Plateau Picks

SURROUNDED BY DIAMONDS

You’ll love the deep indigo color of this carved melon shaped lapis ring set in 14kt yellow gold and surrounded by 8 white diamonds. Carved Lapis Diamond Accented 14k Ring $995 Mirror Lake Antiques | Highlands

BLUEBIRDS OF HAPPINESS

Keep those Bluebirds coming back all season with this collection of bird necessities. Cobalt Mealworm Hanging Feeder | $24.99 Bluebird House | $48.99 | Dried Mealworms | $9.99 Bluebird Book | $21.99

Bird Barn and Garden | Cashiers

Picks a few of our favorite findsPlateau

VERSATILE BEAUTY

Handcrafted in beautiful soft leather, this beach-colored delight is not only spacious, but versatile - use it as a handbag, or throw it over your shoulder. Able Leather Purse | $148 Allison Diane Clothing | Highlands

HIGH FLYING FUN

Hand sculpted from Georgia artists Jaclyn and Jeremy Sloan, this whimsical aviator face jug will put a smile on everyone’s face. Aviator Face Jug | $175 Jeanie Edwards Fine Art | Highlands

BOX UP THE CELEBRATION

There are many ways to say congratulations, but some are better than others. Just add in a nice bottle of bubbly to complete a celebratory gift that is sure to stand out. Wood Champagne Box with Flutes | $52.99

Town and Country General Store | Cashiers

FOR YOUR QUEEN BEE

This Mother’s Day give the ultimate sweet gift! The set contains two 4.5” 100% beeswax, hand-rolled candles and an 8oz bottle of Killer Bees Summer Sweet Wildflower mountain honey. Order at killerbeeshoney.com. Mother’s Day Honey and Candle Gift Set | $28.85 Killer Bees Honey | Lake Toxaway

EARTH LOVIN’ TOTE

Crafted from colorful recycled leather, this tote is spacious enough to carry all your day at the lake needs.

David Jeffery Woven Tote | $95 Bags on Main | Highlands

STATEMENT BLING

This Dichroic Glass Jewelry collection is simply stunning! Handcrafted in Mexico by single mothers that have discovered their artistic passion in jewelry. They begin by hand making the silver bessel, then fill them with crystals, glass and stones - one by one. Make a statement, help a life. Necklace $89 | Bracelet $107 | Ring $45 | Earrings $32 The Look | Cashiers

Gifts That Spark Joy

Fred Lenz and Snickers.

Lenz Gifts & Home Accessories has brought European comfort and luxury to the Plateau for 15 years. See for yourself – visit the gallery at 1473 US 64 West.

In 2007, Amsterdam native Fred Lenz and his wife Debby left their long-time residence in San Antonio, Texas, and set down roots on the Plateau.

That year they opened their eponymous store, Lenz Gifts on Highway 64, just outside Cashiers Perhaps the best way to describe the contents of the Lenz’ store is that it is a collection of things that spark joy. Certainly, Lenz has an eye for beauty, and the store’s merchandise – all of which is European made – is carefully selected to enhance and embrace a gracious lifestyle. Lenz found his niche in products for the bedroom and is well known to discerning buyers for the linens he stocks from Sferra and Yves Dolorme – luxury brands that offer the twin promise of beauty and sleep. Even mattresses can be found within the walls of the store – two years ago they started selling Sferra bedding in pillow-top and non-pillow top. They pride themselves, as well, on an array of fine nightwear - silks from Natori, Swiss cottons from Hanro, and fine cottons from Eberje.

The store’s merchandise includes barware, vases, and figurines from around the world with a focus on beautiful materials and forms that are refined and tasteful. Ever alert to the sensibilities and tastes of his customers, Lenz has an impressive selection of hand-crafted, high-quality candles in intriguing scents from Belgian manufacturer Onno. And he’s stocked the shelves with luxury soaps, shampoos, hand lotions, and eau de toilette from France’s Roger & Galet and British fragrance maker Molton Brown. Frequently referred to as a “Little Saks Fifth Avenue in the

Mountains,” the shop boasts a roster of clients interested in sourcing something special. In all, the beautifully edited selection is the result of Lenz’s keen eye, an …Little Saks Fifth Avenue intense thoughtfulness and regular trips in the Mountains… to gift shows in Europe. Lenz Gifts is open Monday-Saturday and daily during the summer. 1473 Highway 64 West – eight miles from Highlands and two miles from Cashiers. For more information, contact the store at (828) 743-5900 or Fred at (828) 380-0473.

by Marlene Osteen

Artfully Curated at Acorns

Acorns has unveiled a season’s worth of exclusive home accessories and designer creations, culminating in the June 3-5 Elizabeth Locke Jewelry Trunk Show. Visit the store at 212 South Fourth Street in Highlands or go to acornshighlandsnc.com.

Because March is cold and grey and April rainy, by May we are all in need of a lift. Clearly, it’s time for a refresh. Redecorating seems tempting now. Acorns, the artfully curated home décor and furnishings store of Old Edwards has long been the spot for discerning shoppers seeking interesting finds to layer into their space. For more than 15 years, the store has assembled all sorts of decorative and one-of-a-kind items for the home.

The cognoscenti, savvy Highlanders, know it is the go-to place to discover new accessories and furnishings to brighten their homes or discover that perfect, unique gift. Here the shelves are stocked with a selection of glassware, cheerful throw pillows, tabletop items, and luxurious linens, as well as select works from a roster of artists highlighting the region’s wealth of local artistic talent. And they are known for collaborating with artisans and craftspeople for a distinct perspective that is wholly their own. Now, Acorns is showing some pieces made specifically for the shop. Working with members of the Acorns’ team, the artisan Gibson Candle Company created a signature Highlands collection inspired by the scents and ambience of the town. Certain to be chosen by hostesses to provide a soft glow on a dinner table, and a cheerful touch to any party, the delicious aromas of the candles are evocative of those of the Plateau.

Another small vendor, Town Pride has created a lineup of customized gifts for the store. Included are personalized notepads and gleaming, stemless wine glasses in a timeless rounded shape, ideal for every variety of wine. Also, in store from Town Pride is delightful new apparel – from crewnecks to baby onesies. Well worth seeking out are upcoming trunk shows at Acorns – a first chance to see the season’s new collections. From June 3–5 a representative of jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke will be in store to welcome customers and showcase the designer’s extraordinary works. Widely acclaimed for her hand-made, neoclassical 19K jewelry, Locke hand-selects every stone and designs each piece herself. Her passion for antique jewelry was fueled by a 1988 trip to Bangkok while working as a Fashion Editor for Town & Country Magazine. That trip led to a degree in gemology and a lifetime career. In addition to her flagship stores in Manhattan and Virginia, Locke’s creations are sold at exclusive and select boutiques in the US. More trunk shows are in the planning. Details can be found at acornshighlandsnc.com.

by Marlene Osteen

Find Your Inner Cook

The Cashiers Kitchen Company, located at 41 Commons Drive, offers a kaleidoscopic collection of tools and gadgets and prepared foods for chefs, amateur culinary wizards, and those who love them (and the fruits of their passion).

David Bryson and Marian Duncan

Have you ever walked into a business and thought to yourself “Oh no, I’m in trouble, I’ll be looking around here all day and buy far more than I intended?”

The Cashiers Kitchen Company at 41 Commons Drive in Cashiers is such a place. One of the kitchen towels you’ll see when you walk in the front door says “There’s No Wi-Fi in the Mountains But You’ll Find a Better Connection.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. You’ll make a connection to your inner cook here.

This store is for chefs, casual cooks, aspiring cooks, and those who simply want to set a beautiful table while others do the cooking for them. Shoppers will find their every kitchen wish fulfilled here. If it’s quality cookware you’re in the market for, you will find brands such as Lodge, Le Creuset, Frieling, and Nordic Ware, among others. For that perfect table setting, you can choose from Pacific Merchants serveware, colorful and durable Le Cadeaux melamine products, Casafina dinnerware, and the classic Spode Woodland dinnerware. You’ll also find glassware and barware, from the very elegant and collectible Riedel to everyday items. There’s every conceivable kitchen gadget you can imagine – walls and walls of items to help you make short order of your kitchen duties. Their barware section has everything you need for a well-stocked bar including mixers and goodies. Find what you need here and let the summer entertaining season begin. Don’t miss their selection of private label gourmet mixes, sauces, jams, jellies, pickles, barbecue sauces, and cocktail mixers. Who doesn’t love the ease of finding great, prepared products that allow you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests? There’s also a great selection of small kitchen appliances, linens, silverware, knives, and Greenleaf diffusers, room sprays, and sachets.

For the grill master they have an outdoor room dedicated to all things Barbecue – Traeger grills and smokers, and Ooni pizza ovens, as well as all the tools and accessories you’ll need to make your backyard cookout an affair to remember.

…every conceivable kitchen gadget you can imagine… by Mary Jane McCall

Gracewear Boutique

Gracewear Boutique at 82 Village Walk in Cashiers is a timeless celebration of Faith and Devotion and the enduring power of Love.

Gracewear Boutique at 82 Village Walk in Cashiers is a unique boutique that offers us all a chance to step inside their peaceful, healing walls and shop for their signature Shield of Faith jewelry line; inspirational devotions and books; carefully curated clothing; abstract art; baby gifts; journals; and accessories such as key chains, purses, hats, belts, bracelets, earrings, and charms.

Sisters, Wendy Strong Lupas and Mary Strong Blackburn, created their company to empower women with the powerful message of hope, love, and protection through their Signature Shield of Faith Jewelry collection. The Shield of Faith is based upon Ephesians 6:10-18 and encourages women to put on the full armor of God to face their everyday life. Their Shield of Faith jewelry collection forms the cornerstone of their business but they offer so much more. A carefully curated line of women’s clothing includes such brands as Bella Tu, Dizzie Lizzie, Emily McCarthy, Trina Turk, and more. Their ever-expanding art collection includes works from artists such as Heidi Kirschner; L. Roskin; Mary George, whose Angels of Protection works are ever popular; Mary Tooker, Nancy Race, Stacy Howell, and Wilkerson Works. New this year is a front porch shopping experience that you won’t want to miss, so stop by Gracewear, relax on their porch, and refresh your spirit while shopping for items that provide you with daily affirmations of hope and love.

Wendy Strong Lupas

Peak Experience

Peak Experience is a wonderfully-sensual bazaar filled with surprises and wonderments. They are located at 2820 Dillard Road, just outside of Highlands.

Peak Experience at 2820 Dillard Road is well worth your trip off the beaten path. This unique boutique offers three floors of treasures and one-of-a kind finds. Stop in once and you’ll find yourself coming back again and again. If you’re in the market for high-end estate jewelry with precious and semi-precious gems, set in platinum, 18K, or 14K gold, you’ll find a great selection here.

They also carry handcrafted pieces from their featured designer, Suzy Landa, whose unique designs and colorful pieces are customer favorites. Her stunning pieces are crafted of 18K gold with high-quality gems and are designed to be worn and cherished. Plan ahead to visit her trunk show on July 22-24. In addition, you can find lots of casual jewelry here, much of it made by artisans in the USA.

Their selection of handmade pottery, from local artists and potters across the country, is the largest in the area, offering both functional and decorative pieces. Elevate your morning cup of joe with these perfect mugs – it’s like a warm, comforting hug on a chilly morning. Don’t miss the colorful SolMate Socks. These purposefully mismatched socks are made in a family-owned mill in North Carolina. They also have a large selection of stunning hand-painted silk tunics, shawls, and scarves, each truly one-of-a-kind works of art that are proudly made in the USA.

Matthew and Victoria Ingate

The Bazaar Barn

The Church of the Good Shepherd’s Bazaar Barn enriches the households of its clever customers and the community it serves.

Bargain hunting and weekends go hand in hand on the Plateau, so fuel up with a cup of coffee and let the shopping begin. Finding a one-of-a-kind bargain and giving back to the community at the same time?

Yes, please! The place to start in Cashiers is with a trip to The Church of the Good Shepherd’s Bazaar Barn in The Shoppes on the Green at 94 Highway 64 West. Open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M., you never know what treasure you might find here as the inventory rapidly turns over from week to week. Items are truly here today, gone tomorrow, so plan to visit often. You’ll find gently-used home furnishings and accessories here including sofas, armchairs, tables, chests, florals, rugs, lamps, artwork, and garden decor. New this year is “The Shepherd’s Shed,” which houses linens, kitchen items, baskets, and men’s items including electronics and tools. In 2021 the Church of the Good Shepherd was able to give more than $300,000 back to over 30 non-profits in the area, so their outreach touches all. Barn Manager Skip Ryan, along with Board members Sharon Stricker (Chairman), Laura Lankford, Kathryn Dean, Ruth Russ, and Peter Keck, and 70-plus dedicated volunteers find great joy in making The Barn such a successful vehicle for God’s blessings. For more information or to donate call Skip Ryan at (828) 226-2588.

Elena’s

Elena’s Women’s Golf and Activewear is the endlessly surprising destination for women on-the-go and in-the-know. Find out why at 381 Main Street in Highlands.

Ladies, if you golf, play tennis or pickle ball, practice yoga, or just love the comfort, style, performance, and durability of quality activewear, Elena’s Women’s Golf and Activewear in Highlands at 381 Main Street, is your little slice of heaven.

This unique specialty shop has grown by leaps and bounds since opening in 2016.

Ladies in-the-know eschew shopping in larger cities or buying from mass online retailers and head straight for this boutique that caters strictly to them. Great brands, great prices, and friendly personal service are the cornerstones of this business. Owner Elena Wood is always on hand to help with your selections or answer any questions you might have. Elena’s features golf, tennis, and active attire in every imaginable form including skirts, skorts, dresses, shorts, capris, and polo shirts which are, of course, right on trend and stylish, but also offer the performance features that athletes need. Moisture wicking, sun protections, and wrinkle resistance are the hallmarks of quality, and Elena’s inventory has you covered, Elena Wood comfortable, and protected. Name brands such as Ikbul offer the latest technology in fabrics that keep you cool with their icefil technology, offer UPF 50+sun protections, and moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties to keep you fresh. Elena’s also offers accessories for the sports enthusiast so check out their fun and functional selection of golf and sport shoes, socks, golf gloves, luggage, and gift items.

400. Jannie Bean Fine Custom Jewelry 406. Brookings

OAK STREET

601. Highlands Playhouse 613. Cleaveland Realty 615. Shakespeare & Co. 617. Fressers Courtyard Cafe

CAROLINA VILLAGE

709. High Dive 709. Truckin’ at the High Dive 711. Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals 801. Green Mountain Builders 814. Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center 814. Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival

OUT NC 106

➡ Peak Experience ➡ Futral Construction ➡ Highlands Outpost ➡ Scaly Mountain Crafters ➡ Highlands Aerial Park ➡ 37 Vineyard at High Holly ➡ Fire + Water ➡ Pat Calderone Gallery

OUT 64 EAST

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

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

Cashiers, North Carolina

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

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

Red Feathers of Toxaway

A local community derives its name and indefatigable spirit from a deep red inhabitant.

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is easy to spot and impossible to ignore. As our own William McReynolds notes, “The male cardinal will examine you closely with a cocked eye and lowered shoulder. His distinctive song is a high, crisp tik tik or an extended, rising twik. His clarion call, a staccato outburst amidst silent gray tree trunks, is a broadcast announcement of location and intention. According to Sibley, this call is a “series of high, clear, sharp, mostly slurred whistles woit woit woit chew chew chew chew chew.”

The plumage and distinctive song give this year-round Plateau resident a jaunty appearance and the uncanny ability to elevate your mood by approximately 40 percent. And the Cardinal’s lifestyle resonates with all of those who believe in the power of True Love. Here’s William again: “Cardinals form strong pair bonds and become endearing, enduring, couples. They are often seen together, always him in the lead, both avid tail flippers. They are attentive parents. Some pairs stay together during the winter and mate again in the next spring and summer.” The Cherokee who made this corner of the Southern Appalachians their home recognized the astonishing presence of the cardinal, so bright, so cheerful, and so faithful, and decided that it must be the Daughter of the Sun. That’s why they decided to name one of their settlements after her – “Tatsu hway.” Even today, when you’re hiking through the woods of Toxaway and catch a glimpse of red among the branches and hear an unmistakable series of tweets, or you’re lost in the sunlight shimmering on a lazy Lake Toxaway afternoon, you can’t help but be reminded of this relentlessly cheerful Daughter of the Sun.

Petit Knows Lake Toxaway

For Cindy Petit’s Petit Properties in Lake Toxaway, there is no substitute for a wise local broker armed with a deep knowledge of the possibilities. For more information, visit petitpropertieswnc.com or call (828) 553-1023.

Sophia Read and Cindy Petit

The real estate market is a shifting universe, and professionals like Cindy Petit know how to navigate it effectively. She is the owner and broker-in-charge of the Lake Toxaway office of Petit Properties. An additional office in Brevard is managed by Jake Raines, broker-in-charge. All total, there are six agents serving all of Western North Carolina.

“The staff is all native to Western North Carolina,” said Petit. “We were all born and raised in the area, so we know the area well and we take pride in that.” Brokers include Sophia Reed, Christy Voso, Candace Reese, and Hunter Reese. Petit Properties, which handles both commercial and residential sales, but no rentals, was founded in 2016 by Petit after she worked for other agencies. She said the move to open her own business “has been awesome,” adding, “Every year since 2016 we’ve doubled or tripled sales.” Petit is adamant about stressing the “we” of the Petit Properties team, explaining that the staff works together to help sellers and buyers navigate the everchanging landscape of the realty world. For example, since the market has of late been a seller’s market, a main tip offered to buyers is that they either need to have cash readily available or already be preapproved with a local lender. “When we hand a buyer over to a local lender, the buyer can be pre-qualified in 24 hours. If time is wasted, the property is gone.” Petit noted that more properties are coming on the market. “But who knows what the market will do. While the inventory is picking up, interest rates are increasing so we don’t know how that will affect things this spring and summer.”

One dilemma that her staff has been assisting sellers with is negotiation of additional time in their homes, 30-60 days, after they close – “so they can have cash in their hands to buy something else.” She continued, “Sellers are not going to take a house on a contingency right now. And that’s the case for all properties from $200,000 to $4 million.” For more information, visit petitpropertieswnc.com or call (828) 553-1023.

by Deena Bouknight

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The Root of the Matter

At Root 64 Fresh Market, located at 17750 Rosman Highway in Sapphire, the emphasis is on seasonal fruits and vegetables and healthy kitchen choices, all served up in the friendly ambience that’s the hallmark of Sapphire life.

Briony Le Roi-Crowe

Briony Le Roi-Crowe has embarked on a new and exciting venture. In April, she opened Root 64 Fresh Market next to the post office at Sapphire (that’s 17750 Rosman Highway for those of you not familiar with the area). “This is brand new for me,” said Le RoiCrowe, who “loves to cook and use fresh and local food as much as possible.” She added, “I managed retail businesses, and also a Publix for six years, so I gained experience in that realm. But because I’m so food conscious, I began to realize there are many things people grow and make, and they need an outlet to showcase and sell goods – besides at just the weekend markets.” She oversaw the renovation of a 2,500-square-foot building that includes a 12x16-foot walk-in cooler. On multiple “dry” shelves is offered everything from unique spice blends to handmade charcuterie boards, and inside the walk-in cooler are colorful, seasonal vegetables and fruit on display. “The produce will be constantly rotating based on seasonal selection,” said Le Roi-Crowe, “and we will sometimes have distinct items, such as blue potatoes.” Every item, including soaps, pickles, honey, meats, and more, will feature informational cards.

For example, the “impressive” raw honey selection is from the Lake Lure area as well as from South Carolina. “Each jar of honey includes the honeycomb, which is very medicinal,” said Le Roi-Crowe. All total, around 500 products from approximately 100 entities are showcased, including some fresh seafood from the Carolina and Georgia coasts. “We even have some apothecary items, such as natural toothpastes and deodorants, and we have home-baked dog treats,” she said. Even though Root 64 just opened, it’s already experiencing support from the general public and has piqued the interest of a few chefs and restaurant owners.

“It’s been amazing to see all the foot traffic, to take recommendations, and to hear encouragements,” she added. Le Roi-Crowe plans to post regularly on the Root 64 Fresh Market Facebook and Instagram sites to inform the public as to the availability of items and to showcase new products and suppliers.

by Deena Bouknight

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