAGE PARK 613. John Cleaveland Realty 616. Fressers Courtyard Cafe 618 PalmerHouse Properties

OUT NC 106 ➡ Peak Experience ➡ Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center ➡ Highlands Aerial Park ➡ Vineyard at 37 High Holly ➡ Fire + Water ➡ Bella's Junction Cafe ➡ Pat Calderone Gallery

OUT 64 EAST ➡ Bobby Grace Putters ➡ 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 ➡ Pat Allen Realty Group ➡ Highlands Dermatology ➡ Roman’s Roofing ➡ GlenCove

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

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Visit Our Advertisers SLABTOWN

2. Zookeeper Bistro

NORTH 107

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

THE SHOPS AT CASHIERS COMMONS 25. Bella Cotn. 27. Bird Barn & Garden 28. Cashiers Kitchen Co. 29. Bombshell Hair Boutique 33. Zoller Hardware

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

WEST 64

151. J Mixon Decorative Painting 155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 156. Creekside: - Silver Creek Real Estate Group 165. Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry 173. Betsy Paul Properties 175. Srebalus Construction 176. Lenz Gifts

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 77. The Designers Market 79. Jennings Builders Supply

VILLAGE WALK

80. A-List Antiques 80. Josephine’s Emporium 82. The Village Hound 86. Nora & Co. 89. Nearly New Furniture Consignment 99. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty

SOUTH 107

101. Narcissus 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 111. Rusticks 112. Vivianne Metzger Antiques 115. J. Gabriel 121. Robin’s Nest 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 138. The Orchard Restaurant, Events Barn & Guest Cottage

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VISIT NORTON

➡ GlenCove ➡ Town and Country General Store

DOWN 107 SOUTH ➡ Silver Run Reserve

OUT 64 WEST

➡ Cedar Creek Club

VISIT CULLOWHEE ➡ Four Seasons Landscape

VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY ➡ The Greystone Inn ➡ Alair Homes ➡ Killer Bees ➡ Historic Toxaway Market ➡ Mountain Cafe ➡ Bear Tracks Travel Center ➡ Earthshine Lodge ➡ Headwaters Outfitters ➡ Healing Through Harmony ➡ Southern Highlands Reserve ➡ Historic Toxaway Foundation ➡ Balistreri Realty

VISIT SAPPHIRE : ➡ Black Bear Lodge ➡ Lonesome Valley ➡ Sapphire Valley Real Estate VISIT SYLVA : ➡ Imperial Security

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L A K E T O X AWA Y

Bear Tracks

Travel Center

Bear Tracks Travel Center ser ves as both an introduction to the Lake Toxaway community and a gateway to the natural wonders of the Southern Appalachians. For more details, call (828) 862-8992 or (828) 883-8968 or visit bear trackstravelcenter.com.

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he lure of Lake Toxaway (North Carolina’s largest private lake), with its 14 miles of scenic shoreline, has been attracting celebrities, dignitaries and America’s first families for decades. No less a draw to the area is the Bear Tracks Travel Center. In 2000, Brevard natives Pam and Ron Banther purchased an existing convenience store on Rosman Highway. Now known as the Lake Toxaway Trading Post, and operating much like an old time general store, Lake Toxaway Trading Post has for two decades supplied locals and visitors with supplies – from fuel, tobacco, snacks and groceries to lottery tickets. Ultimately, the success of the store offered a sign that Lake Toxaway was drawing increasing travelers seeking further services and supplies. In 2003 they enlisted Pam’s brother, John, to join them in an expanded venture adjacent to the existing store. And in 2005 they opened their outdoor store, the Bear Tracks Trading Company – the two stores forming the Bear Tracks Travel Center. Today, Bear Tracks Travel Center has become a destination for locals and visitors needing supplies and gifts. Outside, Bear Tracks Trading Company, with its logged façade, is classic North Carolina Mountain. Inside, along with Carhartt clothing, camping supplies, t-shirts, and greeting cards, and souvenirs there are nods to the local community – jams, jellies, honeys, local pottery and arts. Bear Tracks Trading Company offers outdoor gear and supplies for camping, hunting and fishing, including guns and ammo.

Perhaps the biggest allure at Bear Tracks Trading Company is the Adventure Center. True to its name, it offers a wide range of explorations and excitements for outdoor enthusiasts. The most popular of those attractions is the Gem Mining Center. With precious stones including sapphires, amethyst or even emeralds, explorers have the thrill of the search and a chance to hit the jewel jackpot. As travel has increasingly grown into a family activity, the demands for gemstone mining have increased, becoming a growing favorite with area visitors. More gemstones and rock formations are also available in the retail store. Popular with water enthusiasts is the three-mile, two-hour tubing adventure; a chance to drift lazily down the river, while taking in the idyllic sights and sounds of nature. (Vest and tube rentals are also available.) Newcomers and avid fisherman alike know they can rely on a hefty inventory of fishing supplies and a list of services available at Bear Tracks Trading Company. Over the years the Bear Tracks Travel Center is a place where people of all ages and from all locales meet to gear up and hang out, many returning year after year. Bear Tracks Trading Center is open seven days a week, yearround. Hours are expanded during the summer months. For more details and hours or to reserve a spot in one of the center’s popular adventures, call (828) 862-8992 or (828) 883-8968 or visit beartrackstravelcenter.com.

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L A K E T O X AWA Y

Where Five

Streams Converge

Gorges State Park is a pristine corner of Blue Ridge splendor.

Hooker Falls

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orges State Park, located in Sapphire along the Blue Ridge Escarpment (an area where five streams carry water to the ocean from the divide between the Tennessee Valley drainage and the Atlantic drainage), opened in 2009 in one of our state’s most breathtaking settings. It offers an outdoor experience that can be enjoyed by everyone, from those seeking an authentic backcountry experience to a casual daytripper. Set among primitive forests and rugged river gorges, this nearly 8,000-acre park features 26 waterfalls, the northern boundary of Lake Jocassee, 56 miles of hiking trails, including a portion of the Foothills trail, 17 miles of biking trails and 12 miles of horseback trails. It’s the home to 125 plant and animal species, several of which are considered threatened or endangered. Magnificent plunging waterfalls are its biggest attraction, most notably Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls on the Horsepasture River, and accessible by the park’s-most traveled trail. This moderate three-mile round trip hike is enjoyed by thousands of visitors a year. Shorter trails with panoramic views are also within

the park’s boundaries, as are longer and more strenuous trails. The main entrance to the park is at 976 Grassy Ridge Road where a state-of-the-art wheelchair accessible Visitors Center is packed with information and exhibits explaining the area’s history and ecological uniqueness. They also offer trail guides and information on all the park has to offer, and picnic tables for all to enjoy. The park is admission-free and there’s ample parking. In addition to the miles of hiking trails, the park has picnic shelters, primitive campsites (reservations required) and trout fishing. It is important to note that this area is trash free so you carry out what you bring in. Recycling containers are provided throughout the area. As a newer park, trails and campsites are continuing to be developed so visitors should always be on the lookout for new opportunities to enjoy our area’s backcountry. For more information, visit ncparks.gov/gorges-statepark/home. by Mary Jane McCall photo by Charles Johnson

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L A K E T O X AWA Y

A Tribute

to Toxaway

Lake Toxaway has been inviting people to slow down for over 100 years.

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ake Toxaway and the community of Toxaway that’s sprung up around it have always served as a respite from the cares of the world. This pristine portion of mountain beauty has been offering sanctuary and respite to those in need. Back then, it was personages like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. Nowadays, it’s celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Steve Martin, and Stephen King. When J Frances Hayes founded the Toxaway Company in 1896, he envisioned a grand resort built along the lines of the great European inns. His Toxaway Inn was marketed to millionaires and sat upon the shore of Lake Toxaway, the first large artificial lake in Western North Carolina. He even built a railway that would carry guests from Brevard up to the doors of his resort. The inn boasted electricity and long-distance telephone service, an orchestra for evening dances, exclusive French cuisine, a bowling alley, miles of hiking trails, and guided fishing and hunting services. Unfortunately, all of this luxury was predicated upon the beauty of Lake Toxaway, which was established by constructing an earthen dam upon the Toxaway River. Heavy rains during the summer of 1916 were compounded by a hurricane that pushed up from the Gulf of Mexico and flooded this corner of Western North Carolina. The dam that had created the lake collapsed in spectacular manner (you can see evidence of the mountainscouring disaster in US 64 at Toxaway Falls. That marked the end of the lake and the end of the resort lifestyle until 1960 when the Lake Toxaway Company bought the 8,900 acres of land and rebuilt the dam (this time with proper engineering to ensure safety regardless of the weather). by Luke Osteen / photo by Susan Renfro

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H ISTORY

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HISTORY Pages 144-146

Photo by Susan Renfro

H ISTORY

A Civil War

Escape

Connections forged in a desperate Civil War escape were revisited decades later by the par ticipants.

he photograph above was taken at Knoxville, Tennessee on January 1, 1865. It shows a group of nine Union Army officers who had escaped from Confederate prisons and the three Western North Carolina citizens who had guided them to safety in East Tennessee, which was Union-held territory. They’re all adults, except for one who was a 14 year-old-boy from Cashiers named Thompson Roberts Zachary, also called Tom or Tommy or T.R. He was the son of Alexander “Andy” Zachary, a Union sympathizer who often gave aid to escaped Union soldiers. When that boy grew up, he became one of my great-grandfathers. When the group of nine Union officers showed up at Alexander Zachary’s Cashiers home in late December, 1864, there was deep snow and freezing temperatures outside. It was a brutal winter. They were fed and got some much needed rest in the warm house and made a plan to continue their journey to safety in Tennessee. Union officer M. M. Bassett of Illinois promised Alexander that if Tommy was allowed to be one of the guides, he (Bassett) would, after the war was over, pay Tommy’s way through college. The group walked west until they reached Union-held territory in Tennessee, boarded a train there and got off in Knoxville, where a photographer lined them up and took their picture. Tommy is on the top row, last one on the right.

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Years later, around 1895, M. M. Bassett, who had subsequently become an Illinois state senator and a judge, got in touch with T.R. Zachary in Cashiers, then returned to Cashiers where the two men retraced their long ago trek from Cashiers to Knoxville. Bassett also mailed Zachary a copy of the photo taken on January 1, 1865, listing the names of each person in the picture. Flash forward to the year 2021, when I got a phone call from Steve Procko, a Civil War buff, who has a home in North Georgia. His neighbor, a descendant of one of the adult guides on the Cashiers to Knoxville escape, showed Steve the January 1, 1865 picture, complete with the names of Union officers and their guides. Intrigued, Steve began doing email research on the people in the picture and quickly ran across a copy of the picture on the cover of a book titled To Die in Chicago, Confederate Prisoners at Camp Douglas, 1862-65 by George Levy. The picture was misidentified as “Morgan’s Raiders,” Confederate prisoners at Camp Douglas. The photo was noted to reside in the Chicago Historical Society, which is presently closed due to Covid-19, but Steve is working on proof that the picture needs to be re-identified. Stay tuned – I’ll have an update for you in a few months. by Jane Gibson Nardy, Historian, Cashiers Historical Society

H ISTORY

Postmaster

Baxter White

Highlands Postmaster Bax ter White brought a healthy dose of Mountain For titude to his responsibilities.

art of the charm of 1870s Highlands was its seclusion. But living high above the problems of the down-below had its own challenges. When Ulysses, in the film Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou, was stuck in a remote town and needed a part for his jalopy or a tin of Dapper Dan hair pomade, he was told he’d have a 2-week wait. He growled, “Well, ain’t this place a geographical oddity … two weeks from everywhere.” But Highlanders were a tough lot and knew what they were in for. They strong-armed boulders into enough submission to expose a patch of loamy soil to plant a summer crop. One of the most important things they didn’t have was reliable mail delivery. I recently learned a new word: rezarfrez. It’s urban-slang for grumbling under one’s breath. Think of all the rezarfrezzing residents uttered in a three-mile wrestling match with Mother Nature down to Horse Cove (the nearest post office). You couldn’t even surrender to gravity and roll down the mountain for all the switchbacks. Fahgeddabout rolling back up. Of course, as the crow flies it was about 100 yards here-to-there (kidding). Too bad they couldn’t teach crows to deliver mail. But have you ever heard a crow complain? They’d be rezarfrezzing rural routes all day long. Best you hitch up your mule and whistle up your dog and rezarfrez-it yourself. In 1876 a unanimous Hallelujah reverberated throughout river gorges and granite cliffs. Postmaster Baxter White made the trip up the winding stretch of rocky road to his Highlands home/ grocery/post office all under one roof. It was there you picked up your mail. The rezarfrez-level dropped significantly that day (except maybe for Baxter) and stayed that way for the next 14 years under his purview. To learn more about the evolution of Highlands’ postal delivery, read Ran Shaffner’s Heart of the Blue Ridge, visit highlandshistory.com, or email hhs@highlandshistory.com.

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H ISTORY

Experience Life

as It Was

The Cashiers Historical Society is setting its gaze upon a busy 25th year, yet its vision ex tends far into the past.

he Cashiers Historical Society celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. Their annual Calendar of Events starts Memorial Day weekend, May 28-31, when visitors are invited to tour the historic Zachary-Tolbert House, The Dependency, Colonel John’s Cabin and the recently restored Hampton Schoolhouse from 11:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. As always, the beautiful grounds and trails will be open from sunup until sundown. The Zachary-Tolbert House is an architectural gem that remains virtually unchanged from when it was built 150 years ago, and it offers visitors the rare chance to experience life as it was. Likewise, Colonel John’s Cabin is one of the oldest structures in our area. The Hampton Schoolhouse is a carefully renovated authentic structure that offers a glimpse into early education. It’s a

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rare gift to find such an opportunity to walk down memory lane. In addition to preserving and maintaining these historic buildings, CHS continues to have a positive impact within the community offering a wide range of activities that provide opportunities for fun, enjoyment and education. The annual Designer Showhouse is their largest fundraiser and has become one of the most enjoyed and anticipated events of the year, providing residents and visitors a chance to visit some of our area’s most prestigious homes. CHS hosts Founders Day for third and fourth-grade students from Blue Ridge School, Summit Charter School and area home schooled students. Their Family Front Porch Fun days are fun for the whole family and a welcome break from the sometimes-hectic pace of today’s world.

They offer educational opportunities throughout the season through their annual Jan Wyatt Symposium and Mountain Heritage Lecture Series. This nonprofit organization continues to strive to be a cultural center that encourages civic engagement and community partnerships that provide meaningful experiences for all. As with most nonprofits, they work with a limited budget and staff but they’re gifted at stretching a little into a lot. Donations are always appreciated and encouraged to help maintain their historic properties and continue their outreach. For additional information about Cashiers Historical Society call (828) 743-7710. by Mary Jane McCall

H ISTORY

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H ISTORY

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LIFESTYLES & WELLNESS Pages 150-157

Photo by Susan Renfro

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

A Good Life

in a Good Place

Carolyn and Cy Timmons

A circuitous route and long, languid conversations laced with wit and compassion brought Carolyn and Cy Timmons together and to the Plateau.

or Carolyn and Cy Timmons, the trip down the aisle was 14 years in the making. First came attraction and then friendship – and then came love, a house, and a move to the Plateau. Their wedding was a long time coming. The couple met in 1975 when Carolyn joined a group of eight or nine girlfriends who had gathered at The Tree on Peachtree in Atlanta to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Performing that evening (as he has done for 60 years) was Cy Timmons – singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Carolyn was struck by Cy’s “luxuriously, smooth voice,” the poetry of his compositions, and how “incredibly handsome he was.” And it’s fair to say that Cy was impressed by Carolyn’s “beauty and sophistication.” At the time they were each in other relationships, and in the coming years Carolyn got married. But, as fellow travelers in the same social circles, their lives in 150 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Atlanta continued to overlap. And when Carolyn’s marriage broke up, the two started seeing each other in breaks from the unconventional schedules of their jobs – Cy’s as an entertainer, Carolyn’s as a flight attendant with weekly jaunts to Paris. They became friends and confidants. Carolyn was drawn to Cy’s dry sense of humor, the “unbelievable memory” that is evident in his repertoire of more than 600 songs, and the kindness and thoughtfulness that is his constant demeanor. For his part, Cy was charmed by Carolyn’s intelligence, thoughtprovoking conversation and unstinting generosity. Ultimately, the intimacies of those conversations turned to romance and they began seeing each other exclusively in 1984. They started taking trips together – including one to Highlands, and were smitten by the town and its lifestyle. In 1985, tired of the “hustle and bustle” of Atlanta, Cy found and purchased his idyllic,

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Cy and Carolyn Timmons, 1989 photo by Susan Renfro

secluded retreat from the outside world a Scaly Mountain cabin with is evident when he cites how “healthy and happy the area is,” and the 15 acres and a stream. quiet and serenity it affords. In 1989, they were married in a small ceremony in one of the oldest Carolyn feels that, “We were fortunate to find Highlands and the churches in Madison, Georgia, the officiating minister the husband area and now call it home.” of a fellow flight attendant. They agree that their best times are simply the times they spend It wasn’t long after that Cy found a together, and their fondness for each other permanent gig at The Market Basket in comes through when they talk about their Cashiers – occasionally finding himself shared passions and gifts to each other of We were fortunate to find performing in the okra section – and the food and wine. They recognize that the Highlands … and now call couple were at last able to move full time secret to their enduring relationship has it home. to Highlands. Cy continues to perform 2 been their multiple interests, willingness nights a week, now at the Hummingbird to compromise and mutual love. Lounge at Old Edwards Inn. They concur with the literary giant In 2002, following 9/11, Carolyn retired from her job as a flight Salmon Rushdie, who has famously said, “It takes patience, attendant, returned to college for another degree and works today understanding, determination, passion, tenderness, toughas a North Carolina certified paralegal. Several years ago they did a mindedness, originality, desire, imagination, and love, second addition to their home, the only time in their long relationship above all, love.” that they cite as stressful. by Marlene Osteen They both credit the Highlands area with giving them the happiest years of their lives and relationship. Cy’s affection for life in Highlands 151 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Last to Show

First to GO! The sudden arrival of pain into your life doesn’t mean you have cancel the par ty.

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Dr. Sue Aery

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

ou’ve spent weeks preparing for a party – invitations, menus, guests – your normal life – but guess what? drinks, music. The healing isn’t completed yet. One visit to my office or one The day arrives and all your guests begin to appear. You are massage or one effort at some type of relief does not equate to allowing having a great time until, two hours later, the doorbell rings and that the full healing process to happen. last guest shows up, raring to go. The party had been going along just Allowing your body to fully heal, even after PAIN has left your fine and then everything came to a conscious awareness, is the best halt because of this interruption – way to prevent future injuries and Fully understanding the personality of Pain is all conversation stopped, the music the best way to ensure that the the key to your healing success and being the life of the didn’t seem right anymore, the food rest of the party isn’t ruined. We party and the last to leave!. was mostly gone. see Pain in my office all the time Pain can be just like that late and we are glad to help escort it arrival guest – the last to show up, out of your awareness for being even though you’ve been getting to too rowdy and interfering with that point for quite some time. Your pain threshold is your own – we your party – but, we want to get you all the way healed as much as each have a unique point at which pain appears and is debilitating as possible – so stick around even after Pain is gone. You can be the life opposed to just being a nagging nuisance you hope will leave at some of the party by being the “last to leave.” point. Fully understanding the personality of Pain is the key to your You seek help, finally. Hopefully, you try a natural solution to see healing success and being the life of the party and the last to leave! what can help, but at that point, there’s no magic healing wand to make Pain go away. by Dr. Sue Aery Or is there? The same unconscious awareness that kept Pain at bay, Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture kept it seeming like a late arrival guest, is the same awareness that, as healing begins and Pain lessens, lets Pain be the first to go. You breathe a sigh of relief that you can get back to your other

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Financial tips for the selfemployed

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eing self-employed has some benefits: You get to choose your own hours, you don’t have to count “vacation days” and you’ll never worry about getting downsized. On the other hand, you’re truly on your own – there’s no employer-sponsored retirement plan and no benefits package. So, if you’ve recently started a business or become a “gig worker,” possibly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, what can you do to get on the road to financial security? There are several steps you can take, including the following: • Establish a budget. When you’re self-employed – and especially when you’re first starting out – you need to keep tight control over where your money is going. So, establish a budget and stick to it. • Open a retirement plan. As a self-employed individual, you can choose a retirement plan, such as a SEP-IRA, a SIMPLE-IRA or an “owner-only” 401(k). When your earnings are limited, you can contribute modest amounts to any of these plans, but when your income rises, you can boost your contributions. While these retirement plans have some things in common, including tax-deferred growth of earnings, they differ in other areas, such as contribution limits, and one plan may be more suitable for you than another, depending on whether you have employees. You may want to consult with a financial advisor to determine which plan is best for your needs. • Build an emergency fund. When you work for a business or other organization, your income is predictable – but that’s usually not the case when you’re self-employed. And when your earnings are uneven, you can be vulnerable to financial stress when you face an unexpected expense. To help protect yourself from these threats, try to gradually build an emergency fund containing a few months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account.

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS • Pay down your debts. Some debts, such as loans to help your business, may be unavoidable – and even productive. But other debts, especially those that can’t be deducted from your taxes and carry a high interest rate, are far less useful, so you may want to set up a repayment plan. With your other expenses, you might not be able to whittle these debts down as fast you’d like, but, over time, your efforts can pay off. • Put money aside for taxes. Because no employer is withholding taxes from your paychecks, you will likely have to make quarterly estimated payments. Plus, you’re responsible for all your Social Security taxes, which, if you worked for someone else, would be split between you and your employer. To make sure you’ve got enough money available to pay your taxes, you might want to set up a special account – one that’s not used for any other purpose. • Get proper insurance. Depending on the nature of your work, you may or may not need some type of business insurance, but if you have a family, you should certainly consider the need for life insurance, and you may also want to consider disability insurance. Self-employment can be quite fulfilling – and you’ll find it even more rewarding when you make the right financial moves. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Mary Beth Brody

Discover more about the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau thelaurelmagazine.com

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Where Does a

500 lb. Frog Sit?

It’s a Frog Day Afternoon in Donna’s backyard, ending in a quick freezer slam.

here’s a frozen frog in my fridge. I am its murderer. I didn’t enjoy euthanizing the longleggedy beastie. It’s not my nature to freeze a thing unless it’s a turkey or salmon. I froze it because there is a statewide decree to do so, humanely, of course. Giant frogs are marching into Florida, concealing themselves in banana bunches, flying by the seat of their froggy pants on cargo planes, and frog-kicking their way through the swamps to residential neighborhoods in the dark of night. Along the way, they snack on a variety of indigenous treats, upending the ecological balance like a drunken sailor downing dodos. They even munch on power lines, causing outages. Really? Yes, really. If you ever wished Florida harm (it is America’s wang … thank you, Homer Simpson), your wish came true in the form of the Cuban Frog, a flat floppy thing, in its full glory about a size 12 chubby guy’s foot, XXX wide. I exaggerate. The larger gender, an adult female, is about 6 inches long. But when you’re trying to catch one, it’s the size of a Buick. Even though they are usually sloth-like (unless they are pouncing on an endangered species . . . like me, for example) they are coated in 156 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

a poisonous ooze, so don’t touch one, and for gosh sakes, don’t go all Homer on it and lick it. The best way to catch a Cuban Frog is to put your hand inside a turned-out plastic bag, summon your courage, pray-to-god the demon won’t jump on you, then snag that sucker. Turn the bag right side out (frog enclosed, much like the dog-poop-plastic-bagprocedure). Quickly zip the bag shut. Double-bag it, just in case, then fling it into the freezer and don’t open the door again for 24 hours . . . or days. Add the Cuban Frog to Florida’s invasive list which includes the Burmese Python, Feral Hogs, Cane Toads, Iguanas, Lionfish, African Snails, and 500 other intrusive plants, animals, and former presidents. Confound the problem with global warming, and America’s wang becomes an incubator for disaster. Wait a sec … I wonder if we could train the frogs to eat pythons, hogs, and snails? Problem solved, except for this headline: Florida Man Squashed by 500 Pound Frog.

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

CA nyon LONESOME VA LLE Y

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SB E URS V I NI C EE SS

ACCOMMODATIONS

BEAUTY

CABINETRY

CLEANING

CONSTRUCTION

HOME CARE

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B SUESRI N VE I CS ES

HOME MONITORING

HOME DECOR

LAWN AND GARDEN

PICTURE FRAMING

PRINTING

REAL ESTATE

ROOFING

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BUSI NESS

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GIVING BACK Pages 164-177

Photo by Susan Renfro

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life

changing

Jane Jerry

For Jane Jerr y, life in a small town is made even sweeter with ser vice through Rotar y.

rior to moving to Highlands in 2011 to become executive director of The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts, Jane Jerry lived and worked in Houston, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; and Dublin, Ireland. “During my interview [with The Bascom] someone asked how I would feel about living in a very small town,” said Jerry. “I had wondered about that myself. But I’d spent every summer growing up in Randolph, N.H., (year-round population of 310). I had fond memories of the smell of the pine trees and the warm embrace of all the families who lived in Randolph year ‘round. I happily moved to Highlands.” Shortly after arriving in Highlands, Jerry was inducted into

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Highlands Rotary. “I realized there was no better place to network and to meet year ‘round residents of Highlands, as well as ‘Red Badgers’ (summer members). In addition to meeting business owners, leaders of local non-profits, and retirees, I was quickly absorbed into a great variety of community events where Rotarians volunteer,” she remembered. Jerry knew about the importance of Rotary and its impact on individuals and communities because her niece was a Rotary Youth Exchange Student in Finland. “She’s quick to explain that the experience changed her life. I now find myself proselytizing to all young people to explore the opportunities Rotary offers.” Besides a focus on young people, Rotary Clubs support countless

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Far Reaching

The trio of Plateau Rotar y Clubs are committed to doing good things locally and around the globe.

community efforts, and Jerry pointed out that “nothing could make me prouder than Rotary’s support of our local Covid-19 vaccination clinics.” Highlands’ Rotary Clubs are accessible to people of all ages and stages of employment. “I’m a member of the Noontime Club, which meets at noon at the Community Center. I’ve also enjoyed attending meetings of the Mountaintop Rotary, which meets at 5:00 P.M. at the Episcopalian Church of the Carnation in Highlands.” (Both clubs have offered virtual Zoom meetings.) After more than a decade of living in a small town, Jerry reflected, “Now that I’m retired from The Bascom, I’m one of those people who rarely ‘goes off the mountain,’ … treasuring the smell of pines, and still evangelizing about Rotary!”

otary International involves 1.2 million people who participate in more than 35,000 clubs worldwide. Three of those clubs are located right here on the Plateau: Highlands Rotary, Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley, and Rotary Club of Highlands-MountainTop. All are undergirded by the same goals and mission, which is to “see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” Each year, Rotary members from all over the world converge to discover new opportunities, to network, and to broaden the clubs’ reach. However, the pandemic continues to affect events and Rotary International is not immune. The 2021 Rotary International Convention will be held virtually this year, June 12-16. At this annual convention, Rotarians are reminded that Rotary is about making a difference not only in local communities but globally in areas of fighting disease, supporting education, growing local economies, and much more. Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley shares on its website Rotary International’s President-elect Holger Knaack’s theme for 202021, Rotary Opens Opportunities, which asks Rotarians to “create opportunities that strengthen their leadership, help put service ideas into action, and improve the lives of those in need.” And all clubs, including the three on the Plateau, approach all efforts using the Rotarian 4-Way Test approach, established by a Rotarian in 1932: “Of the things we think, say or do: 1) Is it the TRUTH? 2) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 3) Is it FAIR to all concerned? 4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?” Rotarians globally and locally support one another. It is not uncommon for a Rotary member in one club to attend other clubs’ meetings. “Fellowship is an important part of Rotary life …,” wrote Zach Claxton, Highlands Rotary 2020-21 president. And the three clubs have experienced tremendous fellowship over the last few months through volunteer efforts to eradicate COVID-19 through vaccination. Expressed Michael Burel, secretary, Rotary Club of Highlands-MountainTop, in an April report, “The outpouring of support has built a spirit of volunteerism and community pride that will outlive the pandemic.” by Deena Boukinght

by Deena Boukinght photo by Susan Renfro

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Critter

Camp

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he future of animal welfare really doesn’t have much to do with animals. That may sound strange, but it’s true. The future of animal welfare actually has everything to do with children. If we teach children kindness towards animals, compassion for their survival, and a respect for the habitat that we share…then it is not much of a stretch to believe that these kids will grow up to respect others who are different from themselves, who will be kind to each other, and who will work together to make our beautiful Plateau a safe, friendly and welcoming home for all creatures great and small. That’s the core mission of the CHHS Critter Camp that we introduced in 2019. Critter Camp features fun and interactive experiences with animals at our no-kill shelter; humane education programs including canine body language, dog bite prevention, and responsible pet ownership; dog training demonstrations; plus exciting guest presentations by animal welfare experts, wildlife biologists, and law enforcement K9 officers. The camp experience concludes each week with a Friday afternoon “Graduation Hike” with CHHS shelter dogs. Critter Camp is Monday-Friday 9:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. and is tentatively scheduled for three weeks: June 21-25, July 12-16, and July 26-30. Please note: this schedule may have

changed by publication time, so please call us at (828) 7435752 to confirm dates. Each week of Critter Camp is $250 per child and is open to rising second-graders through rising fifth-graders. There will be a maximum of 12 children in each camp. A limited number of scholarships are also available. For more information or to schedule a reservation for your child or grandchild to experience what one Critter Camper said was “the best week of my life,” please call the shelter or email jodi@chhumanesociety.org. Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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. Visit us online at chhumanesociety.org or call CHHS at (828) 743-5752. Tax-deductible donations to support our lifesaving work can be mailed to: CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717. by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

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A Sure Sign A new set of signs highlights the natural wonders at the Peggy Crosby Center.

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here’s no mistaking the mood in the Peggy Crosby to enjoy and learn about the gardens on a more intimate level. Center gardens these days. With continued support The colorful new signs not only identify the intention of the from The Laurel Garden Club and a generous grant gardens, but also offer educational opportunities through the from the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, the grounds are interpretive components of their design. There’s even a QR now adorned with beautiful new signage to accompany the code that leads visitors to the Peggy Crosby website to learn lovely Peggy Pollinator Gardens. more about the gardens and the organization. Plans were already in Stroll by Peggy’s Garden motion to create educational and soak up the sights, Stroll by Peggy’s Garden and soak up the sights, signage in the garden before fragrances, and buzzing fragrances, and buzzing pollinators doing their the pandemic, but with pollinators doing their fertilizing fly-bys. assistance of the Chamber’s fertilizing fly-bys. Perhaps “Waking the Mountains” you’ll follow suit and start grant last year, the Center a small pollinator garden was able to take the message of environmental stewardship to in your own yard. And don’t forget to support all the businesses another level. and charities Peggy houses (in addition to bees, butterflies, and The two new garden signs are made of high quality aluminum hummingbirds). panels with stunning ecological graphic designs to convey the For more garden info contact Canty Worley: cantyworley@ importance of pollinator habitats. icloud.com. Taking walks became a favorite pastime for many people by Canty Worley during the pandemic. With Peggy’s prominent position on The Highlands Plateau Greenway, there was an opportunity to enhance the possibilities for passersby (both locals and visitors)

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Spring is

Spring-ing Ever yone – horses, people, the landscape, even baby birds – are reveling in the generosity of the season.

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f April showers are any indication of May flowers, we our days. You can only imagine the magnitude of hair we ought to have a banner crop this year! can curry and brush off daily. We don’t waste it, instead The Bradford Pears, first to bring us a show, have it all goes outside for the birds to use it while they build bloomed a little early. They are magnificent as I prepare their nests. Most will make a very fluffy, horsehair center this article. for their eggs and babies to sit upon. I have an amazing At the same time the collection of centerflowers are popping, horsehair nests. I can At the same time the flowers are popping, the new the new leaves on the tell which horses’ hair leaves on the trees are showing us incredible hues of trees are showing contributed to the endless shades of green. us incredible hues comfort of the baby of endless shades of birds. green all the way up the Our other Spring mountainsides. activity is getting the And for those of us who rely on the native Highlanders’ horses exercised for summer activities. They all get the wisdom that May 15 is the date to plant our vegetable winter off and slowly we work them back into shape. This gardens – the last freeze is behind us, so we heed the is one of my favorite times of the year. instructions and begin planting on the 15th. I’m not If you’d like to help with any of our activities please saying that it isn’t difficult to see all the plants and flowers email, blair.carpediem@gmail.com and volunteer. down the mountain and desperately want to fill the beds by Sue Blair, Carpe Diem Farms and pots with color, but time and experience has taught us to be patient. Nature provides the same for the horses. They begin to shed their winter coats as warmth and more sunshine fill

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Kristy Fincher, DO

Ann Davis, MD

Blue Ridge Health Welcomes Doctors

fter more than eight months of searching for “just the right fit,” The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation and Blue Ridge Health have announced the recruitment of two new physicians to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau - Ann Davis, MD; and Kristy Fincher, DO. Dr. Davis and Dr. Fincher will begin seeing patients in late June at the new Blue Ridge Health – Highlands Cashiers location on the campus of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in the Jane Woodruff Clinic. Dr. Davis is a graduate of Duke University, and the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. She completed her residency at Hinsdale Family Medicine Residency in Hinsdale, Illinois in November 2011. As a Board-Certified Family Medicine physician, Dr. Davis brings 10 years’ experience in outpatient family medicine, comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages, and chronic disease management. She’s held several teaching preceptor positions including an adjunct professorship at Midwestern University. Most recently she practiced family medicine at Novant Health in High Point, North Carolina, as Chair of City Family Medicine. Dr. Davis’ broad experience in several practice settings provides the basis for her passion to care for the “biopsychosocial entirety of a patient.” “I’m committed to partnering with patients to help them live their healthiest life,” she says. Dr. Davis also has interests in medical teaching, population health, and advocating for equitable healthcare access for all people. 172 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Dr. Fincher is a graduate of Erskine College, and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She completed her residency at AnMed Health Family Medicine Residency Program in Anderson, South Carolina. Dr. Fincher comes to us with extensive experience in Family Medicine with proficiencies in women’s health, lifestyle and nutritional medicine, sports medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatments. Dr. Fincher’s passion for treating “everyone in the family at one location” set her apart during the search for a physician for Blue Ridge Health – Highlands Cashiers. “I’m excited to join this tight knit community and use my skills to treat everything from a sprained ankle to a mother-to-be,” she says. “The combined interests and skills of both Dr. Davis and Dr. Fincher are what make them a great fit for our community,” said Dr. Richard Ellin, Foundation Board member and leader in the physician recruitment process. “They both enjoy serving patients of all ages and backgrounds and Dr. Davis’ love for teaching aligns with the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) Rural Teaching Program associated with UNC Health Sciences, planned for this health center.” “We’re fortunate that these delightful Drs. have chosen to relocate to our Highlands-Cashiers plateau area and look forward to warmly welcoming them to our friendly mountain communities,” said Foundation Chair Dr. Walter Clark.

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Team Swish Back Row, L to R: coach Lee Scruggs, Nate Brafford, Carl Thorpe, Coach Ryan Gearhart; Front Row, L to R: Ricardas Butkus, Reid Carrier, Theo Antinori, Alex Taylor, John Tastinger II, N’ fari Benjamin

Team Swish carries the prospect of basketball glor y far beyond the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

igh school sports have always played an important role in our community, none more so than basketball because, as we all know, much of our blood has a tinge of Carolina or Duke Blue running alongside the NC State Red. Many of our players have the skills to continue to higher levels of the sport but not often the chance, since our conference is small and opportunities limited. That’s all changing with a travel basketball team, Team Swish, which gives players in Western North Carolina a chance to compete at the highest level of travel basketball, playing with the best of the best, all while focusing on community service and giving back. Team members sharpen their skills and grow as citizens. Local resident Mike Carrier, whose son Reid plays on the team, says the mentoring aspect of the program is as important as the athletic coaching. Highlands Fire Chief Ryan Gearhart, recently joined as an assistant coach. Team Swish was started three years ago by Coach Lee Scruggs, a Franklin native, who played for Georgetown University and professionally overseas. Coach Scruggs started the team to give players in WNC the ability

to compete at the highest level of travel basketball in a way that mentors them about athletics, school and life. Good players need to be good citizens. It’s all about giving back and Coach Scruggs and Chief Gearhart embody that and encourage the same of their players. Team Swish has been featured on various social media platforms as well as on ABC-WLOS and were applauded not only for the quality players they are developing, but also for the way they mentor the players. Last season they played in some of the top tournaments in the Southeast and against some of the top competition. They are looking forward to building on their success this year. Team Swish is a 501(c)(3) organization, so donations are tax deductible and very much appreciated to help fund expenses, including tournaments, uniforms, hotels, etc., which come to approximately $20,000 for the season, all while charging no team fees for players. Shortfalls are often partially covered out of pocket by Coach Scruggs. We can all change that by contributing today. For more information call (407) 421-9109. by Mary Jane McCall

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Hope for

the Hemlocks Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust has been working to be at the forefront of hemlock preservation efforts in hopes of keeping hemlocks a part of our landscape. Thanks to some generous funders, HCLT has successfully protected several living hemlock stands, including the current world record eastern hemlock known as “The Cheoah” (pictured right) and some of the last old growth hemlocks left.

Hope for Hemlocks, par t of the 2021 Village Nature Series program is set for 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 25.

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he Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is one of the few remaining areas with intact old growth hemlock forest. The Southern Appalachians are home to two species of hemlocks, the Eastern or Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and the Carolina Hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana). The Carolina Hemlock is extremely rare, found only in the Southern Appalachians, primarily in Western North Carolina. The Eastern Hemlock is found up and down the east coast; they are giants in the forest, nicknamed the “redwood of the east” and they can live for over 500 years. Each of these trees provides something important to our landscape. The smaller Carolina Hemlock is a rare species and important for its contribution to global biodiversity while the eastern hemlock, which can reach over 170 feet, provides shade and cooler temps and ideal habitat for life on land and in neighboring waterways. Many animal species rely on the hemlocks for survival, including some that occur nowhere else on the planet. Indeed, hemlocks are an important part of our ecosystem. Unfortunately, hemlocks have fallen prey to the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), a tiny invasive insect killing millions of hemlock trees and threatening water quality, wildlife habitat, and forest health in our region. These white, “puff balls” attach to hemlock trees at the base of the needles and

feed on the starch reserves in the branches. This interferes with the tree’s ability to take up water and nutrients so that the tree slowly dies from the bottom up. HWA was first reported in North Carolina in 1995 and has already taken a harsh toll on our local hemlocks. On Tuesday, May 25, at 5:00 P.M., the Hemlock Restoration Initiative (HRI) will present virtually via Zoom Hope for Hemlocks as part of the 2021 Village Nature Series program. The presentation will include information about what everyday folks can do to get involved in hemlock conservation. The Village Nature Series is co-hosted by Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and The Village Green and is free to attend, everyone is welcome! To receive your Zoom link for this event, please email director@cashiersgreen.com. To learn about the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust and its mission to save valuable natural resources for all generations, visit hicashlt.org and to learn about The Village Green and their 13.2 acre sanctuary in the heart of Cashiers visit villagegreencashiersnc.com. by Julie Schott, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

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Vaccine Clinic’s 3 Wizards

hree men with vision have given Google technology, and the email their all to make the H-CPC platform for contacting registrants Vaccine Initiative work. The with appointment invitations. The well run shot clinics are the end process went from an early version result of a process that started with with the Wizards doing it all after true wizards creating systems and registration to a process with more processes that make everything work. involvement from the call center, data Tom Neal is THE WIZARD, but entry and schedulers. not hidden behind any curtain. Front Jerry Moore was the PROCESS and center in all phases of the process, WIZARD who helped to developed willing to work nights and weekends, policy, training manuals and manage L to R: Tom Neal, Mike Murphy and Jerry Moore adjusting the way we do things as we all the data coming fast and furious discover a better way. But in reality, after the call center opened. For the very first run was a home run. The clinics were a primer on months he was of the two back office wizards managing the mountain how organization and thoughtful design can make things work of data and helping us all to develop processes that would make our beautifully. He is as dedicated as a person can be to getting as many work run even more smoothly. Working late into the night became people vaccinated as possible and willing to go hundreds of extra his norm. miles to make it happen. The amazing volunteers who gave their time and talent certainly Mike Murphy is the DATA WIZARD who set up all the made the initiative work, but without the leadership and vision of these spreadsheets, tracking systems, data collection systems using three men, there would not have been a vaccine program on the Plateau.

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Thank You to the Three Robins

orking on the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, helped before the vaccine Plateau Vaccine Initiative has been initiative with hand sanitizers for businesses a life-changing adventure. But and helped to found the vaccine initiative. She one added benefit was many new friendships gathered together the Wizards and the rest is among those who volunteered together history. She led the team, working with partners, working hard to get people vaccinated. marketing, staffing the clinics and kept the A funny thing happened. Three women volunteers at the call center and clinics fed. named Robin, who did not know each other Robin Austin called Tom Neal when she heard before, rose to the top of the organization of about the initiative and asked how she could help the initiative and are forever bonded by that L to R: Robin Tindall, Robin Neal, and Robin Austin on Friday. He needed a call center. It opened the work to save lives. next Monday with three volunteers and soon Confusion reigned with daily decisions was staffed with up to 15 a day handling calls about which Robin to call. and data entry. She started a social media campaign to encourage Robin Neal spent the entire day, (and some evenings) every day vaccination, registrations, and recruit volunteers. tied to her computer doing registrations, leading the data entry team The rest is history. The Plateau Initiative had the ability to get it and later the scheduling team. Married to Tom Neal, she was and is done, seamlessly run big vaccination events and vaccinated thousands the first and most dedicated volunteer. She registered thousands and of people from the plateau and beyond. Tom Neal was at the top and taught many to register a thousand more. a brilliant leader... but his three dedicated Robins helped greatly to Robin Tindall, the Executive Director of the Highlands Cashiers make the work go well.

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Come Up. Slow Down.

he mountainous Black Bear Lodge’s logo etched in stone has personal meaning to Billie and Carol Anne Hanks, the owners of the lodge. Their favorite bear Boo Boo was a muchloved visitor to their home for many months before he was killed by a hunter. He then became the symbol for their boutique, eightsuite lodge. The lodge itself was an anniversary gift from Billie to Carol Anne. A much larger bear arrived for their outdoor celebration when the lodge was officially opened six years ago, 178 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

as if to gift his blessings to the opening. Hundreds of families have enjoyed the private porches, attractive living rooms with efficiency kitchens, and spacious bedrooms in each comfortable suite. Four of the suites are pet friendly at no extra charge, so this has become a popular feature, along with the Swiss style interiors in these four units. The Hanks’ desire was for these suites to have a luxurious feel while still being homey. From Frette linens and lavish bathrobes to Molten Brown toiletries, no comfort is

left unattended. Scores of international Christian pastors have stayed at the lodge while attending discipleship training at the nearby Mountain Doxology Conference Center. In addition, the area’s walking trails, waterfalls, and Burlingame’s beautiful golf course are enjoyed by Black Bear Lodge’s guests. Many families take advantage of the special weekly and monthly long-term rates designed for guests who desire extended stays to enjoy the cool temperatures and scenery.

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Keep Our Mountains

Clean & Green

A concer ted cleanup effor t by the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce and its Highlands sister, and concerned citizens like David Young and his crew, has resulted in international recognition.

Billie Hanks is a native of Central Texas and Carol Anne Hanks is a native South Carolinian, and they maintain homes in both Texas and the North Carolina mountains. They enjoy Sapphire and the Burlingame community along with the friendly bears that often visit the neighborhood.

oinciding with the 2021 North Carolina and Jackson County Litter Sweeps, April 10 through 24, the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce once again teamed up with the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and community volunteer David Young on an annual “deep clean” of the shoulders along US Highway 64W. Young and his hard-working crew provided the muscle to pick up trash above and below the guardrails on the scenic byway and the chambers underwrote the effort. Watch for Cashiers Area Chamber Instagram photos of the haul under the trending #trashtag identification as part of its public awareness efforts. The Plateau’s pristine natural environment is one of the area’s most valuable resources and the source of destination-appeal to residents and visitors alike. Irresponsible littering by individuals and trash flying from uncovered truck and trailer beds destroys the beauty and cleanliness of the main thoroughfare between southern Jackson to Macon Counties. The Cashiers Area Chamber urges everyone to do their part in stemming litter on local highways and back roads with the County’s public awareness campaign to “Keep Our Mountains Clean & Green!” The distinctive NCDOT orange plastic trash bags, safety vests, gloves and grabbers are available to other litter pickup groups interested in helping with clean up. Visit the Cashiers Area Chamber at 202 US Highway 64 West, just west of the Crossroads anytime for free or loaned supplies. The popular #trashtag campaign was started in Western North Carolina in 2015 by Steven Heinhold of Sylva. Inspired by his own love of the mountains, he pitched the idea to outdoor equipment retailer UCO Gear, which then launched a movement on social media. In 2019, a marketing educator from Arizona issued a Facebook challenge encouraging users to post photos of trash pickup up and other environmental maintenance. “Since then #trashtag and #trashtagchallenge have blown up on social media and earned notice from major outlets including Forbes, The Washington Post, British Broadcasting Company and even The India Express, half a world away,” according to Smoky Mountain News of Waynesville. by Stephanie Edwards, Executive Director, Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce

by Luke Osteen

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More closed transactions than any other office on the Plateau in 2020

$233M

357

Number of closed transactions by Silver Creek in 2020

$53M

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Silver Creek’s total sales volume in 2020

Silver Creek's sales volume so far in 2021, with $47M under contract

Number of closed transactions by Silver Creek so far in 2021

STATISTICS ACCORDING TO HCBOR MLS AS OF 4/15/21.

NCLIVING.COM Ranked in the top ten real estate websites nationwide*, our website is your source for up-to-date real estate resources and information.

C A S H I E R S 8 2 8 - 74 3 - 1 9 9 9 HIGHLANDS 828-526-2999

*ACCORDING TO REALTRENDS.COM 2020 WEBSITE RANKINGS.

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JOCHEN LUCKE PRESIDENT/BROKER | 828-226-1126 | JOCHENLUCKE.NCLIVING.COM

With a bold entrepreneurial spirit and a firm belief that real estate is in his blood, Jochen Lucke has spent over two decades building his reputation as a skilled realtor, broker, contractor and developer — first in Southeast Florida and now on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. He attributes much of his success to his tenacity and has negotiated and closed many deals that others might have walked away from. Jochen truly enjoys real estate and development and finds great rewards in the accomplishment of finding the perfect home for his clients.

DAN ALLEN BROKER | 828-508-2107 | DANALLEN.NCLIVING.COM

A member of the Silver Creek team since its beginnings, Dan has built a solid reputation as a skilled real estate professional and a consistent top producer. His dedication, knowledge of the area and market trends, and his strong work ethic make him the ideal broker choice for buyers and sellers alike to achieve their real estate goals. When Dan is not helping other families realize their dreams of living in NC's Blue Ridge Mountains, he spends much of his time with his own family, friends, and three rescue dogs, and can be found enjoying a relaxing day at the lake, hiking, or biking local trails, gardening, foraging, or cultivating his farm.

PARKER PARKERANDERSON ANDERSON B R O K E R | 8 2 8 -2 0 0 -2 6 9 5 | PA R K E R A N D E R S O N , N C L IVI N G .CO M

Hailing from Northwest Georgia, Parker is a third-generation realtor who is passionate about creating bonds with his clients. He spent six years focusing on and helping to grow the booming residential market in New Orleans before relocating to Cashiers. Parker is extremely steadfast in assisting and representing both buyers and sellers with any of their real estate needs throughout the HighlandsCashiers Plateau. 182 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

CHRIS DUFFY BROKER | 828-526-6763 | CHRISDUFFY.NCLIVING .COM

Many denizens and regular visitors of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau recognize Chris' voice the second they speak with him. That's not surprising, as Chris was the voice of the Plateau for a number of years as the morning show host on WHLC FM 104.5. Once you meet Chris, you'll certainly never miss him again, as his 6'9" stature literally makes him stand above the crowd. Chris quickly fell in love with the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and decided he wanted to help other people enjoy our beautiful nature and live in our truly unique and amazing community.

RICK JACKSON BROKER | 404-275-7617 | RICKJACKSON.NCLIVING.COM

The Lake Toxaway, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley areas have always been a huge draw for Rick and his family. Since the mid-90s, Rick and his family knew that one day they would like to own a second home where they could escape the heat and bustle of Atlanta. In 2008, they purchased a home on Lake Glenville, where Rick, his wife, and three children along with countless friends have enjoyed the cool summers, beautiful fall colors, and the occasional snow during the holidays. When Rick is not busy selling real estate, he can be found outdoors playing golf, boating on Lake Glenville, or enjoying a motorcycle ride.

BAMBI FAMOUS KAINE BROKER | 828-200-4040 | BAMBIKAINE.NCLIVING.COM

Destiny led Bambi and her husband Jeff to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau where they own a contemporary home in Sapphire. Having lived in Pennsylvania, Florida, and now North Carolina, Bambi understands the experience of buying and selling homes and the benefits of mountain living. So, when not fulfilling the dreams of her clients, you’ll find Bambi in her outrigger canoe or with Jeff and their two Portuguese Water Dogs (Marina and Tiago) kayaking, dock-diving, boating, fishing, hiking, or entertaining family and friends. 183 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

KEVIN KOACH BROKER | 828-556-9545 | KEVINKOACH.NCLIVING.COM

Spending time in the Highlands-Cashiers area since he was a young boy led to a genuine appreciation for the miles of hiking trails, gentle lakes, and towering waterfalls, all of which add to the allure of the Plateau landscape. After marrying his wife Lindsey in June of 2019, they moved permanently to the Highlands-Cashiers area. Once settled in their new home, Kevin obtained his North Carolina real estate license with the goal of sharing his love of Plateau-style living.

KIRSTEN KOHL B R O K E R | 8 2 8 - 5 47- 0 70 0 | K I R S T E N KO H L . N C L I V I N G .C O M

Kirsten Kohl was born in Paris, France, to a Danish mother and an American father. Marriage to Dr. Abraham Kohl brought Kirsten to South Florida where they raised their three sons. Her interests included watching her boys play ice hockey, riding horses, playing tennis, and art. Kirsten owned The Basketeer gift shop in downtown Ft. Lauderdale and served on the board of local charities, such as The Junior Welfare and The Charity Guild. In 2011, Abe and Kirsten bought a home in Sapphire, NC. She shares her love of people and her love of Western North Carolina by helping others achieve their dreams of a home in the mountains.

EDDY EDDYMcDONALD McDONALD BROKER | 828-421-8196 | EDDYMCDONALD,NCLIVING.COM

Eddy McDonald's lifelong passion and talent for golf led him to a career as a PGA professional. After relocating from Destin, Florida for a position at Highlands Falls Country Club in 1995, Eddy fell in love with the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and knew he'd found home. Eddy's knowledge of the area and passion for building relationships with his buyers and sellers have been major factors in his success. He believes in going above and beyond to assist his real estate clients, providing them with a superior level of service and the resources to make informed decisions. 184 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

CASSIE NEAL BROKER | 828-226-0383 | CASSIENEAL .NCLIVING.COM

Born and raised in a military family, Cassie Neal has lived in many beautiful places over the years — from Florida to Alaska — but Western North Carolina is her favorite place to be. Cassie has been part of the local real estate business for over 20 years, starting her career at Village Realty in 2000. She has extensive knowledge of marketing, technology, and the greater Sapphire and Cashiers market and has earned a reputation among agents as someone who is hardworking and extremely competent. Her sense of responsibility to her clients and attention to detail make her an asset to anyone looking to buy or sell property in the area.

LINDA PRIDGEN BROKER | 828-507-3206 | LINDAPRIDGEN.NCLIVING.COM

After graduating from college and spending 15 years as a schoolteacher, she decided to live on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau full time. Linda managed The Chattooga Club for two decades and was also the onsite real estate broker, focusing on The Chattooga Club and Wade Hampton Golf Club. Her extensive knowledge of luxury properties in both of these communities, as well as High Hampton, make her a natural fit for Silver Creek Real Estate Group.

CHUCK SELF BROKER | 828-734-7302 | CHUCKSELF.NCLIVING.COM

In search of mild temperatures and a place to unwind, Chuck made his first visit to the Cashiers-Highlands area more than 20 years ago on a summer getaway with his wife, Ann, and their two small children. During that short visit, Chuck knew that Western North Carolina was where he wanted to be. Prior to selling real estate, Chuck enjoyed a successful sales career in the television and entertainment industry, working most recently as Vice President of Sales for both Raycom Sports in Charlotte and Warner Brothers Television in Atlanta. 185 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

MERRY SOELLNER BROKER | 828-399-1580 | MERRYSOELLNER.NCLIVING.COM

A broker since 2007, Merry serves the entire Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and has consistently been among the top sales leaders in the area since 2015. She is well-known for her honesty, integrity, and dependability. She brings a profound enthusiasm for listening to clients' needs and for achieving their goals. She places a high value on ensuring that she exceeds the expectations of her buyers and sellers during their experience with Silver Creek Real Estate Group.

RAY TRINE BROKER | 828-506-8520 | RAYTRINE .NCLIVING .COM

After graduating with an accounting degree from the University of North Florida in 1971, Ray's real estate career was launched immediately. Initially employed by Florida National Bank’s holding company, he later became CFO of American Federal Savings and Loan, financing homes and commercial properties and working on building and development projects. Ray is now a seasoned professional who brings enthusiasm, vision and over 45 years of experience to the team at Silver Creek Real Estate Group.

ROB WHITNEY BROKER | 828-399-1196 | ROBWHITNEY.NCLIVING .COM

While on vacation at Lake Glenville, Rob met who would become his future wife, Susanne Moore. Susanne has been a general contractor since she moved to the area in 1997, where her mother had been a real estate broker for some time. Rob knew he wanted to be a part of the family business in some manner and earned his real estate license in 2005. Since then, Rob has become a skilled expert in the area's real estate market. Rob enjoys working with both buyers and sellers, helping them achieve their real estate goals by empowering them with the necessary guidance and support. 186 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

S T ON E F LY offered offered at $6,500,000 at $6,500,000

CASHIERS

Just minutes from the shopping and fine dining of downtown Cashiers, Blue Bear Camp is the ultimate Adirondack-style mountain lodge. This prime property borders the Nantahala National Forest, ensuring privacy and abundant wildlife. Another world awaits in the dreamlike setting amid the wild Chattooga River, flowering landscaping, sparkling waterfall, and lush forest, all against the stunning backdrop of Whiteside Mountain and Devil's Courthouse. MLS# 91521.

LAKE GLENVILLE offered at $3,995,000

CULLOWHEE

Located in the gated community of Glenshore, this private custom lakefront lodge sits on 3.73+/-acres. With a rare lake frontage of 480+/-feet, the lodge sits on the highest lake in elevation east of the Mississippi River, at 3,500 feet. Upon entering the home, the grand entrance of the main living room features cathedral wood ceilings and milled heart pine flooring. The floor-to-ceiling windows display abundant natural light and splendid Lake Glenville views. Other custom touches include milled local hemlock wood on the walls and pine log beams, some of which were sourced directly from the property. MLS# 95358.

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FALCON RIDGE offered offered at $3,400,000 at $3,400,000

SAPPHIRE

Perched above 4,550 feet in elevation in the quiet and picturesque enclave of Falcon Ridge, Ghostwood Bear Manor offers panoramic long-range views of South Carolina lakes, Whiteside Mountain, and multiple mountain ranges that must be seen to be believed. A gated entrance and impeccable landscaping with two dramatic water features, one of which starts in the center island and cascades to the lower level, provide a stunning first impression of this architectural masterpiece. Ghostwood siding, copper and cedar shake roofing, and custom mahogany garage doors add to the abundant curb appeal. MLS# 93884.

SALT ROCK ROAD $1,850,000 Escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the freedom to roam on this idyllic setting on over 44 acres, including fields of wildflowers, an apple orchard, pristine Little Pine Creek, and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located minutes from Lake Glenville, this enchanting estate property nestled in the scenic Salt Rock farming community includes a modern-antique log cabin, a charming guest cottage, a barn, a garden shed, and its very own tranquil pond. The guest cottage affords privacy and includes a full bathroom, kitchenette, laundry, bedroom, and its own porch that overlooks a serene garden area. Once you pass through the private, stone gated entry through the lower meadow, a barn, and enchanting pond await your arrival. MLS# 95844.

119 + ACRES

HIGHWAY 107 NORTH $1,735,000 Located on 119.34 +/- acres with short and long-range mountain views, this custom home offers easy access throughout the seasons. There is a smooth flow from the kitchen to the dining to the living room, which offers vaulted tongue-and-groove ceilings, a large stacked stone wood-burning fireplace, as well as a wood-burning stove to stay cozy on snowy days. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, two copper sinks, and a pot filler. MLS# 95370. 23.14 acres and home can be purchased for $1,100,000 (MLS# 95279).

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NEWLY LISTED

L AKE TOX AWAY $1,698,000 Perched high in the heavens on Meadow Ridge, this custom home built by Timberlake Custom Homes boasts thrilling panoramic views of Lake Toxaway, Lake Cardinal and the mountains beyond. The expansive lot encompasses over seven acres, ensuring privacy for its new owner. Three of the four bedrooms display the awe-inspiring views, and six bathrooms ensure guests' comfort. On the lower level, guests can hang out at the bar or at the ping pong table before stepping onto the covered deck to admire Lake Toxaway glimmering in the distance. MLS# 96164.

UNDER CONTRACT

ADMIR AL S POINT $1,650,000 This fantastic lakefront home is located on the east side but facing south on Lake Glenville, so you don't get an afternoon glare off the water. With a long southern view of the lake, the property sits on its own private cove with wooded buffers on either side. A short path takes you to a rock-walled lakefront area with a private dock. The home has large open decks, a screened porch, and a glassed porch facing the water. The primary bedroom and office are on the main floor, while two bedrooms and a second living area are downstairs. MLS# 94586.

BIG RIDGE Price Upon Request Created by acclaimed architectural designer Tim Greene, this beautiful home offers breathtaking views of the Great Balsam Mountains with layers that seem to go on forever. The spacious layout is perfect for hosting friends and family, with the master suite on the main level and three guest suites upstairs. The gourmet kitchen features custom cabinetry, an eat-in area, ample countertops for serving, and premium appliances including a six-burner gas range, dual wall ovens and a warming drawer. MLS# 93523.

THE CHAT TOOGA CLUB $1,300,000 On the market for the first time, this cozy three-bedroom, three-bath Tudor-style Club Cottage is full of storybook charm sitting on two lots to ensure privacy. Thoughtfully designed by Mark Paullin, features include poplar bark siding, wood interior walls and ceilings, and fine finishes throughout. Enjoy the crisp air and beautiful scenery on the screened living porch with its own fireplace and room for dining. Conveniently located just steps away from all Chattooga Club amenities and minutes from downtown Cashiers, this carefree bungalow is the perfect getaway or guest house. MLS# 95267.

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SAPPHIRE HIGH $1,175,000 Retreat from the world to an elegant Sapphire High home with year-round views of the brilliant Blue Ridge Mountains. Secluded and private, the focus on detail is evident with its open floor plan and only the highest quality furnishings and custom finishes. Created with a rustic Italian influence, the decor features contrasting elements, such as Mediterranean textiles against natural rough surfaces, to create a dramatic design impact. The heart pine wood flooring, trim, and crown molding throughout the home exhibits a high level of fine artistry. Experience gracious living from the stained-glass front door to the expansive 100 feet of decking with a screened-in porch that frames the panoramic mountain views. MLS# 93732.

WHITESIDE FOREST $990,000 Welcome to Shadow's Creek Lodge! Located only about 10 minutes from the Cashiers Crossroads, this custom hand-hewn log cabin fulfills every mountaineer's dream. Built above a rapid stream and overlooking a stunning ridge near Whiteside Mountain, this three-level roomy rustic home hosts three bedrooms, two bonus rooms, a rec room, a library, loft, and four full baths. Just a few steps from the front door, there are multiple stream access points, each with a unique view of various waterfalls, pools, and huge boulders along Fowler Creek. Relax around the fire pit area while listening to the rushing stream. MLS# 95534.

NEWLY LISTED

BALD ROCK $1,775,000 Sitting on over two acres in the premier gated community of The Divide at Bald Rock, this grand getaway has its own gated entrance leading to the home, far away from noisy highways. Massive log beams frame the incredible mountain views as the custom built-ins highlight the stone fireplace, which is the centerpiece of the open living area. The spacious home offers formal and casual dining spaces, a chef's kitchen with a Viking stove, and a covered deck with a stone fireplace. The primary suite is one of three bedrooms and sits on the main level, offering its own porch and fireplace.

NEWLY LISTED

CULLOWHEE RIVER CLUB $949,000 Perched above the Tuckasegee River with mountain views, "River View Cabin" radiates the vibe of outdoor living. Nestled in the Cullowhee River Club, experience the tranquility of the rushing waters from the covered Trek deck or the walk-out lower-level equipped with a gas line for a fire pit/grill and wiring for a hot tub. This maintenance-free home exudes elegance, comfort, and craftsmanship. Natural slab stone adorns the entry and perimeter and is complemented by terraced stone landscaping. MLS# 96038.

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L AKE TOX AWAY ESTATES $860,000 This beautiful timber frame construction offers golf course living at its finest within the confines of the prestigious gates of Lake Toxaway Estates. The large deck, both covered and uncovered, overlooks the fifth green and the mountain range. MLS# 96099.

UNDER CONTRACT COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES $320,000 This is a rare opportunity to purchase a short sale property, which is priced well below tax value! Situated on a level lot, this unique home with golf course frontage has an attached two-car garage. Its exceptional location in the gated Country Club Estates area is near the end of a cul-de-sac free from road noise. MLS# 90988.

UNDER CONTRACT HOLLY FOREST $250,000 This endearing log cabin in the highly desirable Holly Forest neighborhood would make a perfect starter home, weekend getaway or rental property. Easy year-round access, level yard, open great room with bay window, wood-burning stone fireplace, carport, covered back deck, rocking chair front porch and one-level living. MLS# 95770.

UNDER CONTRACT CULLOWHEE $249,000 Hard to find, charming mountain cabin on unrestricted 2.267+/acres. The cabin offers all on one level living, 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath. Nice open space from the living room to kitchen and a spacious front covered porch. Home has had recent improvements and some vacation rental history as well. MLS# 96032.

FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP MOUNTAIN CLUB $66,000 Tremendous value on a deeded 1/6th ownership (8 weeks) in the premier fractional home community in the Cashiers-Highlands area. Enjoy having everything taken care of for you in this 3 BR, 3.5 BA home with plenty of decking to enjoy the outdoors. If you're looking for a beautiful mountain home without the headaches of home ownership, this is a deal you don't want to pass up! MLS# 95605.

LOT LOT S S && L AND L AND A DM I R A L’ S P OI N T Looking to build a home with views of Lake Glenville? Take a look at this lot on the east side of the lake with easy access to Cashiers. Enjoy the views of the lake and the mountains beyond, along with cool summer breezes. Buy now and build or hold onto the lot for future home. Don't miss this opportunity for a lake view lot. MLS# 94746. $95,000.

BE A R L A K E

Sitting in the middle of this beautiful mountain lake, Bear Lake Heaven Island is truly a unique opportunity. Bear Lake is a pristine lake at 2,600 feet elevation located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. With 22 miles of shoreline, much of which is National Forest, Bear Lake is perfect for enjoying all the water sports or simply a slow evening cruise. No need to hop in a boat to reach this island, because there's a causeway for easy access to your property. The island has underground power, a 12 GPM well, an installed 12 bedroom septic system, high-speed internet, 2 large docks, and 1,500 feet of shoreline. Unlike most property on the lake, which requires a building set-back, your property line ends at the water's edge. Spectacular lake and mountain views in every direction. Three-fourths of the island has been cleared and leveled; a trail, wide enough for a vehicle, circles the perimeter of the island. The entire lake frontage has been fortified with a rock wall to prevent any erosion. The property could be subdivided, making it a great site for a lodge, or it could be the most private of estate sites. Having a helicopter is no problem with the easy approach and a great landing site. MLS# 94384. $2,950,000. NEWLY PRICED Panoramic 180 degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and long range views of Bear Lake with clearing, on this end of a cul-de-sac homesite in Bear Lake Reserve. Bear Lake Reserve is a private and gated mountain lake, luxury resort getaway in Western North Carolina. Enjoy the rustic beauty of the

mountains and countless amenities offered including: golf, tennis, hiking and trails, outdoor pavilions, a lake club and more. The resort adjoins Panthertown Valley, also known as “The Yosemite of the East". Conveniently located to the neighboring towns of Cashiers, Highlands, Sylva and Franklin you can escape to a desirable location offering a moderate climate, outdoor adventure, or just peace and respite from the fast pace. Incredible opportunity to build your custom dream home with impressive mountain vistas. MLS# 95383. $149,900.

BIG R I DGE

11.23 acres of beautiful rolling pasture land with exceptional mountain views and all situated above 4,000 ft. elevation! Equestrian lover's will delight at the thought of riding in this heavenly setting, but anyone who wants to enjoy long range mountain views in a peaceful and serene setting will appreciate this land. The perfect building knoll sits just a tad higher than the rest of the acreage providing great sight lines in all directions. Lot faces west for remarkable sunset views! Located in the Big Ridge area, approximately 10 miles from town, it's far enough out to be private yet close enough to go to town to go to the grocery store or enjoy one of the many fine shoppes or restaurants in the area. Cashiers offers many free local events to enjoy as well such as Groovin' on the Green concerts every Friday night in the summertime. Call to schedule a showing of this property! MLS# 90175. $399,000.

T H E B OU L DE R S NEWLY LISTED Nice lot with short range mountain views. MLS# 95258. $29,500.

BR I DGE CR E E K UNDER CONTRACT Beautiful lot in gated community. Long layered mountain views all the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Community has paved roads, impressive covered bridge entry, large community pond and chimney garden. Close to Cashiers and Highlands. Near Lake Glenville and all the water activities. MLS# 90944. $40,000.

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0.50 acre lot at 3,900 feet elevation with tucked away views of Lake Glenville. Located in the low density neighborhood of Bridge Creek, just a short scenic drive to Cashiers and 25 minutes to Highlands. Cross over the charming covered bridge spanning the trout waters of Norton Creek to enter the quaint community of Bridge Creek which offers a community pond, picnic area, outdoor chimney garden and hiking trails. MLS# 91223. $19,900. UNDER CONTRACT Affordable lot in a gated community convenient to both Cashiers and Highlands. Paved roads, beautiful covered bridge entrance, large pond and chimney garden. MLS# 90943. $20,000.

BU R L I N G A M E Desirable, nearly level lot located within the grounds of Burlingame Country Club. This lot can be accessed from either the quiet Lakeshore Drive on one side or the easily accessible Upper Whitewater Road on the other. Your future mountain home built on this lot is centrally located just a short drive by golf cart or vehicle to the Burlingame Country Club, children playground, Horsepasture River, leash-free dog park and more. Views of Lake Soquilla can be seen from the Lakeshore Drive side of the lot which could be further enhanced with permission from the HOA and your neighbors across the street. Membership to the Burlingame Country Club is optional, but is required to use certain amenities. MLS# 94073. $29,000.

C A SC A DE S AT CE DA R CR E E K UNDER CONTRACT Extremely gentle and easy lot to build on in a beautiful community close to Lake Glenville. Lot has winter mountain views from the back side of the lot. This home site is a stone's throw from the private community clubhouse, Cedar Creek stream, playground and covered pavilion. The clubhouse is open to owners to use anytime, all year long, and is a nice gathering spot with a nice living area, full kitchen, pool table room, restroom facilities and a beautiful outdoor patio with grill and tables for dining outdoors with friends and family. Only about a 10 minute drive to Cashiers to do shopping, dine or enjoy shopping in many of our fine unique shoppes. Expired 3 bedroom septic permit on file. MLS# 94682. $29,000. Great lot with over an acre of land to build your vacation home! Pond frontage and overlooks the community clubhouse, park, playground and rushing Cedar Creek. The private clubhouse features a full kitchen, living area, pool table, fitness center, shower facilities and a beautiful outdoor grilling area with patio for entertaining. Short range mountain views may be possible with tree trimming. MLS# 88242. $18,000.

CE DA R H I L L NEWLY LISTED Enjoy the beautiful mountain sunsets from Parsons View. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, this lot has

exceptional mountain views. Cedar Hill is an upscale gated community offering its residents awe-inspiring views and the very best in luxury mountain living. If you're searching for the perfect lot for your future dream home convenient to the heart of Cashiers and Sapphire, Cedar Hill will not disappoint. MLS# 95137. $295,000. UNDER CONTRACT Situated high atop The Summit at Cedar Hill section on East Ridge Road, this 1.46 acre lot features an easy building site for the perfect mountain home with great views. Located just minutes to Cashiers and Sapphire, the gated community of Cedar Hill is conveniently located to so many amenities. Enjoy the casual stroll around the neighborhood or a hike along Rochester Creek to the Pavilion with stone fireplace. Great value for this home site in the upscale community of Cedar Hill. MLS# 95963. $199,000.

LOT S & L AND

UNDER CONTRACT North facing lot with big mountain views. Gated community close to both Cashiers and Highlands. Impressive covered bridge at entrance. Community pond and chimney garden. MLS# 90945. $40,000.

The Meridian at Cedar Hill is the final phase of the very popular neighborhood of Cedar Hill. These lots are at over 4,000 feet elevation with private sewer access, water, paved roads and underground power. A well maintained neighborhood with pristine roads, gated entry and lovely homes. Exceptional mountain views including Bald Rock and Lonesome Valley Canyon set this estate lot apart. MLS# 94003. $160,000. Streams, streams, streams! There are 3 streams that pass through the property and 2 that intersect at one point! Easy to walk property with trails and walking planks over the streams that go in every direction. Gentle home site with nearly flat access off the main road. Expired 4 septic permit on file and private community water available. Pretty setting with some short range mountain views possible as well. Cedar Hill is a highly desirable gated community located only minutes from the Cashiers Crossroads. Sapphire Valley Resort amenities are optional with a $500 initiation fee and annual fees of $858/yr (2021), upon membership application and approval. 2,800 square foot minimum building requirement. MLS# 95571. $160,000. The Meridian at Cedar Hill is the final phase of the very popular neighborhood of Cedar Hill. These lots are at over 4,000 feet elevation with private sewer access, water, paved roads and underground power. A well maintained neighborhood with pristine roads, gated entry and lovely homes. Exceptional mountain views including Bald Rock and Lonesome Valley Canyon set this estate lot apart. Cedar Hill is an upscale gated community offering its residents awe-inspiring views and the very best in luxury mountain living. If you're searching for the perfect lot for your future dream home, Cedar Hill will not disappoint. Convenient to the heart of Cashiers and Sapphire. MLS# 94004. $145,000. The Meridian at Cedar Hill is the final phase of the very popular neighborhood of Cedar Hill. These lots are at over 4,000 feet elevation with private sewer access, water, paved roads and underground power. A well maintained neighborhood with pristine roads, gated entry and lovely homes. Exceptional mountain views including Bald Rock and Lonesome Valley Canyon set this estate lot apart. Cedar Hill is an upscale gated community offering its residents awe-inspiring views and the very best in luxury mountain living. MLS# 94169. $140,000. Situated on a quiet street in the gated community of Cedar, located just minutes to Cashiers and Sapphire. The lot has a great view potential and is ideal for designing your dream

mountain home and enjoy the cool summer temperatures. The community features a pavilion with stone fireplace along Rochester Creek, perfect for an afternoon picnic or hike. The community is very well maintained and welcomes residents to their mountain retreat. MLS# 91330. $120,000. NEWLY LISTED Tucked away in the gorgeous gated community of Cedar Hill is this high elevation, easy build lot with beautiful mountain and ridge line views. There is an expired septic evaluation on file with Jackson County for a three bedroom home. Full Sapphire Valley amenities are available with initiation and additional annual fees. This lot is a quick five-minute drive to Cashiers and a twenty minute drive to Highlands. MLS# 96100. $85,000.

C E DA R C R E E K C L I F F S Huge views form this large lot in the Glenville area. The bottom of the lot falls away from a very level building site, making it easy to open up the view. South facing, so plenty of year-round sunshine. Convenient to Lake Glenville and Cashiers. Community water system. At nearly 4,400 feet elevation, you are guaranteed a cool summer. Compare to other easy build view lots, this lot is a great opportunity. MLS# 94470. $75,000.

C E DA R R I D G E E S TAT E S NEWLY LISTED Great views of Big Sheepcliff mountain from this elevated building site. Build your mountain dream home on this lot and start enjoying the cool summer temperatures found on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. This premium lot is priced to sell, so don't miss the opportunity to purchase this home site in the well-established Cedar Ridge Estates community. Located just minutes to Sapphire and Cashiers with all the amenities these two communities have to offer. MLS# 95542. $28,000.

C E DA R P OI N T L A N DI N G S NEWLY PRICED Extremely hard to find boat slip located on the main point of the community with close proximity to the rest room facilities. This is the only private boat dock community on Lake Glenville where you can own your own boat slip. This location also offers one of the best views of the 4th of July fireworks on Lake Glenville. MLS# 95686. $99,000.

T H E CH AT T O OG A CLU B

Gorgeous premiere 5+ acre lot inside the gates of the prestigious

and exclusive Chattooga Club. Great building site on this beautiful lot adjacent to Mac's View which will never be built on and is deeded to the homeowners association. Phenomenal views of mountain range and Whiteside Mountain - Perfect for sipping cocktails as you watch the gorgeous sunsets! MLS# 93769. $950,000. Beautiful lot on corner of Club Drive and Gorge Trail in the well-established Chattooga Club community. Beautiful waterfall on the property with lots of hardwoods and indigenous plants including Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurels. Club membership by invitation only. MLS# 91502. $695,000. One of the few lots still available in this established, exclusive and gated community. Gentle building site with view potential. Many beautiful hardwoods and indigenous plants on property including rhododendron and mountain laurels. Membership to Chattooga Club by invitation. MLS# 94549. $385,000. Pretty lot, 1.81 acres for your dream mountain home in the well-established exclusive and gated community of The Chattooga Club. Conveniently located only 2 miles from town. Many pretty hardwoods, rhododendron, mountain laurels and other indigenous trees and plants on the property. Lake Chattooga and Mac's View picnic area with outstanding views are owned by the Homeowners' Association. Membership to the Chattooga Club by invitation. MLS# 94551. $369,000. A wooded lot inside the gates of the well-established gated community of The Chattooga Club. Many beautiful hardwoods, rhododendrons and mountain laurels and other indigenous plants. Easy building site. Only 2 miles from town. Private wells included in you POA fee. A great opportunity to build your dream mountain home in this exclusive neighborhood! Club membership by invitation only. MLS# 94550. $359,000.

CHESTNUT R IDGE Fronting on Fenley Forest Trail and adjacent to Trillium, this 6+ acre parcel is the perfect spot with low HOA fees and close to Cashiers. Producing well on property. Nice building area. MLS# 95902. $55,000.

CH I NQUA PI N Located at 4000+/- feet of elevation, this 6.108+/- acres is located in the unique high elevation community. The lot has the potential for short and long range mountain views. The lot is close to hiking trails and green space. The development is in close proximity to downtown Cashiers. Chinquapin amenities include miles of hiking trails, biking and 4- wheeling, trout fishing, camping and a community clubhouse. There is also from the community, easy access to Panthertown Valley National Forest. If you are looking for even more acreage, lot 10 next door is also for sale with 3.407 +/- acres. MLS# 95866. $240,000. NEWLY LISTED Located at 4000+/- feet of elevation, this 3.407+/acres is located in the unique high elevation community. The lot has the potential for short and long range mountain views. The lot is close to hiking trails and green space. The development is in close proximity to downtown Cashiers. Chinquapin amenities include miles of hiking trails, biking and 4- wheeling, trout fishing, camping and a community clubhouse. There is also from the community, easy access to Panthertown Valley National Forest. If

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Enjoy approximately 400 feet of bold Robinson Creek frontage from this gently laying 3.46 acre lot. There's an abundance of natural flora covering the property including beautiful ferns, moss covered rocks, mountain laurel and rhododendrons. Privately located at the end of a circular cul-de-sac with an old logging road leading you right into the center of the property. Continue your journey onto just one of the many community hiking and waterfall trails that goes through the property down to the stream where the property line ends. Throw in a line and there's a good chance you will catch a native brook or rainbow trout, or both! Just across the stream you will see one of several Wilderness Cabins that are available for property owners and their guests to enjoy. Next to that Wilderness Cabin area is a large conservation property so you don't have to worry about anyone building behind this lot. There are about 13 different trails in Chinquapin, some for UTV/ATV's, hiking and mountain biking. Take off from your home in any direction and it will lead to one of the many waterfalls in the area. The Chinquapin community is truly is a nature lover's paradise! MLS# 93754. $150,000. Located on a dead-end road, Lot 107 is an easy build with gentle topography and an active 4-bedroom septic evaluation, with fantastic ridgeline views that are part of the draw of Chinquapin. This 2,000-acre, private, gated community, with 700 acres in permanent conservation, offers a variety of amenities including ATV/UTV, hiking, and mountain biking trails, fishing streams, camping sites, cabins, an activity field, disc golf course, helipad, and more. The trail at the bottom of the lot is a close hike to beautiful Twin Falls A short distance to the trailhead of iconic Panthertown Valley - a 6,311-acre back country recreation area in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest - surround yourself with beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from an elevation of 4,500 feet. MLS# 95311. $109,900. NEWLY LISTED If you want to be in a community of upscale homes and low density, a community that features acres of conservation easements, trails, ponds, stables, and more; look no further. It's a private gated 2,000 acre community with wide paved roads, underground utilities and high-speed fiber internet. Chinquapin offers a unique mountain experience. This lot sits at just shy of 4,000 feet elevation, has a gentle sloping building site and a nice mountain view. MLS# 95987. $79,900.

CROSS CR E E K PR E SE RV E NEWLY LISTED Build your dream home right next to a waterfall! Extremely unique lot with a BOLD stream and 2 waterfalls bordering approximately 480 feet along the left side of the property. This 2.68 acre lot will also have great mountain views once house site is cleared and view is trimmed in. A trail or walkway leading from the home site down to the common area can easily be added for direct access to the common area. Building will be a breeze on this nearly level building site. Underground utilities and water access already in place and there is an expired 3 bedroom septic permit on file. Cross Creek Preserve is a well-manicured community with only 24 home sites and a gated entrance where you pass through a charming covered bridge. This lot also backs up to the peaceful and serene common area where you can kayak, fish in the

trout stocked lake or enjoy a campfire in the community fire ring. Located only 5.5 miles from the heart of Cashiers in the popular Norton Road area. MLS# 95971. $199,900. Come build your dream home upon this generously sized 2.69 acre lot within the beautifully manicured Cross Creek Preserve. This wooded, gently sloping lot offers easy access and potential for long range mountain views to enjoy from your future getaway, whether it be a primary or secondary residence. Cross Creek Preserve offers beautiful landscaped communal spaces, gated secure entrance and a quaint covered bridge that gives you a warm welcome into the community. LS# 95183. $175,000.

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you are looking for even more acreage, lot 9 next door is also for sale with 6.108+/- acres. MLS# 95867. $225,000.

Amazing long range mountain views can be seen from this home site in the prestigious gated community of Cross Creek Preserve. As you enter the community through the charming covered bridge you will see that this is a very well maintained neighborhood with nice common areas including a trout fishing pond with waterfall and a huge field and fire pit for owners to enjoy. Nearby Trillium Links & Lake Club can be seen from this north facing lot. Surrounded by several upscale neighborhoods, Cross Creek is also close to Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club and Old Edwards Club. Conveniently situated between Highlands and Cashiers for quick trips to town for shopping and dining. Seller already has a complete set of ready to build custom house plans designed specifically for this lot for a 3-4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home. Contact listing agent for more details! MLS# 89979. $169,500.

CU L L A SAJA CLU B Build your dream home on these two lots being sold together within the upscale, gated community of the Cullasaja Club! Coming in at over two acres, these gently rolling adjacent properties boast gratifying potential for a build site that, with some trimming, could open up a beautiful view. Cullasaja Club combines luxury living and the ultimate in leisure for a true one-of-a-kind Western North Carolina community. At the heart of this exclusive gated enclave lies a par 72, 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf course, as well as a clubhouse with mixed grill & formal dining room. Cullasaja Club also boasts one hard surface & five lighted clay tennis courts, state-of-the-art fully-staffed fitness and activity center, and canoeing, kayaking or fishing on fully-stocked Lake Ravenel. There aren't many of these opportunities left! MLS# 93358. $275,000. These lots are available for individual sale – Lot 86 - $125,000 (MLS# 95532) and Lot 85 - $149,000 (MLS# 95533).

C U L L OW H E E F OR E S T This property is 6+ gently rolling wooded acres, prepped to build, offering everything desired for a true mountain getaway. Bordered on two sides by scenic streams, your future home comes with the perfect soundtrack and amazing mountain views are easily opened up with some tree trimming. The driveway and house pad have been roughed in atop a knoll surrounded by lush forest. A private well, underground power, and a 3-bedroom septic are ready for use; great internet speeds will be available via recently approved fiber optic cable installation. The private community common area is arguably one of the prettiest in the area, providing direct access to the headwaters of the Tuckasegee River - an ideal spot for fly fish-

ing - and private access to an unbelievable community waterfall greater than 100 feet tall. Miles of additional hiking trails, including High Falls Trail, are directly accessible from the common area. MLS# 94902. $100,000. 11.65+/- acres with a mix of stream and waterfall frontage located in the gated, informal community of Cullowhee Forest. The size of the lot gives you options for the future home site along with the potential for short range mountain views. MLS# 95250. $99,000. Cullowhee Forest is a gated community focused around nature, large lots, and a pristine mountain feel. Surrounded by lush forest, this property is 6+ acres at 3,600' elevation, making it an ideal location for a temperate mountain getaway. High-speed internet will be available via recently approved fiber optic cable installation. The private community common area is arguably one of the prettiest in the area, providing direct access to the headwaters of the Tuckasegee River - an ideal spot for fly fishing - and private access to an unbelievable community waterfall greater than 100 feet tall. Miles of additional hiking trails, including High Falls Trail, are directly accessible from the common area. MLS# 94921. $35,000.

C U L L OW H E E MOU N TA I N R OA D Here is your chance for 20+/- acres (deed says 20+/- acres and Tax Office shows 16+/- acres ) of unrestricted land in the heart of the mountains for Western North Carolina. Ready for one or multiple home sites, this parcel has a paved driveway connecting off one of multiple build sites to Cullowhee Mountain Road. If you like higher elevation views, work your way deeper into the 20 acres and surround yourself in nature with complete and utter wooded privacy while taking in the stunning views from your new deck in any direction. Just 12 minutes to the Pine Creek Recreation area on Lake Glenville and under 30 minutes to the shops and restaurants of the town of Cashiers. MLS# 94875. $130,000. NEWLY LISTED 7.5 +/- private acres with fantastic views! The driveway and home site have been cut in and a septic system has been installed. The home site is surrounded in rhododendron and mountain laurel giving it year round privacy. The community is gated and offers a wild and scenic un-manicured mountain feel. Lots of wildlife! 15 minutes to Lake Glenville boat launch. 25 Minutes to Cashiers and Sylva. 30 Minutes to Highlands and Franklin. MLS# 96057. $60,000.

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So you can easily put in and take out any watercraft. If you're looking for it all, view, lake, and elbow room; this is it. MLS# 95547. $49,500. NEWLY LISTED Easy build lake access lot within walking distance to Lake Glenville and the community boat dock. This lot has a gentle slope and a very pastoral view of pastures and mountains. The lot is easily accessed from paved state road. This lot is also very convenient to Cashiers, Highlands, Franklin and Cullowhee. Glen Laurel has paved roads and underground utilities. Minimum square footage for homes, only 1400 sf. Affordable opportunity to own your mountain cabin with an almost lake front lot. Within 1/4 mile of public boat ramp. 3 bedroom septic permit issued. MLS# 95506. $41,000.

GL E N P OI N T E UNDER CONTRACT This lakefront lot offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Glenville and the mountain range beyond. This lot faces north down the length of the lake and is a zero set-back lot, which allows you to build closer to the water. By comparison, most Lake Glenville lots have a 50 foot set-back. Located in the small, gated community of Glen Pointe, with only 14 homesites, it offers paved access, underground utilities and a tennis court. Although this subdivision is tucked away, it's still only 10 minutes into Cashiers. MLS# 94294. $395,000.

G L E N S HOR E Wonderful lake front lot, located in the gated community of Glenshore. With low square footage building requirements and access to community water, makes this one of the best lot deals on Lake Glenville. And if you're looking for more room to expand, the lake front lot to the right of this lot is for sale. MLS# 95824. $385,000. One of the more established lakefront subdivisions on Lake Glenville, Glenshore is a gated community featuring some of the most beautiful multi-million dollar homes in the Western North Carolina area. This affordable corner wooded lot, priced under assessed value enjoys winter views of Lake Glenville and with additional tree topping/trimming, potentially even more enhanced views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Each home site in Glenshore is individual, offering unique perspectives of nature. The waterfront community of Glenshore on Lake Glenville offers its residents all of the pleasures the lake has to offer – boating, jet skiing, swimming, fishing and more. MLS# 94182. $39,900.

UNDER CONTRACT This lot is a investor’s dream, an entire subdivision ready for completion! This 53 acre gated development features signature views of Whiteside and Chimneytop mountains. The entrance alone is grand with it’s own waterfall! The first 4 of the 18 lots have been sold, leaving the remaining 14 contiguous lots totaling 41 acres as a package deal. The lots can be sold individually or held as a private estate. MLS# 93943. $300,000.

Fabulous views over the Country Club of Sapphire and the mountains beyond. Located in the gated community of Golf Club Estates, this lot offers a great opportunity to build your perfect mountain dream home. Membership at the CCSV is by invitation only, and just a short golf cart ride away. MLS# 94304. $175,000.

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NEWLY LISTED Huge views of Lake Glenville and mountains. Access to Lake Glenville with shared dock. Paved roads and community water. Underground utilities. Frontage on 2 community roads. Lot is very close, less than 1/4 mile, from a public boat launch.

NEWLY LISTED 3,900 ft plus of elevation, lake and boat dock access, with mountain views. Located in the Informal Gated community of Greycliff, the community offers wide paved roads throughout, community water, underground utilities, simple com-

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NEWLY LISTED Wonderful long range mountain view lot located in the gated community of Greycliff. The community offers wide paved roads, underground utilities, community water with lake and boat dock access. MLS# 95897. $55,000.

minimal fees! Enjoy beautiful views of Hogback Lake and Hogback Mountain from this half acre lot. Drop a canoe or fishing line in right from your own property! Located at the south end of the lake near the dam with easy access off Highway 64. Current 4 bedroom septic permit on file. NO HOA fees and Sapphire Valley Resort membership is optional with a onetime $500 initiation fee and $858 annual fee (2021 fee). MLS# 96045. $60,000.

HOL LY F OR E ST H IG H S P R I N G S NEWLY LISTED It doesn't get much better than this! Gentle 1.8+/- acre building lot with easy driveway access and a house site that has already been partially cleared. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac that is shared with only two other owners. The lot line extends all the way down to Birch Creek Trail below so it would be easy to open up the view with a little tree trimming for a great year-round long range mountain view. Southwesterly views of Whiteside Mountain, Satulah Mountain, Yellow Mountain, Black Rock Mountain and more. This home site is minutes from downtown Cashiers and is convenient to the grocery store, shops, hiking, dining and Lake Glenville. These two lots were combined into one so there is only one $1,000 POA fee per year and it includes water usage. Only a 1,400 minimum square foot building requirement! Expired 3 bedroom septic permit on file. MLS# 95795. $125,000.

H IG H WAY 107 S OU T H On the market for the first time, the historic Waddell/Hanks House estate sits in the heart of the highly desirable Highway 107 South corridor in Cashiers, North Carolina. The estate overlooks a gently meandering Fowler Creek and Wade Hampton Golf Club's beautiful 7th and 8th holes. This section of the corridor boasts an impressive concentration of luxury homes, a central uncongested location, two prestigious private country clubs, and the newly renovated High Hampton resort. With few building restrictions, the estate property represents an exceptional opportunity to build a custom single-family compound, several estate homes, or a development with upscale cottages for seasonal or year-round residents. The 12.16-acre property consists of contiguous parcels of 3.41 acres, .64 acres, and 8.11 acres. MLS# 94760. $3,700,000.

HO G B AC K C R E E K E S TAT E Well priced adjoining lakefront lots totaling over an acre with gorgeous views of the lake and mountains beyond. Hogback Lake is great for canoes, kayaks, sails, pontoons, fishing boats w/trolling motors and swimming. There is an expired septic improvement permit for a three bedroom dwelling from 2002 (would need to be updated with Jackson County). Sapphire Valley amenities are available if desired but not mandatory. MLS# 94633. $80,000.

HO G B AC K L A K E NEWLY LISTED Great opportunity to own a lake front lot with

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mon sense restrictions, and a low minimum build requirement of 1,400 square feet. Greycliff is one of the few communities around Lake Glenville that offers the ability for members only to access Lake Glenville and have the use of a common boat dock. MLS# 95684. $59,900.

Incredible views of Hogback Mountains (with tree trimming on building site) and mountain range on a serene street in Eagle Ridge at nearly 3,700 feet elevation. Gently sloping, wooded and buildable lot with public sewer and water access. Enjoy all of the Sapphire Valley Master Association amenities that come with this lot including: golf, tennis, skiing, tubing, kayaking on Fairfield Lake and more. Enjoy the convenience and proximity of nine local restaurants and the quaint town of Cashiers. Ready to build your mountain dream home and enjoy all the beauty of Western NC? This lot's for you and it's only a one hour drive from the Asheville airport. MLS# 95584. $33,900. NEWLY PRICED Easy build lot with a great view of Chimney Top Mountain and green space on two sides. Easement in place that allows for a gentle driveway to be built through green space leading straight to the build site knoll. Quick drive to Highway 64 with no steep roads to climb or descend, very usable in the winter. Less than 5 minutes to amenities and restaurants, 8 minutes to Cashiers. MLS# 95181. $20,000. NEWLY PRICED Great location to build a mountain home...right in the heart of Sapphire Valley! Just a golf cart ride away from the Sapphire National Golf Course & The Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company & Restaurant. This unique lot has frontage from Buckberry Drive and Mayapple Drive. The ideal location to put in a driveway would be from the front left side of the lot, near the small stream, that would lead up into the perfect home with lots of privacy. Close to the main highway, yet not close enough for road noise to be an issue. Ownership comes with Sapphire Valley Resort amenities. MLS# 94259. $19,500. Nice gentle lot with over an acre of land and year-round mountain view potential! This property has a long private driveway already roughed in so it’s easy to see where the best home site would be. Both lots on each side already have homes built on them so privacy won’t be an issue. Expired 4 bedroom septic permit on file. MLS# 88273. $20,000. UNDER CONTRACT Gently sloping lot in Holly Forest VI with long range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a cascading stream trickles through the property. White pines, ferns and rhododendrons adorn this beautiful wooded lot that offers a fairly level building site. Located a short drive to all the Sapphire Valley Master Association (SVMA) amenities, a ten minute drive to Cashiers and less than an hour to the Asheville airport. Ownership comes with all of the SVMA amenities including golf, tennis, swimming, skiing, tubing, miniature golf, outdoor hiking trails and canoeing or kayaking at the breathtaking Fairfield Lake. Mountain dreams do come true and this unique and inviting lot is waiting for you! MLS# 95850. $15,000. NEWLY LISTED Over half an acre lot with nice building envelope in Holly Forest Community. This community and location

are optimal for building a year around residence, vacation home or investment property. Sapphire amenities are associated with this lot including golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor pool, fitness room, jogging track, ski slope and Fairfield Lake. MLS# 96091. $15,000. Peaceful streamfront lot with gentle building site. Partially cleared so it's easy to see the potential home site. Conveniently located close to Highway 64 East for easy access but with no road noise! Walking distance to the Holly Forest common area on Hogback Lake where owners can enjoy fishing, swimming or canoeing from the dock. Community has paved roads and underground utilities. Expired septic permit on file. The minimum square footage requirement is 1,350 total heated square feet and there is no time limit to begin building. This lot backs up to a portion of the 106+ acre Holly Forest green space for added privacy. Sapphire Valley amenities include golf, tennis, fitness center, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, track/playground and deeded access to Lake Fairfield. MLS# 93784. $10,000. Great view lot in the heart of Sapphire Valley. Just minutes to Cashiers and Sapphire, as well as all the Sapphire Valley amenities. Year round view will be available from the home once the trees are trimmed. MLS# 94189. $9,900. A noisy stream runs along the bottom portion of this lot! This gently sloping home site will make the perfect mountain cabin spot. A great location for nature lover’s with a canopy of trees surrounding the property. Just a short walk to the Narrows waterfall and common area. This would be a great building site for a 2 story home that overlooks the stream. Expired septic permit on file and community has low homeowner’s fees. Ownership comes with Sapphire Valley amenities. MLS# 88627. $6,500.

T HE L A K E CLU B NEWLY LISTED This is your chance to own an easily buildable lot within the highly coveted Lake Glenville community, The Lake Club of Cashiers! With over 2.54 acres of land, the Lake Glenville views could be enhanced even more with some tree trimming. The Lake Club offers owners buried utilities to each building site along with the rare opportunity to be in a gated community on Lake Glenville with a clubhouse dedicated to those owners relishing in the boating lifestyle. The Lake Club has a community dock just minutes away from this lot easily reached by golf cart, allowing the new owners an opportunity to escape to the lake for a day of fun at a moment's notice. Nearby, the quaint villages of Cashiers and Highlands feature abundant choices for fine dining and eclectic shops for exploring. Don't miss out on one of the few opportunities within The Lake Club of Cashiers and your opportunity for living the Lake Glenville lifestyle. MLS# 96047. $185,000.

L A K E F OR E S T NEWLY LISTED The next best thing to lake frontage! Winter views of Lake Glenville and surrounding mountains are available from this great 0.76 acre lot located in the Lake Forest community. Potential year round views may be enhanced with tree trimming/ removal which are permitted by the community. The building site provides access to desirable Lake Glenville via community pathway to a beach front, just perfect for swimming, or launching your canoe or kayak. Plentiful mature indigenous plants to enjoy summer flowers. Additional value-added items include a current septic permit. A "lot" for a small price tag! MLS# 96061. $40,000.

L A K E T OX AWAY E S TAT E S NEWLY LISTED Extraordinary value and location with 2 potential building sites. Private, level and easy to build golf course frontage lot on the 12th Hole, short distance to clubhouse, 4 bedroom septic evaluation and well evaluation on file. Located on a private "loop". There's also a spot for a potential pond or water feature. The property has deeded lake access to Lake Toxaway and its proximity to the lake and club amenities make it a terrific location. MLS# 95956. $99,000. Are you looking for that perfect piece of land to hold until you're ready to build that mountain dream home? Here is a unique opportunity to own a very gentle-laying lot in prestigious Lake Toxaway Estates. The reasonable topography allows for wonderful economy of foundation costs and the elevation allows for that lovely view at a budget price. Lake and mountain views can be made even better with selective tree trimming. At nearly 1.5 acres, you'll enjoy plenty of space for building your mountain dream home, beautifying the landscape, play time or just while away the hours in the cool mountain air. The location on Panther Ridge is so convenient to Lake Toxaway Country Club for a fabulous country club experience (membership is available with approval) and this lot comes with deeded lake access on the state's largest private lake. Enjoy all that the development has to offer, including lake access, views galore, hiking trails and a friendly environment. The community is convenient to many of the natural riches we all love this area for such as many waterfalls, US Forestry Service parks, abundant wildlife, fishing and much more! Enjoy life in your second home or live here year round. MLS# 94710. $68,000.

L AU R E L FA L L S Over 15 acres of land to enjoy at 4,100+ ft. elevation! Long range mountain views and short ridge views from these 2 northerly facing lots. A gorgeous property that is truly unique and offers a ton of sprawling level acreage. Position your house anywhere you'd like among the native flora and ferns that cover the property. The driveway is already partially roughed in and leads you to a clearing and a fire pit area where you will enjoy the best views. Laurel Falls is a private neighborhood with gated access and low property owner fees. Nature lovers will appreciate the community's private access into the 6,300 acre Panthertown National Forest and trout fishing in Robinson Creek. Laurel Falls only has a 1,000 sq. ft. minimum building requirement making it the perfect spot to build a mountain cabin. These two lots are being listed together and offered at a discounted price for 15.89 acres. This property backs up to Chinquapin land for added privacy. MLS# 89652. $215,000. Over 7 acres of land to enjoy at 4,100+ ft. elevation! Long range mountain views and short ridge views from this northerly facing lot. A gorgeous property that is truly unique and offers a ton of sprawling level acreage. The driveway is already partially roughed in and leads you to a clearing and a fire pit area where you will enjoy the best views. Laurel Falls is a private neighborhood with gated access and low property owner fees. Nature lovers will appreciate the community's private access into the 6,300 acre Panthertown National Forest and trout fishing in Robinson Creek. Laurel Falls only has a 1,000 sq. ft. minimum building requirement making it the perfect spot to build a mountain cabin. An adjacent 8.66 acre lot is also available for purchase so buy both for a discount and own over 15 acres. This acreage backs up to Chinquapin property for added privacy. MLS# 89645. $120,000.

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NEWLY LISTED 8.99 acre parcel available at 3,700 feet elevation in the gated and private community of Laurel Falls! Great winter mountain views too! Listen to the sounds of the rushing stream located on the lot directly across the street from this property. A perfect building shelf runs along the entire middle section of the property. Enter into the far right side of the lot and walk across through the middle level portion to reach one of the best potential home sites. The Laurel Falls community is adjacent to and has a private trail into the 6,300 acre Panthertown National Forest where nature enthusiasts enjoy hiking, biking and horseback riding. Low POA fees and only 1,000 sq. ft. minimum building requirement. This lot can be subdivided one time according to the most recent covenants and restrictions. No mobile homes or modular homes allowed in Laurel Falls. Only about a 20 minute drive from Cashiers where shopping, dining and activities are abundant! MLS# 96059. $89,000. NEWLY LISTED Two great adjoining lots in the scenic, wild and gated subdivision of Laurel Falls. Each lot has a survey, expired septic evaluation for a 3 bedroom home with easy building sites! A small stream runs through the property providing additional mountain charm. Ridgeline views with tree trimming. Lots of usable land. Laurel Falls is bordered by thousands of acres of protected Panthertown Valley. The Yosemite of the East. MLS# 96084. $40,000.

M A NTLE R IDGE Tucked away in a tranquil setting at a cool elevation of almost 3,800 feet, this scenic property is comprised of almost 2 gentle acres. Beautiful eight lot subdivision nestled among Christmas tree farms with underground utilities. This location is perfect to build your dream home and your slice of the mountain life! The location offers views of Shortoff Mountain. This property is very private yet convenient to both Cashiers and Highlands. MLS# 95847. $99,999.

N OR T H N OR T ON R OA D Hard to find 10.84+/- unrestricted acres for sale with lake and mountain views. The property also offers Lake Glenville access. 8 water taps available for property with the Strawberry Hill Homeowners Association. MLS# 95907. $425,000.

OL D E DWA R D S Beautiful setting from this gently sloping lot with wonderful mountain and golf course views! One of the last golf course lots available and overlooking 17th tee and green. The homesite has a stream running along the right side for the soothing sounds while enjoying a cocktail on your future deck. This lot is very convenient to Old Edwards Club and GlenCove amenities. Water and sewer tap fees have already been paid. MLS# 95878. $349,000.

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Over 8.5 acres of land to enjoy at 4,100+ ft. elevation! Short range mountain views, and possibly some long range views, from this north westerly facing lot. A gently laying lot with a trail leading to the partially cleared house site. There is currently a shared driveway roughed in but buyer may put in their own driveway if they wish. Lots of options with this property. Laurel Falls is a private neighborhood with gated access and low property owner fees. Nature lovers will appreciate the community's private access into the 6,300 acre Panthertown National Forest and trout fishing in Robinson Creek. Laurel Falls only has a 1,000 sq. ft. minimum building requirement making it the perfect spot to build a mountain cabin. An adjacent 7.23 acre lot is also available for purchase so buy both for a discount and own over 15 acres. This land backs up to Chinquapin property for added privacy. MLS# 89644. $105,000.

PA R A DI S E MOU N TA I N UNDER CONTRACT Sitting just under 3,900 feet on Scout Mountain sits three lots that combine to form 4.05+/- acres of serene, wooded privacy with big mountain views. A roughed in driveway has already been built for the new owners which opens directly up into the multiple homesites limited only by your imagination. Clear additional trees along the edge of the homesites to open up for big mountain views or leave the abundance of natural foliage in place to create a secluded and private estate. MLS# 94873. $25,000.

PI L O T S K NOB NEWLY PRICED This gently sloping, easy build site is ready for your dream home to be built upon it. This lot, located on Beechfern Drive, is perched within the quiet, gated community aptly named Pilots Knob. Enter through the beautiful gates of Pilots Knob and you'll find a true sense of peace in the mountains. The community itself is situated at an elevation of over 3,500 ft, offers paved access and roads throughout, a common pond area as well as a beautiful green space with a fire-pit perfect for family picnics while taking in the truly awe inspiring long range mountain views. Reasonably priced annual fees and close proximity to Lake Glenville and everything Cashiers has to offer are just a few of many additional bonuses that are at your disposal. MLS# 93162. $12,000.

P I N E F OR E S T NEWLY LISTED A big view lot that is conveniently located between Sapphire Valley and Cashiers. Great sunsets await as you face in a westerly direction. Access is very short off of Highway 64 on a community paved road. Community water available. Build your mountain view home on this lot and you will be only a short drive from the many restaurants, shops and amenities of our beautiful mountain community. MLS# 95976. $129,500.

R O C K Y K N OB Two lots for the price of one! Located in the gorgeous gated community of Rocky Knob, these lots provide a peaceful setting to build a mountain home with lots of land to explore. Owners have the privilege to enjoy the beautiful Lake Osage, a 17 acre lake, along with a covered pavilion and grilling area. Sitting at approximately 3,700 feet elevation, this is the perfect area to escape the heat of lower elevations. Not far from the Sky Valley Tubing Outdoor Center where they have summer

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and winter tubing, ice skating, gem mining, trout fishing, a market and Annie's Cafe. Only 10-15 minutes into downtown Highlands too! MLS# 95238. $55,000.

R OU N D H I L L E S TAT E S NEWLY LISTED Fantastic location in the popular Round Hill community and close to the Sapphire Valley Resort! Gentle building site at the very end of a cul-de-sac and sitting at 3,300 feet elevation. Westerly facing lot with year round mountain views possible with select tree trimming. Expired 4 bedroom septic permit on file and 1,800 sq. ft. minimum building requirement. All Round Hill Estates residents have the option to join the Sapphire Valley Master Association. Members of the Sapphire Valley Master Association enjoy golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, carpet golf, ski slope, zip line, community center, park/playground, picnic area and deeded access to Lake Fairfield. Membership to the Country Club of Sapphire Valley is by invitation only. MLS# 95667. $60,000.

adjoins another 22+ acre tract that is privately owned with road access from the opposite end of the property providing this home site ultimate privacy. Sims Valley is a beautiful gated community with paved access, community water and underground utilities. Owners also enjoy use of the clubhouse, swimming pool, pavilion, pond & fitness center. Located only 10-15 minutes from the Lake Glenville public boat ramp and beach swimming area. MLS# 95454. $119,000. Extremely desirable building lot with bold stream frontage and a nearly level building site. This is the ideal place to build a mountain home overlooking a beautiful babbling stream with many small waterfalls. Enjoy some short and long range mountain views from this peaceful setting as well. Conveniently located near the community clubhouse, outdoor pool, fitness center and pavilion that owners can use for social gatherings. MLS# 85846. $44,000.

S H E P H E R D S MOU N TA I N

Great commercial location located in the heart of Sapphire Valley with direct Highway 64 road frontage. The property is a blank canvas with lots of possibilities in a thriving area that's exploding with growth. A parking area is already in place, all utilities are available. MLS# 94261. $275,000.

UNDER CONTRACT Truly, probably one of the last few great Lake Glenville view lots left to purchase. The lot offers some of the best short and long distance southern views of the lake, including the main body of the lake. 1.74+/- acres, the lot provides a nice gradual entrance off the main community road, and then a gentle topography for building. The lot is quite wide and deep, allowing for total year round view control. The community is gated with wide roads, underground utilities, and community water. MLS# 95884. $219,000.

S A S S A F R A S R I DGE

S P R I N G F OR E S T

This large lot features beautiful panoramic views over the Sapphire Valley, including Bald Rock and the Balsam Mountains beyond. Located on the ridge at over 4,100' of elevation so that you can enjoy the cool summer temperatures. Centrally located, Sassafras Ridge offers easy access to the numerous amenities of both Cashiers and Sapphire. MLS# 95140. $495,000.

A very easily accessible, buildable lot on Windemere Way within the gates of Spring Forest. Lot 8 offers exceptional, southerly long range mountain views of Sapphire Valley - This parcel has a near level portion for your future home site that will make any builder smile. Spring Forest is conveniently perched just minutes to the Cashiers Crossroads as well as everything Sapphire Valley has to offer. MLS# 95200. $155,000.

S A P P H I R E C OM M E R C I A L

NEWLY LISTED This premier lot in Sassafras Ridge located at the top of the mountain with the most breathtaking panoramic views. The site features gentle terrain for building your mountain dream home with opportunity to have a private driveway enter and exit at two locations on the property, for the true mountain estate feeling and plenty of parking. Enjoy the beautiful panoramic views over the Sapphire Valley, including Lonesome Valley and Bald Rock, the Balsam Mountains in the distance and too many others to list. The property borders National Forest land on the south side for additional privacy. As you enter the gates of the community and ascent to the top, the natural waterfalls, rock outcroppings and stone work reminiscent of the Blue Ridge Parkway welcome you home. On the ridge you will enjoy cool summer breezes and the most spectacular views. Centrally located, Sassafras Ridge offers easy access to the numerous amenities of both Cashiers and Sapphire. It also overlooks the Country Club or Sapphire Valley with a full complement of amenities. CCSV membership is by invitation only. MLS# 96114. $350,000.

SI M S VA L L E Y Truly an awesome lot! Paved driveway already in place leading to the perfectly flat building site with 360 views. Long or short range mountain views in any direction you look! This private home site

S T ON E C R E E K E S TAT E S NEWLY LISTED These two lots have great mountain and rock face view potential of Cow Rock & Bald Rock with tree trimming. Sitting at 3,500 ft. elevation in the gated community of Stonecreek Estates with public water and sewer available. Just a short golf cart ride to the amenities of Sapphire Valley including golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, ski slope, zip lines and more. Membership to The Country Club of Sapphire Valley is by invitation only. MLS# 95845. $60,000. NEWLY LISTED Sitting at 3,480 ft. elevation, this 1.5 acre lot will have great views of Cow Rock & Bald Rock with tree trimming. Located in the desirable and gated community of Stonecreek Estates with public water and sewer available. Just a short golf cart ride to the amenities of Sapphire Valley including golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, ski slope, zip lines and more. Membership to The Country Club of Sapphire Valley is by invitation only. MLS# 93047. $35,000. NEWLY PRICED Great mountain and rock face view potential of Cow Rock & Bald Rock with tree trimming. Sitting at 3,500 ft. elevation in the gated community of Stonecreek Estates with

204 LV EA ST E A TGERG DG I NRGE R E TL IAOTN IO HSI P S .ED RG I ND GRD S I LSVI E R ECRR C ER EE K ERKE R AE L AELS T ORUO PU| PB|UB I LUDI LI N LA SN HS IP . D L IEVLEI V RE IN ER AE MASM . S. M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

S T ON E F LY NEWLY LISTED Looking for a lot in town with frontage on the headwaters of the Chattooga River? Here it is, 340+ feet of river frontage, very private and only a short distance to town. Large, easy building site. If you have someone who is interested in sending their kids to the Summit Charter School, it's a short walk away. MLS# 95721. $395,000. NEWLY LISTED In-town lot with 460 feet of stream frontage. Headwaters of the Chattooga River runs down 2 boundaries. Easy build, easy access. Located in gated community only minutes from shopping and restaurants. The whole community is very gentle lying, so very walkable. MLS# 95736. $295,000. NEWLY LISTED In-town lot with 290+ feet of stream frontage on the headwaters of the Chattooga River and a small waterfall. Only minutes to shopping and restaurants. Easy build, 1.1 acre gentle lot with gradual slope from the paved entry road down to the stream. Gated community with paved roads and underground utilities. The community is very walkable. MLS# 95728. $245,000. NEWLY LISTED If you are looking for an easy build lot, close to town, in a gated community and with a stream that is part of the headwaters of the Chattooga River, this is your lot. Stonefly is only a little over a mile from the Cashiers crossroads. Convenient to shopping and restaurants, this lot has a gentle slope from the paved entry road down to the stream. The lot is a little over 1 acre and wooded with beautiful deciduous trees. The house site is so gentle that there would be plenty of room for parking, driveway and easy in and out. MLS# 95727. $239,000. NEWLY LISTED A wonderful easy build lot in-town. Small stream is one border for approx. 350 feet, which is the headwaters of the Chattooga River. Stonefly is a gated community with paved roads and underground utilities. Short drive to all the restaurants and shopping in the center of Cashiers. The community lies very gentle and so is very walkable. Foundation, driveway and parking would all be very easy since this lot is so gentle. Many possible home sites on this 1.38 acre property. MLS# 95729. $230,000.

S T R AW BE R RY H I L L Wonderful lake and mountain views from this 5.77 acre northwesterly facing property located in Strawberry Hill. Great natural building shelf already on the property for the perfect home site. End of road privacy from this Lake Glenville view lot and a cool breeze from 3,700+ feet elevation! Due to the amount of rock on the property, an engineered septic system will be required (estimated at $12,000 per bedroom). Private community water and just a short drive to several public boat ramps and the Jackson County Rec Park area with swimming area and hiking trails. MLS# 94126. $135,000.

NEWLY LISTED Hard to find southern facing, big lake and mountain views at an affordable price. If you are looking for even more acreage and views, lot 33 directly next door is also for sale. MLS# 95885. $49,500.

S UG A R F OR K R OA D Amazing opportunity to own a this 1.27 acre lot with approximately 228 feet of Cullasaja River frontage! Arnold Branch stream also runs down on one side of the property before cutting across the lot to join the river. This nearly level lot has already been cleared and has easy access off of Sugar Fork Road. Current 3 bedroom septic permit and well permit on hand. Buyer will need to drill a well for water. Only minutes to downtown Franklin and 30 minute drive to Highlands. Very unique property! MLS# 95335. $95,000.

LOT S & L AND

public water and sewer available. Just a short golf cart ride to the amenities of Sapphire Valley including golf, tennis, indoor/ outdoor pools, fitness center, ski slope, zip lines and more. Membership to The Country Club of Sapphire Valley is by invitation only. MLS# 93048. $35,000.

SUMMER HILL Fantastic lot located in the prestigious gated community of Summer Hill. This 4.95-acre lot features its own private waterfall and panoramic views of Lake Glenville. MLS# 95062. $950,000. NEWLY LISTED Summer Hill is a preferred, higher-end, gated community with generous lot sizes. Lot 23 is private, approximately 1.68 +/- acres, high in elevation, and offers great mountain and sunset views. The owner's adjoining lot 24 is also currently available for purchase and would be an ideal addition to lot 23, for those looking to create an estate-sized parcel. Located on the west side of Lake Glenville (between Cashiers and Highlands), Summer Hill residents enjoy access to the lake with a boat dock, sandy beach, boat ramp, and large picnic shelter with a fireplace. MLS# 95631. $85,000. NEWLY LISTED Summer Hill is a preferred, higher-end, gated community with generous lot sizes. Lot 24 is private, approximately 1.99 +/- acres, high in elevation, and offers great mountain and sunset views. The owner's adjoining lot 23 is also currently available for purchase and would be an ideal addition to lot 24, for those looking to create an estate-sized parcel. MLS# 95632. $85,000.

T R IL L I U M L INK S & L A K E CLU B NEWLY LISTED Estate size golf frontage lot with a gentle topography. Close to all amenities, Including The Lake Glenville Restaurant and lake access. MLS# 95929. $39,000.

WA DE H A M P T ON Lot has a good view of Whiteside Mountain in well-established and exclusive neighborhood of Wade Hampton. Priced below market value! Motivated seller! MLS# 90236. $120,000.

WAT E R DA N C E NEWLY LISTED Take a dip in the cool Tuckasegee River while dreaming of your perfect home situated directly above on this lot in the gated Waterdance community! If you love the

idea of walking out your front door and going for a swim in the gently moving pool below your home, then this is the lot for you. The section of river frontage you own with this lot has both small rapids and slow moving pools, perfect for the avid angler or nature enthusiast. This lot has access to the community water located 100' from where the proposed home site is. If needed you could apply for a larger septic system. The community itself features paved roads, covered bridge, gated access, and gorgeous water features such as the waterfall that is across the road from this lot. This parcel is a must see! MLS# 96080. $125,000.

water features such as the waterfall that is up the road from this lot. Don't miss your chance to snag this lot, owner financing is also available! MLS# 93295. $123,000.

W H I SPE R L A K E Just around the corner from the Whisper Lake common area, this home site is the perfect setting to build a mountain getaway! The Whisper Lake common area has a lake side picnic area and dock where you can enjoy swimming, canoeing and kayaking. This beautiful lot also comes with Sapphire Valley amenities. MLS# 88503. $25,000. Welcome to wonderful Whisper Lake! Great lot in this fantastic community which offers access to the private lake for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing as well as all the Sapphire Valley amenities including tennis, golf, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, fitness center, game room, and much more. There is a small spring that runs along the edge of the property. Fiber Optic has been run to the road throughout the community. MLS# 95903. $8,500.

W H I T E WAT E R R I D G E

Located in the scenic Waterdance gated community is this great 1.76 acre riverfront lot! The lot has a roughed in road leading directly to the potential building site, which is just steps away from the rushing Tuckasegee River. Whether you are an avid angler, or simply looking for the perfect place to construct your riverfront dream home, this lot is sure to please. There is an expired three bedroom septic permit on file (no septic tank installed yet) and community water is readily available. The community itself features paved roads, covered bridge, gated access, and gorgeous

Your chance to own an extraordinary 4.86 acre lot with multiple build sites that will allow to create the most expansive, long range views in the Sapphire area. This lot is located in the private, quiet subdivision of Whitewater Ridge and sits on the south side of the road, allowing the new owners to build their home in the highly desirable section for incredible views deep into South Carolina. Sitting at an elevation over 3,700 feet, the back portion of the property drops off to allow for wonderful southern exposure and no obstacles to impede your view. Whitewater Ridge is a low cost HOA community with gated entrance, pond, community green space and pavilion for use by property owners. For those looking to join a nearby country club, Burlingame CC is a few minutes' drive away offering club amenities, which include three dining rooms and two lounges, as well as a 24-hour fitness center, a top-ranked championship 18-hole golf course, four Har-Tru tennis courts, heated swimming pool, lease-free dog park and more. MLS# 96153. $275,000.

COMME RCI A L

CASHIERS $345,000 Great business location between intersection and Ingles. Fantastic exposure on most traveled section of Highway 64. Office, retail, etc. If you are needing easy access and/or high visibility, this is the location. MLS# 93753

206 S I LVE R C R E E K R E A L E S TAT E G R O U P | B U I L D I N G R E L AT I O N S H I P S . D E L I VE R I N G D R E A M S . M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Cashiers Office 341 Highway 64 West, Suite 102 Cashiers, NC 28717 (828) 743-1999 | ncliving.com

Lake Glenville Discovery Center 4312 Highway 107 N Glenville, NC 28736 (828) 743-1999 | ncliving.com 207 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

BETH TOWNSEND Co-Owner / Broker

SANDY BARROW

LIZ HARRIS

ANN MCKEE AUSTIN

COLEEN GOTTLOEB

JOHN BARROW

WAYNE MONDAY

PHILIP BRADLEY

Co-Owner / Broker

Broker

Broker / Rental Coordinator

MAGGIE ELMER

JOANNE BRYSON

Broker

LOGAN CROCKER

Broker / Licensed Assistant

Broker

JESSICA HOHEISEL

Broker / Licensed Assistant

Co-Owner / Broker

Broker

GUS BRIGHT

Broker Associate

KARALINE SHOMAKER

Broker / Administrative Assistant

Broker-In-Charge

Broker

CLAY CANTLER

Broker / Licensed Assistant

KARA ADDY

Marketing Director

DEEP KNOWLEDGE. UNMATCHED E XPERIENCE. 208 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Photographed by Paul Heckert at The Lodge at Silver Run Reserve

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM 209 M AY 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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 210 M AY 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

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

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

Big Sheepcliff 3 BR / 4.5 BA — An absolutely stunning modern design by the late Jim Fox, renowned for his unique, custom homes here in our region. One of Fox’s last designs, it was built in 2002 and recently went through a masterful “seven digit” renovation. You’ll find an easy two steps from the paved parking onto the entry deck and into the copper roofed foyer. The views straight through the “parlor” are amazing. In fact, all of the major rooms in this home are oriented to take in the fantastic mountain ranges, lining up layer after layer out to the south, east and southwest. The kitchen features a brand new top-of-the-line Viking kitchen with a huge waterfall island and excellent storage. Nearby is the large pantry and convenient laundry. Window-graced dining is near the splashy bar, and all are open to the living room with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and

OFFERED FOR $3,850,000 extraordinary maple ceilings. The master suite has his-and-her closets, a sleeping area and a reading lounge. Also on the main level, on the opposite end of the home, are the dramatic powder room, one guest bedroom and an office overlooking the view. Downstairs you’ll find a den, a small bar, a bedroom/bunkroom plus two more baths. The super-cool artist studio could be converted to accommodate more sleeping, if needed. There is a large, lower-level storage area and a two-car garage. The large lot is located in the middle of Big Sheepcliff, a favored in-town neighborhood, but is very private at the end of a cul-de-sac. The lot has a great “mountain flat” area which could accommodate a guest house, pavilion, firepit or lawn. This impressive home is being offered primarily furnished with some exceptions. MLS 96023

UNDER CONTRACT

619 HWY 107 S 212 M AY 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

BETH TOWNSEND, GUILD™ C

828.421.6193

BETH@CASHIERS.COM

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

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! MLS 95525

619 HWY 107 S 214 M AY 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

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 $2,995,000 fresh water 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

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

Wade Hampton Golf Club 5 BR / 5.5 BA — This is a charming, classic mountain home located in the highly sought-after community of the Wade Hampton Golf Club, a McKee Development just five minutes from Cashiers. The home has gorgeous, sweeping, long-range views year round and is located on a spacious 1.42 acre homesite. The exterior features beautiful stacked stone, cedar shingles and gentle, nearly-level topography. The interior boasts a stunning semi-open floor plan with great entertaining flow through the large great room, kitchen, screened porch and dining room. The great room offers gorgeous, pristine views to the east of the mountains

OFFERED FOR $2,695,000

in nearby National Forest, soaring ceilings and a beautiful masonry stone fireplace. The spacious master suite also offers great views, a beautiful stone fireplace and an adjoining office/den. Additional accommodations include a guest suite on the main level with views and a private deck, and three additional, large guest suites upstairs, all featuring beautiful vaulted and peaked rooflines. The large kitchen, located just off the great room, is perfect for a chef’s finest cooking and for family fun cooking and gathering. It offers stacked stone surrounding the range, a large island, lovely vaulted ceilings and plenty of pantry storage. MLS 95742

619 HWY 107 S 216 M AY 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

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 $2,595,000

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

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

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

Trillium Links 3 BR / 3.5 BA — This early 2000s home has been remodeled and updated to give it the 2021 appeal that a move-in-ready buyer is looking for! It is nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac within Trillium, with winter views of manicured horse pastures and the sounds of a yearround stream running through the community park space below the property. The beautiful covered back porch with a wood burning fireplace allows you to enjoy the quiet nature surrounding the home, while the open floor plan of its interior — with a master on the main level and spacious guest bedrooms and bonus family room on the lower level — give you the sought-after modern floor plan. The community walking trails connect to the private trail going down the back of the property, and you can freely

OFFERED FOR $799,000 enjoy the community common park/picnic area as well as the extensive walking/hiking trail system throughout the community. You can choose to partake in all the Trillium Links and Lake Club has to offer by purchasing a membership which then adds access to the lake pavilion, main club house, golf course, tennis and croquet courts, dining experiences, fitness center, pool and an all around social-oriented club. This home is perfect for those wanting a move-in ready home in order to maximize enjoyment of the upcoming 2021 season and the many more to come. It is also minutes from other clubs, including Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club and Old Edwards Club, while still only being 10 minutes from Cashiers, making it a highly desirable location. Furnishings are negotiable. MLS 95732

UNDER CONTRACT

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

218 M AY 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

Wade Hampton Golf Club LOTS & LAND LOT

ACRES

DESCRIPTION

MLS

LOCATION

PRICE

ESTATE PARCELS

L-13

4.28

Gently rolling with lake views

93328

Hidden Cove Road

$525,000

L-15

2.50

Mountain and lake views

93329

Hidden Cove Road

$500,000

L-8

3.85

National Forest and mountain views

94616

Silver Springs Road

$375,000

GOLF FRONT

E-32

0.92

Golf and mountain view

95880

Chimney Top Trail

$475,000

E-3

0.96

13th and 14th fairway views

95645

Bolder Dash Road

$425,000

N-1

0.69

Overlooks the 8th fairway

94033

Chimney Top Trail

$359,000

N-55

0.81

Winter golf views, gently rolling

95803

Chimney Top Trail

$160,000

N-53

0.54

Winter golf and mountain views

93265

Chimney Top Trail

$120,000

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

S-45

1.86

Long range mountain views

94825

Cherokee Trace

$555,000

S-10

1.56

Mountain view, gently sloping

94614

Cherokee Trace

$195,000

S-25

2.18

Distant mountain views

93654

Cherokee Trace

$150,000

FOREST FLOOR

R-43

0.72

Gently rolling, end of cul-de-sac

95244

Ox Lock Road

$195,000

N-51

0.50

Wooded, close to Clubhouse

94361

Chimney Top Trail

$125,000

E-26

0.72

Wooded, gently rolling

94722

Chimney Top Trail

$125,000

R-46

0.91

Wooded, end of cul-de-sac

94423

Ox Lock Road

$110,000

R-25

0.91

Wooded, gently rolling

94896

Cherokee Trace

$100,000

R-26

0.94

Wooded, easy build site

95662

Cherokee Trace

$ 90,000

R-49

1.25

Access to Katydid Road or The Low Road

83185

Katydid Road

$ 80,000

E-25

0.98

Gently rolling and wooded

96006

Mayapple Road

$ 75,000

619 HWY 107 S

CASHIERS, NC 28717

828.743.3411

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

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

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

220 M AY 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

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

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.

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

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

| OWNER / BROKER LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

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

A DV E R T I S E R’ S I N D E X 4118 Kitchen and Bar A Jones Company A-List Antiques ACP Home Interiors Alair Homes Allison Diane Annawear Annell Metsker Around Back at Rocky’s Place Bags on Main Balistreri Realty The Bascom Bear Tracks Travel Center Bella Cotn Bella’s Junction Cafe Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Betsy Paul Art Raffle Betsy Paul Properties Bird Barn & Garden Black Bear Lodge Black Rock Granite and Cabinetry Blair Realty The Blue Elephant Blue Ridge Bedding Blue Ridge Music Bobby Grace Putters Bombshell Hair Boutique The Book Nook Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery Bridge at Mill Creek Brookings Fly Shop Calders Coffee Cafe Carolina Rustic Furniture Cashiers Chamber of Commerce Cashiers Candy Shoppe Cashiers Kitchen Company Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, MD Cedar Creek Club Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals Charles Johnson Fine Art Photography Chocolate Heaven/Cake Bar Christine’s Home Decor The Christmas Tree Classic Lighting & Design, Inc. The Copper House Colonel Mustard’s Specialty Foods Country Club Properties Creative Concepts Creative Framing Cullasaja Club Dauntless Printing The Designer’s Market Dinner With Duffy The Dry Sink The Dutchmans Earthshine Lodge. Edward Jones Investments The Exchange Fire + Water Fire Mountain Inn & Cabins Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry Four Seasons Landscaping Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar Fressers Courtyard Cafe

4118kitchen-bar.com

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P 152 P 59 P 29, 160 P 88 P 108 P 161 P 74 P 26 P 75 P 171 P2 P 160 P 31 P 53 P 51, 161 P 54 P 113 P 113, 170 P 46 P 137 P 155 P 28 P 15 P 15 P 176 P 39 P 105 P 103

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h-cmusicfestival.org hchealthfnd.org

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sothebysrealty.com

P 60

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P 161 P 104 P 154 historictoxaway.org P 139 historictoxawaymarket.com P 134 homeemporium.com P 10, 11 fontanalib.org P 49 oldedwardsinn.com P9 IS-W.co P 161 jgabrielliving.com P 48 P 168 jbwnc.com P 157 jennymixon.com P 177 P 86, 161 jcrealty.com P 50 killerbeeshoney.com P 135 thekitchenofhighlands.com P 166 P 107 landmarkrg.com P 24, 25, 161 landmarkrg.com P 161 landmarkvacations.com P 24, 25 lauramoserart.com P5 ldcgroups.com P 117 lehotskyandsons.com P 27, 160 P 49 lesliejeffery.art P 96 lonesomevalley.com P 158, 159 P 21 lupoliconstruction.com P 41 P 17 P 71 P 166 highlandsperformingarts.com P 87 P3 mckeeproperties.com P 43, 59, 79 , 208-223 mckeeproperties.com P 59 mckeeproperties.com P 210, 211, 214-218 mckeeproperties.com P 43 mckeeproperties.com P 79, 212, 213 meritagehighlands.com P4 merrellthompson.com P5 pagetheartist.com P 97

A DV E R T I S E R’ S I N D E X Mirror Lake Antiques Morales Painting Mountain Cafe Mountain Spring Spas and Pools Mountainworks Custom Home Design, Ltd. Nancy’s Fancys Narcissus Nearly New Nora & Co Oak Steakhouse Oakleaf Old Edwards Inn & Spa On the Verandah The Orchard Restaurant, Event Barn & Cottages The Park on Main Hotel Palmer House Properties Pat Allen Realty Group Pat Calderone Peak Experience ProClean Services Pro-Servicess Reach of Macon County Rebecka’s Home Cleaning Service Rent In Highlands-CCP Ristorante Paoletti Robin’s Nest Roman’s Roofing LLC Rusticks Sapphire Valley Real Estate Sashay Around

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P 26 P 171 P 134 P 19 P 65 P 28 P 42 P 44 P 31 P 98 P 36 P 9, 160 P 111 P 113 P 115 P 57 P 47 P 97 P 45 P 160 P 160 P 152 P 160 P 115 P 111 P 145 P 161 P 61 P 116 P 17

Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center Silver Creek Real Estate Group Skyline Lodge Smitten Southern Highlands Reserve Southern Way The Spa Boutique at Old Edwards Inn Spoiled Rotten Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship The Summer House by Reeves Suzy Coffeen Tampa Bay Trust Company TJ Bailey’s for Men Town and Country General Store The Ugly Dog Pub - Highlands The Ugly Dog Pub - Cashiers Vic’s for Men Victoria’s Closet Victoria’s Sportswear The Village Green Village Hound The Vineyard at 37 High Holly Vivianne Metzger Antiques Warth Construction WHLC FM 104.5 Wilbanks Smile Center - Dr. Joe Wilbanks Wit’s End Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro Woofgang Bakery & Grooming Yoga of Highlands Zoller Hardware The Zookeeper Bistro

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P 62 P 180-207 P 98 P 88 P 136 P 71 P 9, 160 P 123 P 15 P 12 P 89 P 157 P 69 P 118 P 110 P 110 P 44 P 44 P 44 P 142 P 147 P 123 P 61 P 228 P 19 P 148 P 35 P5 P 167 P 154 P 34, 161 P 107

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

PARTING SHOT Red-Bellied Beauty by Greg Clarkson

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

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

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

May 2021: The Laurel Magazine

Articles inside

A Taste of Home

Rotarian Jane Jerry

Cashiers Historical Society

Highlands Weekends of Live Music

Shopping for Fashion

Bear Tracks Travel Center

Upper Middle Creek Falls

The Art of Quilting