L aURe L
The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau
High Style Fashion Show
Saturday, May 17
Going With the Flow
Cover Artist, Lindee Elliott
Publisher’s Note
Welcome to our May 2025 Issue!
If you’re an irredeemable Laurel nerd, you’ll notice that this edition is far fatter than our previous 22 May issues.
This is a point of pride for us, but it’s clearly evidence that Cashiers and Highlands (and all the little points across the Plateau) are revving up for the Busy Season even earlier than ever.
Join us as we introduce you to the personalities who animate this patch of paradise and look for the clear invitations to join in the dance.
And, always, look for us out there and tell us your story!
With appreciation, Janet and Marjorie
JANET CUMMINGS Managing Partner janet@thelaurelmagazine.com
MICHELLE MUNGER Art Director mungerclan5@aol.com
SARAH FIELDING Account Manager sarah@thelaurelmagazine.com
MARY ADAIR TRUMBLY Account Manager maryadiar@thelaurelmagazine.com
DONNA RHODES Writer dmrhodes847@gmail.com
MARJORIE N. DEAL Managing Partner marjorie@thelaurelmagazine.com
LUKE OSTEEN Editor / Writer luke@thelaurelmagazine.com
EMILY MUNGER Account Manager emily@thelaurelmagazine.com
MARY JANE MCCALL Writer mjmccall777@gmail.com
MARLENE OSTEEN Writer marlene.osteen@gmail.com
Contributing Writers: Stuart Ferguson, William McReynolds, Debbie Hall, and Deena Bouknight
Guest Writers: Jeanne Piazza, Sue Blair, David Stroud, Lance Hardin, Billy Love, Johanna Fein, Susan Gregory, Josh Bryson, Todd Holder, Anna Norton, Shelby Ward, Linda Kirkman, Danielle Hernandez, Dr. Kristin Lander, and Courtney Scarborough
Contributing Photographers: Susan Renfro, Mary Gillan Renfro, Greg Clarkson, Charles Johnson, Peter Ray, Terry Barnes, Ryan Karcher, and Colleen Kerrigan.
Copyright © 2025 by The Mountain Laurel, LLC. All rights reserved. Laurel Magazine is published eleven times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Laurel Magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel Magazine nor any of its staff is responsible for advertising errors, omissions, or information that has been misrepresented in or to the magazine. Any substantial errors that are the fault of the magazine will be subject to a reduction or reimbursement of the amounts paid by the advertiser, but in no case will any claim arising from such error exceed the amount paid for the advertisement by the advertiser. Visit us online thelaurelmagazine.com phone 828.526.0173 email info@thelaurelmagazine.com mail Post Office Box 565 Highlands, North Carolina 28741
WHAT TO DO Pages 14-83
May’s Delights
May arrives on the Plateau with sunshine and high spirits.
Welcome to the glorious month of May!
Just a few years ago, before Covid made everyone a little twitchy, I’d be stating that this is the month where we’d be welcoming our seasonal residents and the couples and families filling up our inns and B&Bs.
But those people have been filtering back to the HighlandsCashiers Plateau since the start of this year. This place has been jumping for a while now, and May is no longer the demarcation of The Busy Season.
In fact, the notion of an “Off Season” seems a bit quaint now, doesn’t it?
As evidence of us operating at full speed, I’d direct your attention to the twin Farmers’ Markets operating at full capacity right now –The Green Market at The Village Green Commons and Highlands Farmers Marketplace.
These are bursting with the products of local farms and fields, dotted with the fruits of the Plateau’s remarkably robust artistic community.
If Kelsey and Hutchinson’s vision of the Plateau becoming a major agricultural center seems a little nutty 150 year later, well, these people and their produce are irrefutable evidence that the two Founding Gentlemen weren’t just selling smoke.
Plus, visiting these markets is a dandy way to keep in touch with your neighbors and learn the pulse of the little communities that dot the Plateau.
Think of it, getting to know the farmers who’ve grown your food, really getting to know them in ways that are impossible anywhere else. Plus, crafts to make your daily routine easier and art to adorn your home. And a healthy dose of encouragement and gossip (come on, it’s the Plateau)!
What a deal!
In fact, this entire issue is infused with that spirit of neighborliness – take in Betty Holt’s account of growing up here, or my reflection on Donna and Stan Cochran’s Mirror Lake Antiques (marking 50 years “on the hill”).
Or, for a glance way, way back, there’s Deena Bouknight’s illuminating hike to White Rock and the enduring presence of trail-marking trees left to us by the Cherokee – signposts to water, hunting trails, or simply navigating rough terrain. A kindness passed to us through the centuries.
Well, our friend William McReynolds would now turn to the days of May that deserve our attention, and I would not presume to deviate from the wisdom of our in-house intellect and gold-standard writer:
May 3: International Lumpy Rug Day. I just wanted to type out
“International Lumpy Rug Day.” It turns out this is a day predicated upon two principles: First, we should appreciate a good, high-quality rug. Second, this holiday encourages us to examine our existing rugs. Are they in good shape? Or should we consider repairing or replacing them? Additionally, take a good look to see if it needs shampooing.
I’ll admit that I’m the last person you should turn to for advice on your home’s floor coverings, but this magazine is filled with supremely confident rug dealers and decorators and designers who can advise you on your lumpy rugs.
May 12: International Limerick Day. This celebrates the birth of Edward Lear, the father of the limerick as a form of poetry. Often a limerick will take a saucy turn in its final line, so I’m not sure if Marjorie will let this one appear in print, but its naughtiness is really subtle and perhaps I can link it to the Mountain Garden Club’s Plant Sale (May 24) and my earlier remarks about the Farmers’ Markets.
(If this column closes out with an awkward white space, you’ll know that Marjorie was not amused.)
“A gardener who loved to explore, Planted seeds with a naughty folklore. His veggies grew tall, And caused quite a brawl, When neighbors saw cucumbers galore!”
by Luke Osteen
Weekends of Live Music
Slip on your dancing shoes – Highlands’ Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine Outdoor Concert Series launch this month season’s official soundtrack. For more information, visit highlandschamber.org or call (828) 526-2112.
From May into September, the vibrant tunes of live music fill the air in downtown Highlands every Friday and Saturday night. Shows on both nights are free and take place from 6:00-8:30 P.M.
The 2025 season will kick off with a one-of-a-kind performance by Nashville Jukebox.
From ‘60s classics and ‘70s rock anthems to new wave gems and today’s biggest streaming hits, Nashville Jukebox delivers it all – because they’ve played it all. These aren’t just musicians covering songs; they’re seasoned pros who bring every note to life with the authenticity and skill of those who played them first.
The members of Nashville Jukebox are the best of the best, having played or recorded with legends spanning five decades, including Tom Jones, Al Green, Carrie Underwood, Wilco, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Kelly Clarkson, Roger McGuinn (The Byrds), Keb’ Mo’, Shania Twain, Steve Earle, Katy Perry, Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, Uncle Tupelo, The Verve Pipe, Jars of Clay, Lucinda Williams, Fitz and The Tantrums, and many more.
Friday Night Live showcases traditional mountain music and exceptional local talent on Main Street’s Town Square. The Friday night concerts are part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails
of North Carolina, an initiative of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership and the N.C. Arts Council that works to sustain the rich music traditions of the region.
The Friday Night Live season schedule is as follows:
May 16 – Doug Ramsey
May 23 – The Foxfire Boys
May 30 – Nick Chandler and Delivered
June 6 – The Foxfire Boys
June 13 – Southern Highland Band
June 20 – Curtis Blackwell & Dixie Bluegrass Boys
June 27 – Spare Parts Bluegrass Band
July 4 – Diverse Groove: Special holiday Friday concert in Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park
July 11 – Nitrograss
July 18 – Johnny Webb Band
July 25 – ABC Combo
August 1 – Ezra & Katie
August 8 – McClain Family Band
August 15 – Shawn Lane Trio, featuring Lane Brothers
August 22 – Spare Parts Bluegrass Band
August 29 – The Foxfire Boys
September 5 – Silly Ridge
September 12 – Johnny Webb Band
September 19 – Curtis Blackwell & Dixie Bluegrass Boys
September 26 – Nitrograss
Saturdays on Pine” features a variety of popular, regional bands and musicians at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.
The Saturdays on Pine season schedule is as follows:
May 10 – Nashville Jukebox
May 17 – Gotcha Groove (High Style event weekend)
May 24 – Mo Money
May 31 – The Holiday Band
June 7 – Peggy Ratusz
June 14 – Boogitherapi
June 21 – Spalding McIntosh & The LionHearts
July 5 – Silly Ridge: Special holiday Saturday Concert in Town Square
July 12 – Shane Meade & The Sound
July 19 – The Breakfast Club
July 26 – The Boomers
August 2 – High 5
August 9 – HC Oakes Band
August 30 – Southside Station
September 6 – The Parks Brothers
September 13 – Continental Divide
September 20 – Brandon Crocker Trio
September 27 – Shedhouse Trio with Darren Nicholson
The Outdoor Concert Series is made possible by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.
“Highlands thrives on the spirit of community, the rhythm of live music, and the breathtaking beauty of nature,” says Kaye McHan, Executive Director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.
“So, grab your lawn chair or blanket, pack a picnic, and come join us!”
There will not be a Chamber-presented concert on June 28, August 16 and August 23 due to other events being held at Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park.
by Johanna Fein, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC
Every Song’s a Story
Matt Rogers’ Orchard Session at The Farm at Old Edwards – set for Wednesday, May 21 – is the full flowering of this extraordinary country artist.
Orchard Sessions at The Farm at Old Edwards have always been about more than just music – they’re about stories that bloom between apple trees and mountain twilight.
And on Wednesday, May 21, Matt Rogers is about to plant a soundtrack that’ll grow roots in your soul.
Picture a voice that sounds like bourbon and broken promises. A songwriter who doesn’t just write songs but excavates entire landscapes of human emotion. Matt Rogers isn’t just a country artist – he’s a modern-day troubadour, stepping into the magical space where music transforms an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.
Fifteen songwriting awards don’t happen by accident. They happen when you’ve got something to say that cuts deeper than melody, that rings truer than radio-friendly choruses. His song “Coal” isn’t just a track – it’s an archaeology of experience, digging through layers of faith, heartbreak, and
hard-earned hope.
“There’s nothing like playing in front of a live audience,” Rogers says. “Their energy becomes my energy, and the connection is authentic.” And authentic? That’s the only currency Rogers trades in.
From Nashville songwriting circles to this intimate mountain stage, he’s carved a path that’s part troubadour, part truthteller. His album Coal isn’t just music – it’s a living, breathing document of what it means to be human in all its messy, magnificent complexity.
On this night, under the twilight canopy of The Farm at Old Edwards, Rogers will transform the Orchard Sessions into a cathedral of sound. From 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., with a cash bar flowing and complimentary light bites waiting, he’ll invite listeners into a world where every song is a story, and every story matters.
This isn’t just a concert. It’s a pilgrimage for music lovers, a
rare chance to witness an artist who doesn’t just perform but transforms. Orchard Sessions at The Farm at Old Edwards have become legendary for a reason – they’re where music becomes memory, where mountain air carries melody, and where every note feels like it was written just for you.
Grab a drink. Feel the mountain air. Let the music do the rest.
Tickets are $25 for Old Edwards Inn and Half-Mile Farm guests, $50 for everyone else – but really, the price of admission is just being willing to listen. All Orchard Sessions are open to the public. A cash bar and complimentary light bites round out the experience. For tickets and more information, visit oldedwardshospitality.com/ orchard-sessions.
by Marlene Osteen
Groovin’ on The Green
The Village Green is gearing up for its raucous 2025 Groovin’ on the Green season. It launches with The Corey Stevenson Band at 6:00 P.M. Friday, May 23.
Now that we’re at the start of what’s shaping up to be the Plateau’s busiest Busy Season, we’re all invited to enjoy the happy sounds of Groovin’ on the Green – a bangin’ summer-long jam that has visitors and locals swinging all season long to performances by some of the area’s most entertaining bands.
First up for the celebration that’ll stretch from May 23 until the end of August is the Corey Stevenson Band – sponsered by Laurel Magazine
Corey Stevenson is a singer songwriter that grew up in a small town called Man, West Virginia.
Corey started playing music at the age of nine, right after tragedy struck. Being into sports up until then, a hip injury made Corey unable to participate. His father bought a guitar for them to “jam together.”
As soon as Corey heard the sound of the guitar he knew what he wanted to do. He quickly picked up songs while listening to bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gov’t
Mule, and Allman Brothers. Corey played his first show at the age of 11 at a venue called The Coalfield Jamboree. Eventually he worked up the courage to pursue his actual dream – launching the Corey Stevenson Band and climbing to the top of several independent charts. He was nominated for Songwriter of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Song of the Year on the Josie Music Awards. Corey has opened up for acts such as Zach Myers, Bucky Covington, Big Smo, and The Kentucky Headhunters.“Everyone is invited to join us for these performances – if you’re inclined to kick up your heels, dancing is encouraged!” Ward says.
There’s also a hatful of rules to pay attention to:
• Rain or Shine, concerts will go on
• Concerts are held on select Fridays from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M.
• General admission is free and concerts are open to the public
• Donations are encouraged and accepted to support The Village Green
• Groovin’ is family-friendly and fun for all ages
• Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnics, however, local food and beverage businesses will be on site for purchase
• Dogs are welcome as long as they remain leashed and with their owners at all times
• A limited number of 10x10 tent rentals are available for purchase on The Village Green’s website: villagegreencashiersnc.com/concerts/. These tents will be set up on the Commons Lawn, providing a comfortable, shaded space to enjoy the show.
by Luke Osteen
A Round of A-Paws
Meeeeow! Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society’s Pawsitively Purrfect Party, set for June 16 at The Country Club of Sapphire Valley, is a howling good time. Tickets can be purchased online at chhumanesociety.org/gala or for more information, call (828) 743-5769.
After a five-year hiatus, last year the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society gala returned to The Country Club of Sapphire Valley with an appropriately-named event called “Coming Home.”
The evening was heartfelt, emotional, and most importantly, a successful fundraiser for the hundreds of animals we save and care for each year.
So, it’s no surprise that we are returning once again to share an evening with our friends and supporters at this beautiful country club located less than a mile down the road from our no-kill shelter.
In 2025, we are bringing back a muchbeloved theme for our event, one that was known for more than a decade at CCSV called Pawsitively Purrfect Party. Pawsitively Purrfect Party is Monday, June 16 at 5:00 P.M. at The Country Club of Sapphire Valley. The evening will feature a live and silent auction combined with a magnificent dinner and
beer, wine and spirits.
Live auction items include an unforgettable vacation in Sea Island, Georgia including tickets to the RSM Golf Classic, private dinner parties, an exclusive experience for 12 at the majestic Rockwood Lodge, a once-in-alifetime falconry experience, and much, much more.
And on the evening of June 16, we are also going to make an announcement about the largest project in the 38-year history of the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. This initiative will not only benefit the hundreds of animals we save and care for each year at our no-kill shelter – it will benefit all the animals in our community!
Pawsitively Purrfect Party is limited to just 200 guests. Tickets are $225 per person and tables of 10 can be reserved for $2,250. A portion of the ticket/table purchase is a generous, tax-deductible contribution to support our lifesaving
mission of rescue, spay/neuter and adoption, and community outreach programs such as humane education, summer camps, rabies vaccination clinics, and a free food pet pantry.
Tickets can be purchased online at chhumanesociety.org/gala or for more information, call (828) 743-5769. Please join us for this unforgettable and historic evening for the animals.
Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, one-and-a-half miles east of the Cashiers Ingles in between Cedar Creek Club and Lonesome Valley on Highway 64. 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
Nature Partners
The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and The Village Green’s Village Nature Series, exploring the wild lands and the wild things of the Plateau, launches this month.
The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is delighted to once again partner with the Village Green to provide the Village Nature lecture series in 2025.
And many thanks to the Cedar Creek Club for their continued sponsorship of the series!
On May 27 the series will feature Jennifer Bryson Bauer of Landslide Consultants for a discussion of “Landslides in WNC” with a focus on the types of landslides we see occurring in Western North Carolina, including stories from landslides triggered by Hurricane Helene.
On June 25, Callie D. Moore, Western Regional Director of MountainTrue, will present on “A Tale of Three Watersheds” to instruct about watersheds and about the three watersheds that drain the Cashiers area of the Highlands Plateau.
Joyce Pearson of Monarch Watch will present on July 30 regarding Monarch Butterfly Conservation in Western North Carolina, including pollinator waystations, habitat establishment, and restoration.
Bryan Heller of Piano Mountain will provide a treat on August 19 with “Experience the Mountains: The Four Seasons,” a live piano musical journey
through the four seasons of the North Carolina mountains, featuring all original video and music created, composed, and performed by Bryan Heller
On September 30, the series will conclude with Raven Sterling, the “Head Tree Hugger” at Raven Invasive Plant Management, for a presentation on “Mindful Management of Common Invasive Plants.” Raven will share successes in mechanical removal and management of common invasive plants.
For more information, please go to hcltnc.org.
by Lance Hardin, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust
Library’s Patchwork of Possibility
Gardening gatherings, mayoral meetings, movie matinees, and book bonanzas – the twin Plateau libraries are primed for a busy season.
Gardens, gadgets, mayors, movies, and more – this May, the Plateau’s libraries are turning up the volume with hands-on workshops, community events, and a summer of learning just around the corner.
At Hudson Library in Highlands, May brings a fresh lineup of events that celebrate community and connection. Start the month with a cup of conversation at Community Coffee with Mayor Patrick Taylor on May 16 at 11:00 AM. It’s a relaxed and informal chance to ask questions, share ideas, and hear what’s brewing around town.
Film lovers, mark your calendar for May 21 at 2:00 P.M., when the library hosts a free screening of Thelma, the 2023 dark comedy that follows a 93-year-old on an unexpected vigilante mission.
For hands-on help, Tech Time continues May 14 and 28, offering personalized assistance for everything from app
downloads to email mishaps.
Families can count on the regular rhythm of Family Storytime every Thursday at 10:40 AM, followed by Kids Zone at 3:30 PM, where books, crafts, and hands-on fun await.
Over in Cashiers, the Blue Ridge Garden Quest continues at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library with sessions on May 2, 16, and 30, led by seasoned horticulturist Kenda Woodburn.
This isn’t your average garden club. With the highest mountain peaks in the East and more rainfall than any region this side of the Rockies, the Plateau presents unique challenges – and rewards – for growers. Woodburn, who grew her first garden in Jackson County and went on to earn horticulture degrees from Clemson and the University of Florida, brings decades of expertise. She’s helped develop over 40 fruit cultivars and served as a horticulture educator across the Southeast.
This deep dive into mountain gardening explores everything from rainfall patterns to heirloom vegetables – perfect for anyone who’s ever tried (and maybe failed) to grow a tomato at 3500 feet.
And at both libraries anticipation is growing for the Summer Learning Program, which opens for registration in mid-May.
This year’s theme – Color Our World – promises a season of vibrant, crosscultural programming for readers of all ages. Expect hands-on projects, creative challenges and plenty of ways to stay engaged as school lets out and summer kicks in.
From tech help to heirloom tomatoes, movie afternoons to rainbow reading lists, the libraries in Highlands and Cashiers are offering a May full of discovery, creativity, and connection. Step inside –there’s something new every week.
by Marlene Osteen
Fresh From Our Farmers
The Green Market at The Village Green Commons, Wednesdays from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.; and Highlands Farmers Marketplace from 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Saturdays at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park.
Spring has sprung, summer is right around the corner, and we’re all celebrating the season’s rich promises.
For many of us that includes seeking the freshest ingredients for our lighter summer menus and here on the Plateau we are fortunate to have two farmers’ markets for our shopping pleasure.
Farm-to-table freshness is at our fingertips thanks to The Green Market-Locally Grown on The Green, Cashiers’ farm stand and local market that is held every Wednesday from 11:00 A.M.until 3:00 P.M. under the outdoor pavilion at the Village Green Commons, and the Highlands Marketplace every Saturday morning at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park from 8:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M.
Local farmers and purveyors of artisanal food and wellness products gather here under colorful tents selling
the bounty of the season. Fresh produce of every imaginable kind can be found here on any given week. Tomatoes, corn, green beans, peppers, onions, squashes, and lettuces of every type offer you a chance to prepare the ultimate farm-to-table meal.
Fresh produce of every imaginable kind can be found here on any given week.
Farm-raised meats are also available, as are more exotic food items such as locally foraged mushrooms. It’s a delight to discover all that awaits you at these markets.
You’ll also find fresh eggs, homemade breads, pastries, pies, quiches, jams, honey, jellies, relishes, and dips, just to mention a few of the many delicious
items available. Your options are limitless so take your time to savor the selections. It’s a new and different delight every week so visit weekly to find the best of what’s in season.
There are often local craft items available for sale here, too – as well as plants and flowers. These markets offer just what you need to bring spring beauty into your homes.
Both markets are conveniently located in the center of their communities, so getting there is easy and free parking is plentiful. They offer the perfect stress-free shopping environment so stop into one or both today and up your culinary game. Quality ingredients make for sumptuous meals. Buying local has never been easier.
by Luke Osteen
Pop-up Pipers
Starting May 3, The PopUp Pipers will pipe up throughout Highlands in a series of unexpected performances.
Get ready for a delightful surprise as the stirring sounds of bagpipes fill the air in downtown Highlands. This spring through fall, visitors and locals alike can experience the magic of pop-up bagpipe performances, presented by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce.
This spring through fall, visitors and locals alike can experience the magic of pop-up bagpipe performances.
Morris, the talented musicians behind Highlands Bagpipers, these performances celebrate the region’s rich Scottish and Irish heritage. They pay tribute to the early settlers and laborers who helped shape Highlands’ cultural fabric while also honoring
moment,” says Kaye McHan, executive director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.
For more information go to visithighlandsnc.com or call (828) 526-2112.
The Pop-Up Pipers will appear in unexpected locations throughout downtown Highlands on select Saturdays from 4:30 to 5:00 P.M. Keep an ear out on the following dates: May 3, June 7, July 12, August 2, September 6, and October 4, but exactly where they’ll play remains a mystery, adding an element of spontaneous joy to each performance. Featuring Margaret Tooke and Glenn
the town’s longstanding reputation as a haven for artists and musicians.
“Whether you’ve called Highlands home for years or you’re just visiting for the day, these pop-up performances are sure to bring a smile and create a memorable
by Johanna Fein, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit
Highlands, NC
The Pop-Up Pipers will appear in unexpected locations throughout downtown Highlands on select Saturdays from 4:30 to 5:00 P.M.
Scan to learn more.
Bingo Bliss
It’s an evening of fellowship, a series of games built upon luck and skill, and a boost to the fortunes of The Counseling Center of Highlands –Highlands Rotary’s Epic Evening of Bingo, Thursday, May 22, at the Community Building.
Are you ready to connect with Bingo Bliss? It’s a fabulous way to Spring into community interaction. Support the efforts of Highlands Rotary with a Bingo bonanza.
Groups look forward annually to raising funds for worthy causes. They, in turn, help the Rotary mission: We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
If you haven’t already, get your pencils (or your iPhone) and make note of the following dates, starting with an evening benefiting The Counseling Center of Highlands, from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. Thursday, May 22.
The Counseling Center has office locations in Highlands and Cashiers and offers individual counseling for children,
teens and adults, couples and family therapy all regardless of financial ability as fees are based on a sliding scale fee.
If you’d like to find out more about the Counseling Center and its services, email info@counseling-center.org or call (864) 481-0598.
All 2025 Highlands Rotary Bingo Nights
…offers individual counseling for children, teens and adults, couples and family therapy…
are held at the Community Building, 869 N. 4th Street at 6:30-8:30 P.M.
Here are the dates for the remainder of the year:
Gordon Child Care Center:
Thursday, June 26.
Scaly Mountain Women’s Club: Thursday, July 24.
Highlands School Athletic Booster Club: Friday, August 22.
Scaly Mountain Historical Society: Thursday, September 25.
Wreaths Across America: Thursday, October 9.
Why Us Kids: Thursday, November 13.
Shop with a Cop: Thursday, December 18.
For more information, contact rbax47@gmail.com.
by Donna Rhodes photo by Susan Renfro
A High Style Affair
High Style: A Celebration of Art, Cuisine, Fashion & Music elevates the culture of the entire Plateau with music and art and a playful fashion sense – Saturday, May 17.
Get ready for a day of creativity, elegance, and entertainment as High Style: A Celebration of Art, Cuisine, Fashion & Music returns to Highlands on Saturday, May 17.
Hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, this highly anticipated event promises an unforgettable experience, blending interactive art demonstrations, live music, culinary delights, high fashion, and more – all set against the stunning backdrop of the Highlands Plateau.
“Last year’s inaugural High Style event was a tremendous success, engaging attendees with an exciting mix of experiences,” says Kaye McHan, Executive Director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. “This year, we’re bringing back favorites such as our fashion show and educational sessions and introducing fresh locations and artisans to make it even more inspiring.”
The schedule is as follows:
10:00 A.M.
High Style Fashion Show
The Bascom | 323 Franklin Road
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this stylish affair in the heart of the Highlands. Whether you are a fashion enthusiast, a trendsetter, or simply looking for entertainment, the High Style Fashion Show, presented by Laurel Magazine, at the Bascom promises an unforgettable experience for all. Free to attend. Cost: $25 for VIP seating. Read more on page 174.
11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Music – Lisa Rankin
Art Highlands Gallery | 521 N. 4th Street
Music – Young Mountain Magic
Town Square | 341 Main Street
Jewelry Making Demonstration –
Marci Sherwood of Isabelle Ambrose
Village Square | 210 N. 5th Street
Music – Byrds & Crow
Village Square | 210 N. 5th Street
Live Painting – Pauline Marr
Highlands Wine Shoppe | 269 Oak Street
Music – Charles Wood
Highlands Wine Shoppe | 269 Oak Street
Music – Ezra and Katie
Oak Square | 210 Main Street
2:30 to 4:00 P.M.
Cocktail Class
The Stubborn Bull | 445 N. 4th Street | Cost: $39
2:30 to 4:30 P.M.
Metal Art Demonstration – William Rogers
Art Highlands Gallery | 521 N. 4th Street
Music - Kettle
Village Square | 210 N. 5th Street
Lisa Rankin
Music – FoxFire Boys
Highlands Wine Shoppe | 269 Oak Street
Live Painting – Cath Connelly Hudson
Highlands Wine Shoppe | 269 Oak Street
Music – Zorki
Town Square | 341 Main Street
Music - Chip Hutchison
Oak Square | 210 Main Street
3:00 to 5:00 P.M.
Charcuterie Board Class – Chef Suzanne Young Bespoke Design Collaborative | 345A Main Street
Cost: $75
6:00 to 8:30 P.M.
Saturdays on Pine Outdoor Concert – Gotcha Groove Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park | 411-499 Pine Street
For more information about High Style call (828) 526-2112. Tickets for fee-based events are available at highlandschamber.org/high-style.
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC was formed in 1931 to serve as the voice of business, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce has grown to provide services and support to businesses, residents and visitors. Hosting various events and programs throughout the year, including the Plateau Pick-Up, Leadership Highlands, Business After Hours, Outdoor Concert Series, and July 4th Fireworks and an array of holiday and winter festivities, the Chamber strives to make Highlands a better place to live, visit and conduct business.
Marci Sherwood
Where Beauty Takes to the Road
Highlands Motoring Festival revs up for its 18th year – June 12-15. It’s free to the public, but donations are welcome. To volunteer or for more information, visit the festival’s website at HighlandsMotoringFestival.com.
America’s love affair with all things automotive finds its full expression with Highlands Motoring Festival, set for June 12-15.
Voted Best Concours by Classic Motorsports Magazine in 2019, it’s one of the South’s most esteemed automotive events.
The festivities kick off on Thursday and continue with full throttle excitement until Sunday. Highlights of the weekend are four exhilarating driving tours, designated as technical rallies designed to give drivers a chance to experience the mountains, and the Friday evening’s Main Street Parade, which historically includes 100 mostly antique and show cars.
Packed into the weekend fundraising event to benefit Literacy and Learning Center of Highlands, REACH of Macon County, and the Community Care Clinic of Highlands and Cashiers is everything from a car show to motoring opportunities to silent and live auctions.
The event attracts local residents and visitors alike; in fact, the Motoring Festival is on the radar of automobile aficionados from throughout the United States and even from other countries.
Participants will find One Lap of the Mountains Driving Events – an exhilerating tour of the winding, scenic roads of Western North Carolina mountains. There’ll be two tour groups daily, with a longer, more spirited drive on Thursday and the shorter, more casual paced drive on Friday.
The centerpiece event of the festival is Saturday’s concours level judged showing of invited classics – Classics in the Park Invitational. The 2025 featured theme is “The Cars of Enzo Ferrari.” This event is free for both spectators and participants, but donations are appreciated.
During Saturday evening’s Motoring Gala, ticket holders can dine with old and new friends at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. They’ll be treated to tales of classic automobiles from the
festival’s Grand Marshall, Corky Coker. The evening will also include silent and live auctions.
Here’s the complete weekend schedule:
Thursday, June 12
“One Lap of the Mountains Grande Driving Tour; 8:15 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Friday, June 13
One Lap of the Mountains Speciale Driving Tour; 8:15 A.M. to 4:15 P.M.
Main Street Parade of Classic Cars; 5:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.
Saturday, June 14
Classics in the Park Judged Car Show in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park; 9:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Motoring Gala at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club; 6:00 to 9:00 P.M.
Sunday, June 15, 2025
High Octane Social and Car Gathering in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park; 8:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.
For full details, visit HighlandsMotoringFestival.com.
Highlands Volunteer Fair
Find your bliss, make a difference – join your neighbors June 12 at Highlands Community Center for Highlands Volunteer Fair. For more information, visit highlandschamber.org or call (828) 526-5841.
Want to make a difference in your community? The Highlands Volunteer Fair is your opportunity to explore meaningful ways to give back. Join us on Thursday, June 12, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Highlands Community Center (869 N. 4th Street) to connect with local nonprofits and find the perfect volunteer opportunity.
Hosted by The Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, this free, drop-in event allows attendees to meet representatives from a variety of organizations, ask questions, and discover how their time and talents can make an impact. Whether you’re looking for a one-time commitment or an ongoing role, there’s something for everyone. No registration is required. Light refreshments will be served.
Last year, the event welcomed a diverse
lineup of participating nonprofits, including: Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Bookworm, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society, the Center for Life Enrichment, Highlands Biological Station, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, Highlands Cashiers Land Trust, Highlands Cashiers Players, Highlands Historical
Company, Pisgah Legal and REACH of Macon County.
…The Highlands Volunteer Fair is your opportunity to explore meaningful ways to give back…
Society, Highlands Mountaintop Rotary, Highlands Performing Arts Center, Highlands Volunteer Fire Department, Highlands Welcome Center, Hudson Library, International Friendship Center, Macon Literacy Council, The Mountain, Mountain Findings, Mountain Theatre
“Volunteers are the heart of our community, and their contributions make Highlands a better place for everyone,” says Kaye McHan, Executive Director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. “Whether you’re passionate about education, the arts, environmental conservation, or social services, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful impact.”
by
Johanna Fein, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC
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Highlands’ 150th Birthday
It’s a big year for Highlands, and it launches with a party on May 24 at the Historical Village, 524 North 4th Street.
The Prince House, 1943
In celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Highlands. the Highlands Historical Society will host its Season Opening event on Saturday, May 24, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Historical Village in Highlands.
Though the day will feature many fun activities, the centerpiece of the day will be a new audio tour of the Prince House, Highlands’ oldest surviving residence.
Built in 1877 – just two years after the Town’s founding – the Prince House is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been open for docent-led tours since 2002.
This year, the Historical Society has created a new QR-Code based audio tour to supplement the information that docents typically provide. The focus of the new tour is the time period that Elizabeth “Lizzie” Wright Prince ran her home as a boardinghouse which spanned
from 1935 to 1967.
The tour will allow visitors to use their own smartphones to access audio describing Lizzie’s use of the home as they walk from room to room through the Prince House.
Included with this exhibit is the beautiful new painting of the Prince House by artist Paul Arsenault, who will be presenting an art demonstration in real-time, during the day of the Season Opening which will depict his unique artistic style and love for historical subjects.
The Season Opening event includes many other exciting attractions for attendees. Local favorites Laney and Bishop, with Charles Wood, will provide their unique musical sounds that resonate from the past to the present.
Speaking of the past, several different local actors portraying the “ghosts” of Highlanders past will enthrall visitors with their stories from early Highlands.
Historical figures such as Helen Wright, Samuel Kelsey, Dr. Mary Lapham and Lizzie Prince will be scattered throughout the Historical Village to regale visitors with their personal histories - embellished or otherwise.
No Highlands event is complete without food, and this one should not disappoint. Beginning at 11:30 P.M., there will be free hot dogs, drinks, ice cream and popcorn while it all lasts. The Center for Life Enrichment will also be on hand to promote their calendar of educational events that will be held during the summer.
by Tracy Foor, Highlands Historical Society
MGC’s Annual Plant Sale
Local gardens and landscapes (and the people who cherish them) have cast their hopeful gaze toward the Mountain Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale, May 24 at the Highlands Ball Field.
Calling all gardeners from the casual weekend warrior to the ones whose beautiful gardens and landscapes are the envy of the neighborhood to the Mountain Garden Club’s annual plant sale on Saturday, May 24, from 9:00 A.M. until Noon at the Highlands Ball Field on the corner of Highway 64 and Hickory Street.
This eagerly anticipated plant sale offers you the chance to purchase plants grown by some of the most accomplished gardeners on the Plateau.
The plants here have all been lovingly cultivated in native soil and are plants that thrive in our area, so they are ideally suited to our unique ecosystem. These acclimated plants will grow and thrive for years to come. The guesswork has been taken out of the equation of whether it will grow and
thrive here. This is where your brown thumb turns green.
There will be as many as 40 different types of plants, from those that attract pollinators such as bee balm, astilbe, and clematis, to the always popular hosta in its many varieties, cinnamon ferns, creeping jenny, coneflower, bleeding heart, forsythia, iris, daylily, and many other offerings, including dahlia bulbs.
If you’ve admired a plant in any local garden, you’ll most likely be able to purchase it here and have a chance to chat with the gardeners who have lovingly tended to those plants from seedling to sale. First-hand growing suggestions and advice from the experts make this sale so special. Remember that the only bad question is one that you don’t ask so use this opportunity to consult the experts.
There is something so satisfying about getting your hands dirty and tilling the soil, bringing beauty to your yard and landscape. Buy your plants here and join the community of your fellow gardeners who work so hard to share the bounty of their knowledge and hard work.
This year you will also have a silent auction for fabulous items donated by local merchants and restaurants. All proceeds from the sale and silent auction are used for scholarships for local students, maintenance of the Highlands School garden, the Historical Jail premises, and the Eckerd Center Garden, as well as for other community projects
Be prepared to come early as the sale is extremely popular and long lines form quickly. Cash or check only, please. by
Mary Jane McCall
A Program for Every Interest
Small Plates, Spirits, Spies and Shells – it’s the Age of Enlightenment at the Center for Life Enrichment.
Carlton Chamblin
Thomas J. Hofer
From innovative culinary experiences, enlightening lectures, and imaginative art workshops, the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment has a program for every interest!
On Wednesday, May 28, CLE is thrilled to once again partner with The Stubborn Bull and mixologist Carlton Chamblin for “Around the World in Five Small Plates and Spirit Pairings,” an exclusive culinary and cocktail experience. Participants will delight in tasting five, internationally inspired small plates prepared by Head Chef Gustavo Villota, along with five gourmet cocktail pairings handcrafted by CLE’s favorite mixologist and Farm2Cocktail founder, Carlton Chamblin.
This event will take place while the Stubborn Bull is closed, allowing for an intimate tasting experience and discussions about the cuisine.
For anyone who’s intrigued by espionage or wonders what it takes to be a spy, CLE will host two illuminating lectures presented by retired CIA and US Army Intelligence professional Thomas J. Hofer.
On Wednesday, June 4 from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M., Hofer will present “A Spy’s Journey: A Short Course in Recruiting Spies to Steal Secrets.” Featuring highlights from his 40 years as an intelligence professional, Hofer will dispel many myths about espionage, as well as discuss the psychological profiling used to assess and develop a potential agent.
On Thursday, June 5, Hofer will present “CIA and KGB: From Cold War to Counterterrorism.” He will trace the history of the CIA and KGB from the 1960s to the present, highlight the successes and failures of each intelligence service, and examine the evolution of the CIA as it pivoted from its Cold War activities to Counterterrorism. Those with a creative flair are encour-
aged to join artist Cindy Guinn for her two hands-on art workshops. In “Not Your Ordinary Greeting Cards” on Wednesday, June 11, Guinn will teach a variety of techniques such as printmaking, collage, and multimedia, to create stunning, one-of-a-kind, handmade greeting cards with matching envelopes.
On Thursday, June 12, she will lead “A Shell-A-Bration Art Workshop.” Participants will learn to decorate beautiful shells, which can be used as jewelry dishes, bottle decorations, or even ornaments. No art experience is needed, and all materials will be provided for these workshops.
For more information on program times, pricing, registration, or membership, please visit www.clehighlands.com, call (828) 526-8811, or email office@ clehighlands.com. by Audra Bullard, Center for Life Enrichment
Celebrating Our Children
Kids and the people who love them are invited to dive into Dia del Niño, June 7 at Cashiers-Glenville Recreation Center.
Día del Niño, a beloved and culturally inclusive celebration, returns to Cashiers on June 7.
Held from Noon to 3:00 P.M. at the Cashiers-Glenville Recreation Center ball field, this vibrant event honors children of all backgrounds with an afternoon of joy, community, and connection.
Entirely free to attend, the celebration features music, games, crafts, food, and interactive activities – offering something for every child and family.
This collaborative community effort brings together local organizations, volunteers, and partners to create a welcoming space where every child feels seen, celebrated, and supported.
All are welcome – come share in the fun!
by
Danielle Hernandez, Big Brothers Big Sisters
Fishing for Fun and Funding
The Three River Fly Fishing Festival returns on May 1-3, offering anglers from near and far an opportunity to enjoy a weekend of fly fishing fun and camaraderie.
The 14th annual Three River Fly Fishing Festival returns May 1-3, offering anglers from near and far an opportunity to enjoy a weekend of fly-fishing fun and camaraderie. This fundraiser for the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund offers men and women of all ages the chance to fish our miles of beautiful streams and rivers while raising money for a worthwhile cause.
Festivities begin on Thursday evening May 1, with an opening night reception hosted by Old Edwards Inn and open to all registered anglers, their guests, and the sponsors.
You’ll enjoy eating, drinking, and being merry with your fellow anglers while reviewing event rules, gathering free merchandise, and learning about prizes. Expect to swap a few fish tales and hear more than a few stories of whoppers caught and the ones that got away.
Teams of two start fishing on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, from 7:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. on local waters. Each team must catch trout from the three types of rivers in our area: delayed harvest, hatchery-supported, and native.
…the chance to fish our miles of beautiful streams and rivers while raising money for a worthwhile cause.
There are more than 2,000 miles of trout streams within an hour and a half of Highlands so teams will be fishing on some of the finest waters in America. Teams can be guided or self-guided and the Highland Hiker can help with guiding arrangements if needed.
This year’s closing party will be on Saturday, May 3, at 6:00 P.M. at a private
home. Tired but happy participants will be treated to grilled steaks and an open bar, a fitting end to two glorious days on the river. Category winners will be announced and there will be a live auction, silent auction, and raffle drawing. Items to be won or bid on will include fly rods, reels, fishing adventures, a weekend getaway to Rockwood Lodge, and a fishing kayak donated by Big Adventures.
Entry fees are $500 per team. For more information, to register a team or to become a sponsor contact Chris Wilkes at chris @highland hiker.com, or by calling (828) 526-0441.
One hundred percent of funds go to the Scholarship Fund so go fish for education. by Mary Jane McCall Scan to learn more.
Your Connection is Here
The Volunteer & Community Resources Expo, set for 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Wednesday June 11 at Cashiers-Glenville Recreation Center (355 Frank Allen Road) is a perfect introduction to the community’s needs for those with time, talents, and deep pools of compassion.
“Looking for your niche, trying to Get Connected? We’ve got the perfect event for you,” says Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Danielle Hernandez, who’s shepherding the Volunteer & Community Resources Expo, Wednesday, June 11, at CashiersGlenville Recreation Center.
The Volunteer & Community Resources Expo is a one-day event to connect individuals with local nonprofits, civic groups, and support services.
Created to foster deeper community bonds, the Expo serves as a gateway for full-time and seasonal residents to discover how they can give back and get involved. Whether searching for a volunteer opportunity, supporting a cause, or seeking services for yourself or a loved one, the Expo brings the best of our region’s compassion under
one roof. Be inspired by the power of people coming together to uplift and serve.
“Volunteers are the salt of the earth” says Danielle. “Your gift of time provides opportunities to our communities which help fill needs, provide support and create relationships between services and people. Not only is your community
The Volunteer & Community Resources Expo is a one-day event to connect individuals with local nonprofits, civic groups, and support services.
benefitting from your service, but volunteers also gain as much, if not more, from their generosity - Connecting with new community members; volunteering combats stress, anger and anxiety; provides a sense of purpose, and makes
your heart smile like never before.
“This free event is open to the general public from Cashiers and Highlands, Macon County, Jackson County, and other neighboring counties. If you’re seeking to donate your most precious gift – your time – folks are ready to share ways you can get involved!”
The Expo is sponsored by First Citizens Bank (Premier Sponsor), Albert Carlton Cashiers-Community Library, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Cashiers Area Chamber, and The Village Green. For more information, visit cashiersareachamber.com.
by Luke Osteen
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Age is Just a Number
Highlands Cashiers Players’ Social Security takes pokes at generations trying to comprehend one another while navigating the twists and turns of romance.
Front row, left to right: Donna Cochran, Lorine Spencer, Cathy Myers, David Spivey, and Jane Pleasants; Second row, left to right: Emily Wright, April Getz, and Ricky Siegel. Not pictured: Matthew Eberz
Highlands Cashiers Players continues their 30th season with Social Security opening Thursday, May 15 at the Martin Lipscomb Theater at the Highlands PAC and continuing through Sunday, May 25 with shows Thursday through Sunday. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows are at 7:00 P.M. and Sunday shows are 2:00 P.M. matinees. Following the opening night performance on May 15, a complimentary wine and light bites reception will be held for all attendees.
Veteran HCP director Donna Cochran is directing Social Security and describes the play by Andrew Bergman as a “thought-provoking look at intergenerational relationships-the good and the bad, the give and the take.”
Set in the 1980s, this delightful play revolves around the lives of a sophisticated Manhattan art gallery couple, Barbara and David Kahn. Their orderly
existence is thrown into chaos when Barbara’s suburban sister, Trudy, and her husband, Martin, unexpectedly drop off their cantankerous and feisty mother, Sophie, at their apartment.
As Sophie adjusts to city life, she is introduced to Maurice (loosely based on famous Jewish artist Marc Chagall), a charming elderly artist, who- brings out Sophie’s surprising romantic side. Meanwhile, family tensions bubble up, secrets emerge, and the characters navigate generational clashes with humor and heart. The play cleverly explores family dynamics, marriage, aging, and unexpected love.
The gifted cast for the HCP production of the Social Security includes April Getz who appeared in last years hit Always A Bridesmaid as Sedalia Ellicott. Ricky Siegel, popular HCP actor and director, brings his talent to the role of Barbara’s husband,
David. Lorine Spencer, whom theater goers will remember as Libby Ruth in Always a Bridesmaid is cast as Barbara’s sister Trudy. Her accountant husband Martin will be played by veteran actor David Spivey. Emily Wright, who has previously appeared for HCP in Savannah Sipping Society and Yesterday, takes on the role of Barbara and Trudy’s mother, Sophie. Matthew Eberz rounds out the cast as Sophie’s love interest, artist Maurice. Cathy Myers is the assistant director and Jayne Pleasants is the line coach.
With this talented cast and the play’s relatable family conflicts, and warmhearted resolution, HCP’s Social Security is a must see on the Plateau’s art scene this May.
Tickets are available at HighlandsCashiersPlayers.com or the PAC Box Office at (828) 526-9047. by Mary Jane McCall
Fun with Purpose
Children, parents, grandparents, and everyone who loves our Plateau kids are invited to join the fun at the Boys & Girls Club’s May Fest,
The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau will be hosting its free May Fest at the Club’s headquarters on Frank Allen Road in Cashiers on Saturday, May 3, from Noon to 3:00 P.M.
May Fest is a complimentary event for all community members organized by the club to express gratitude to the community for its ongoing support and involvement.
Nearly 40 local nonprofits and businesses will join as participants, offering engaging educational activities centered around the theme “Fun with Purpose.”
Attendees can look forward to a special guest appearance from MAMA the helicopter, the Jackson County SWAT team, and even llamas! With delicious food and live music, this event promises to be enjoyable for all.
This vibrant club serves 560 members from Cashiers and Highlands. It provides a welcoming space where
Saturday, May 3, on Frank Allen Road in Cashiers.
members can connect with peers and receive support from staff while engaging in physical activities, art projects, and learning about science, technology, and healthy eating. Along with offering after-school programs, the Boys & Girls Club also offers a nine-week all-day summer program.
Thanks to the strong support from the community, this year marks the first time the Boys & Girls Club has been able to announce free membership for both the after-school program and the Summer Camp program.
The Summer Camp program will run from Tuesday, June 10, to Friday, August 8. Registration for Summer Camp is now open for all three locations: the Cashiers Club, The Highlands Club, and the Abell Teen Club.
If you would like to learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, visit bgcplateau.org or, of course, make a
point to join the fun at May Fest.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau (BGCP) serves youth from kindergarten through 12th grade in the Cashiers and Highlands communities. BGCP is nationally recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America as one of the top 20 Clubs out of 5,200 in the country.
The club offers a wide range of programs focusing on academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles. BGCP is committed to ensuring that all children, especially those who need it most, have access to a safe and supportive environment after school and during the summer months.
For more information, please contact Carmen Waite, at (828) 743-2775 or via email at carmen@bgcplateau.org. Visit our website at bgcplateau.org.
by Kayla Deaton, Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau
Memorial Day Ceremony
Highlands American Legion Post 370 will conduct a Memorial Day Event on Monday, May 26, at 10:00 A.M. at Veterans Plaza in Highlands. It’s the central date on an event-filled Legion calendar.
The public is invited to join Highlands American Legion Post 370 for their annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans Plaza in front of the Highlands Police Department on Monday, May 26, at 10:00 A.M. This moving ceremony is a fitting tribute honoring fallen veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The Veterans Plaza includes “Honor Walk” where memorial bricks honor several hundred veterans. New bricks are dedicated during the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies.
The Highlands American Legion Post 370 is dedicated to supporting veterans through their innovative activities, services, and programs, providing assistance and a sense of belonging and community crucial to veteran’s well-being.
In addition to this annual Memorial
Day ceremony, this active Post offers a year-round schedule of ceremonies and events honoring past and present veterans including:
The Four Chaplains Ceremony at Veterans Plaza in February;
Observance of Vietnam Veterans Day in March;
Observance of Poppy Day in May by placing flags on veteran’s graves;
Supporting the Highlands Motoring Festival in June;
Flag Day Celebration at Eckerd Living Center in June;
Flags placed on Veteran’s Graves in observance of Independence Day in July;
Participation in the Mountaintop Art & Craft Show in August;
Veterans Day observance by placing flags on Veteran’s graves in November; Support Wreaths Across America by
placing wreaths on veterans’ graves; Participation in the Highlands Christmas Parade in December; And presentation of Patriotic quilts provided by Kate Shaw and Mountain Valley Quilters.
They also sponsor a program called Visit-A-Vet. This committee started by Chip Snyder and Jim Grantham has a different mission from Plateau Warriors in that it is an ongoing visitation program at the Chestnut Hill and Eckerd Living Center facilities.
If you are interested in supporting the American Legion or veterans causes in the Highlands area, please email ncpost370@gmail.com for more information.
by Mary Jane McCall
Five Bam One Crack
Experienced Mahjongg players are invited to test their battle-sharpened skills and instincts when the Friends of Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library stage their Afternoon of Mahjongg and Mimosas at the Village Green’s Lewis Hall on June 24. For more information and to register, visit Cashiersfriends.com
On June 24 in Lewis Hall at the Village Green, there will be a clicking of tiles, voices saying, “five bam, one crack” followed by “Mahjongg!”
Those who have played this ancient Chinese game will know Mahjongg is being played!
The Friends of the Albert CarltonCommunity Library is hosting An Afternoon of Mahjongg and Mimosas on June 24, with all the proceeds benefitting the library.
This fundraising event is a first-of-itskind for the Cashiers Library. Co-chairs Chris Jefferson and Candy Sommer decided it would be a perfect event as Mahjongg is played at the Library on Monday afternoon year-round.
Candy Sommer emphasizes, “This event is not a tournament. It is just what the name implies – an afternoon of mahjongg. To start the event on a
festive note, all players will be offered a mimosa or other festive beverage upon arrival. The Village Green is the perfect venue to hold this event and we have lots of fun activities planned. We are certain the attendees will enjoy the afternoon.”
Players can choose to register as a table of four players or as an individual. Individuals will be seated at a table with other experienced players.
Individuals and table of four hosts can register to play at cashiersfriends.com/ mm-registration.html.
Refreshments and snacks will be available throughout the afternoon. There will be prizes for winning hands and a prize for a guest who can correctly answer true/false questions about our library. Additionally, there will be raffle and auction items donated by local stores and businesses.
Chris Jefferson notes that sponsorship efforts have been very successful.
She explains, “When asking for sponsorship money, I heard ‘of course!’ rather than ‘no.’ Candy and I are so grateful to have received philanthropic support from generous friends and library supporters.”
Many people are unaware that the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library is a public-private partnership. While the salaries and building maintenance are paid by Jackson County, the books, services and supplies are made possible through philanthropic funding.
Event details: An Afternoon of Mahjongg and Mimosas, will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 24, at Lewis Hall at the Village Green. There will be refreshments, snacks, prizes, and gifts. Doors open at 12:30. Tickets are $60 for individuals, and $200 for a table of four. We will not be able to have beginners at this event -- experienced players only. Reservations will be held at the door.
Experience Extraordinary Art
Mountaintop Rotary’s Art and Craft shows are entering their 20th season and show no signs of slowing down.
Mountaintop Rotary’s Art and Craft Show celebrates its 20th anniversary with shows on June 28 and 29 and again on August 23 and 24 at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Pine Street in Highlands.
Twenty years and going strong! This respected show gets better every year, this year drawing over 120 of the most respected and sought-after artisans from throughout the southeast and beyond.
One of the ways in which this show ensures that it stands out from others is that artisans are selected after a rigorous application process. They must submit applications that include photos of their work, a description of their mediums, and a brief resume. This ensures that the caliber of work is top-notch and that the variety available is varied enough so that there truly is something for everyone.
Arts and crafts are the stars of the show but this event is so much more as it buzzes with the energy of a joyous street fair bringing the community and visitors of all ages together for 2 days of fun, festivities, and entertainment.
Of course, there will be live music. This year The Laurel will have their traveling photo booth on site so festival goers can clown around and take their pictures behind a giant frame fashioned to look like the cover of The Laurel. This is your chance to be a headline, with photos to prove it! Throughout the show actors from the PAC Educational Theatre will be performing scenes from their recent production of Matilda.
The Kids’ Zone will be bigger and better than ever with more activities, games, and face painting. The Teddy Bear Hospital hosted by the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital will be back with the hospital once again providing every child with a bear to treat and take home. Local medical personnel will
once again be on hand to assist the children in caring for their sick bears.
While the delightful works of art, family fun, and music are what draw the crowds, let’s not forget that this effort is Mountaintop Rotary’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
Attendance and parking are free, but donations are welcomed and encouraged so they can continue to make a difference through their charitable projects. This year all proceeds are earmarked for the PAC Educational Theatre program for youth.
For more information, visit highlandsartshow.com or follow them on social media @macshighlands. Mark the dates on your calendar so you don’t miss a minute of this fun.
by Mary Jane McCall
Rise and Shine Fundraiser
Wake up! The Highlands Community Fund and Highlands Falls Country Club are staging the wildly popular Rise and Shine celebration from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Saturday, June 28, at the Highlands Falls Country Club.
Advisory Board, Left to Right: Gerry Doubleday, Scott Carter, Cindy Trevathan (Vice Chair), Colleen Kerrigan, Geoffrey Nixon, Libby Lanier, George Manning (Chair), Cantey P. Callaway, Jeff Weller, Lisa Armstrong, Anne D. Bailey, Kelly Tandy, and Donna Lathem. Not pictured: Florence C. Holmes (Secretary) and John Mitchener.
Rise and Shine is a sophisticated gathering of community members to benefit
the Highlands Community Fund, an affiliate fund of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.
Last year’s Rise and Shine event raised nearly $70,000 thanks to the generosity of our community.
Funds raised by the Highlands Community Fund since the event began in 2015 have been added to an endowment fund that has grown to over $2.4 million to-date.
Shine event will be Saturday, June 28, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. The
learn traditional old time and bluegrass music, as well as Appalachian dance and culture.
The investment income from this endowment is used annually to provide grant support for nonprofits that serve the Highlands community. Last fall, the Fund was able to award 17 grants totaling $96,555. This year’s Rise and
event will be held at the Highlands Falls Country Club (a gracious partner of Rise and Shine) and brunch will be served.
The Junior Appalachian Musicians of Jackson County will perform. These students, ages 8 to 18, participate in an after-school program during which they
Their band, The String Beans, performs for local festivals, such as Sylva’s Greening up the Mountain and Canton’s Cold Mountain Music Festival. Recent performances include the Youth Talent Celebration of Asheville’s renowned Mountain Heritage and Dance Festival, as well as Echoes Across the Smokies at WCU’s Bardo Center, where they opened for the award-winning Kruger Bothers.
Tickets are $125 per person, $60 of your ticket is tax deductible. For more information, please visit highlandscommunityfund.org or contact Florence Holmes at (404) 291-0933.
by Melissa Edgington
The String Beans
Savor the Flavor
Low Country classics in the Mountains? Regarded as one of the most popular summer food events and a highlight of the Highlands June calendar – it’s the Low Country Shrimp Boil. Hosted by Friends of Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, this exquisite tradition returns to the Park on June 21.
Mark your calendars for our 8th annual Low Country Shrimp Boil on Saturday June 21st held by Friends of Founders Park. The ticket cost is only $85 per person without added donation and includes a generous meal with drinks and all the fixings.
The event will be held at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in downtown Highlands from 5:30 until 7:00 PM. This popular annual event is the park’s major fundraiser.
Legendary chef Marty Rosenfield will be dishing out our delicious combination of shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes and the other usual extras including dessert.
Says board member Caroline Cook, “Marty does an amazing job, and I think he is one of the reasons our event sells out every year.”
The Ugly Dog Pub provides two drinks of wine or beer. Tea and water are also available. For those that want to stay after, the Live Music Series in the Park is provided by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce.
Founders Park, completed in 2016, continues to
offer the premiere outdoor gathering place for Highlands. The park’s facilities include a long list of amenities, such as the stage pavilion, restrooms, courtyard plaza, picnic areas, Wi-Fi, shade trees, native plantings, and much more. It’s hard to imagine Highlands without our beautiful downtown park. Its continuing success is made possible by your support. The event serves as a community get together, however it also helps raise funds to help keep our fine park well maintained and beautiful. This year, the proceeds from our funds will be for continuing the renovation to the planting beds, select pruning, seasonal color and walkway improvements.
Held rain or shine, the annual dinner sells out quickly, so don’t wait to get your tickets –they’re available at The Dry Sink and online at FoundersParkHighlands.org. Sponsorships for the event are available and donations to the park can be made on the website.
by Hank Ross, Friends of Kelsey-Hutchinson Park
Migratory Bird Day
If every dog has its day, it turns out that every migratory bird gets its WNC BirdFest 2025. Saturday, May 10, at Monteith Farmstead and Community Park in Dillsboro, Balsam Mountain Trust will be hosting a celebration honoring World Migratory Bird Day.
Balsam Mountain Trust has unveiled plans for the 8th annual WNC BirdFest. This free event is set to take place on Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Monteith Farmstead & Community Park in Dillsboro.
Participants are also invited to attend a Bird Trivia After Party at Innovation Station in Dillsboro at 7:00 P.M., as well as a Sunday Morning Bird Walk on May 11.
WNC BirdFest promises a day filled with fun, education, and appreciation for our feathered friends.
This year, WNC BirdFest’s theme is “Shared Spaces: Building Bird-Friendly Cities & Communities,” encouraging us to create and repair environments where both people and migratory birds can thrive. BirdFest aims to raise awareness of the interconnection between humans and migratory birds, highlighting
challenges and solutions for creating bird-friendly spaces.
Attendees can expect a lineup of free educational programming, including bird and native plant walks, live bird ambassadors, and interactive crafts and
But BirdFest isn’t just about education – it’s also a celebration of this part of Western North Carolina.
activities suitable for all ages.
But BirdFest isn’t just about education – it’s also a celebration of this part of Western North Carolina. The event will feature live music, local artists and art displays, good food, raffles with amazing prizes, vendors, and opportunities to connect with local conservation organizations dedicated to protecting our natural heritage.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning to explore the world of birds, BirdFest welcomes enthusiasts of all backgrounds to come together in celebration of our avian companions.
For more information on the festival as well as pre and post BirdFest events, visit bmtrust.org/birdfest.
This festival is put on in partnership with AmeriCorps, Mainspring Conservation Trust, Wild Remembering, and HighlandsCashiers Land Trust, and is sponsored by the Jackson County Tourism and Development Authority and Vortex Optics.
by Hope Corbin, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust
Scan to learn more.
Clayton’s Ramshackle Festival
Ramshackle is a ramble through the best of Clayton’s musical, artistic, and foodie cultures, blended into an unforgettable day of familyfriendly fun – June 7 in downtown Clayton. visitclaytonga.net for more information.
Get ready for an unforgettable day in Clayton, Georgia, as the highly anticipated Ramshackle takes over on June 7! This extraordinary street festival event blends electrifying live music, artisans, local businesses, and family-friendly activities, making it the perfect destination for music lovers and families alike.
Set in the charming mountain landscape of downtown Clayton, the festival will resonate with a captivating lineup of artists, featuring renowned acts like Town Mountain, hailing from Asheville; and Atlanta’s dynamic Kobanova alongside local favorite Breeze Cable as this year’s Ramshackle Rising Star. No matter your musical taste, there’s something here that will make your heart sing.
But that’s not all – Ramshackle is a vibrant celebration of community.
Stroll along Main Street, where local businesses and vendors will showcase an array of unique and tempting wares,
delicious local cuisine and libations that captures the heart of Clayton. Your taste buds will thank you!
Families will find endless entertainment with activities for kids of all ages, including face painting, balloon animals, and arts and crafts. The games are not just for the little ones, there will be activities for adults as well.
Be sure to check out the Ramshackle Merch that will be available for purchase, a Ramshackle tee will be the perfect souvenir to remember the day spent in one of northeast Georgia’s most exciting mountain towns.
As dusk falls, the excitement continues. Don’t miss Breeze Cable at 4:00 P.M., followed by Kobanova, culminating with the show-stopping Town Mountain at 6:30 P.M. These performances promise to leave you dancing and celebrating under the stars.
Ramshackle is more than just a music
event; it’s a gathering place where friendships blossom and community spirit thrives. Engage with fellow attendees, revel in impromptu jam sessions, and enjoy heartfelt conversations over delicious local drinks.
As the final notes echo you’ll leave the festival with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the joy of live music and community. Whether you’re a festival veteran or discovering Clayton for the first time, mark your calendars for June 7 and prepare for a day brimming with music, laughter, and unforgettable adventures at Ramshackle! Don’t miss out!
by Tracy McCoy
Eighty Years of Helping Hands
The Rotary Club of Highlands is celebrating 80 years of service to the Plateau and beyond.
Each 2025 issue of The Laurel will spotlight the people and businesses and organizations that are marking major milestones in this event-filled year.
Naturally, we must focus on The Rotary Club of Highlands, which is celebrating 80 years of Service Above Self here on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.
As Highlands Rotary President Randy Foster explains, “For 80 years, the Rotary Club of Highlands has quietly transformed the community – one project, one dollar, one helping hand at a time.”
If you’ve been reading us over the years, you know what Randy is talking about.
Just consider the Rotary projects that have enriched our neighborhoods and our neighbors:
Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
Rotary Bingo at Highlands Community Building
Highlands School Students of the Month awards
Highlands Downtown Halloween Celebration
Christmas Parade
Highlands School Teachers Supplies Financial Donation
Highlands School Athletic Banquet
Shop With a Cop
Veterans’ Ceremonies
They accomplish all this through clever fundraising, decades of wise leadership committed to the Rotary ideals, and a membership pledged to generosity.
Examples of those clever fundraising ideas that’ve earned prominent positions on the Highlands event calendar
Olde Mountain
are the Fourth of July Ducky Derby, the Twilight 5K Run, and the Rotary Golf Tournament.
Think of the thousands of volunteer hours donated to these efforts. Think of the lives that have benefited.
On a personal note, let me offer a few standout moments from my time with the club:
The Rotary Club of Highlands sent my son Alex to Pamplona, Spain for his sophomore year of high school. Alex’s horizons were expanded far beyond the Plateau and his experience helped him assume his place on the global stage, culminating with three years in a remote Honduran village with the Peace Corps.
When (fellow Rotary member) Selwyn Chalker and Katherine Farmer and I approached Highlands Rotary about our notion for Downtown Trick of Treat, we were greeted with enthusiastic support from Jim Barton and the Rev. Carl Lindquist. Carl’s embrace was critical for winning over a lot of Highlanders, who were hesitant to support what they initially believed was a Satanic celebration.
Then there was the Highlands Rotary’s full-throated support of the Rotary Youth Exchange. In addition to allowing Alex to be fully immersed in the life of a teenager in Spain, it allowed my wife and I to play host to students from
Taiwan, Spain, and, briefly, France. I’d like to think that we helped these young people to understand our country and our people in a far better light than they’d have received through American television and movies. They were an absolute delight.
And finally, I’m grateful to the club for inviting US Navy Captain Bob Phillips (Ret.) to speak at its December 7, 1993 meeting. Bob, who lived in Horse Cove, was stationed aboard the USS Ramsey, anchored in Pearl Harbor on that nightmarish day. His testament was horrifying and unforgettable and at the end Bob and several of us were in tears. by Luke Osteen
MAY
“May, more than any other month of the year, wants
us to feel most alive.” — Fennel Hudson
“May, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel most alive.” — Fennel Hudson
Bluegrass, 10 AM-1:30 PM, Highlander Mountain House. Live Music, Monica Spears, 2-5 PM, The Vineyard at High Holly. Matilda the Musical, 3 PM, PAC. Music Bingo, 7 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Bluegrass, 10 AM1:30 PM, Highlander Mountain House.
View the complete Highlands Cashiers Plateau Calendar
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM.
Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church.
Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:30 PM, Cashiers Methodist Church Choir Room.
Live Music, David Cheatham, 6-9 PM, Trailborn Highlands. Blues Music, 6-9 PM, Ruffed Grouse Tavern. Trivia, 7 PM, High Dive.
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Three River Fly Fishing Festival, 8 AM-5 PM.
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Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.
Mushroom Inoculation Workshop, HCLT, 10 AM-2 PM, Edward Baker Preserve.
The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM.
Live Music, 5-8 PM, The Local. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge. Live Music, Kayla McKinney, 6 PM, Happs Place. Matilda Gala Night, 6 PM, Highlands PAC.
Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM-12:30 PM, KH Park.
Three River Fly Fishing Festival, 8AM-5PM, Highlands.
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist.
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist. The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM. Laurel Cover Artist Reception, 5:30-7 PM, High Country Wine and Provisions, Highlands.
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Live Music, Tim Austin, 2-5 PM, The Vineyard at High Holly. Steep Canyon Rangers, 4PM, Highlands PAC.
Music Bingo, 7 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Bluegrass, 10 AM1:30 PM, Highlander Mountain House.
Music Bingo, 7 PM, Ugly Dog Pub. Social Security, 7 PM, PAC.
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Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist.
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist. The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM. Under The Stars, On the Rocks, Chef Joe Schafer, 6PM, Skyline Lodge
The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM.
Locally Grown on The Green, 11 AM-3 PM, Village Green. Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM.
Locally Grown on The Green, 11 AM-3 PM, Village Green.
Bibliophiles: Remarkably Bright Creatures, 5:30 PM, Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library.
Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Women in the Field: Ladies Fly Fishing Excursion, 8AM-5PM, Garden & Gun Event. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Heritage in Stone: Hypertufa Planter Workshop, 4 PM, Hagan Binder Landscape Architects. GAOS | Munch: Love, Ghosts, and Lady Vampires, 5 PM, PAC. Live Music, Juan, 6-9 PM, Trailborn Highlands. Live Music, Thomas Johnson, 8:30 PM, Highlander Mountain House. Trivia, 7 PM, High Dive.
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM.
Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church.
Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:30 PM, Cashiers Methodist Church Choir Room. Social Security, 7 PM, PAC.
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Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.
Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM.
The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM.
Live Music, 5-8 PM, The Local.
Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.
Live Music, Blue Jazz, 6 PM, Happs Place.
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Cold Ceramic Finishes, 9AM-4PM, The Bascom.
Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM.
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM.
Mountain Heritage Series, Aunt Fannie’s Cabin, 4 PM, Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library.
Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.
Live Music, Dillon & Company, 6 PM, Happs Place.
Live Music, Doug Ramsey, 6-8:30PM, Town Square, Highlands. Social Security, 7 PM, PAC.
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist.
Live Music, Breeze Cable, 2-5 PM, The Vineyard at High Holly.
Bluegrass, 10 AM1:30 PM, Highlander Mountain House.
Art League of Highlands Cashiers meeting, 4:30 PM, The Bascom.
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist. The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM.
The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM.
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Locally Grown on The Green, 11 AM-3 PM, Village Green.
Live Music, Matt Rogers, 6 PM, The Farm at Old Edwards.
Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.
Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:30 PM, Cashiers Methodist Church Choir Room. Rotary Club Epic Bingo, 6:30 PM, Community Building. Social Security, 7 PM, PAC. Trivia, 7 PM, High Dive.
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.
Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM.
The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM.
Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.
Live Music, Corey Stevenson Band, 6-8:30 PM, The Village Green. (Sponsored by The Laurel ).
Live Music, The Foxfire Boys, 6-8:30 PM, Town Sq., Highlands.
Live Music, Charles Walker, 6 PM, Happs Place. Social Security, 7 PM, PAC.
Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM-12:30 PM, KH Park. Three River Fly Fishing Festival, 8AM-5PM, Highlands. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. Mayfest, 12 PM, Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau. Pop-Up Pipers, 4:30 PM, Highlands. HCCMF Residency Concert, 5 PM, First Presbyterian Church. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.
Live Music, Dillon & Company Duo, 6 PM, Happs Place. Matilda the Musical, 7 PM, PAC.
Live Music, Dillon & Company Duo, 6 PM, Happs Place. Matilda the Musical, 7 PM, PAC.
Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM-12:30 PM, KH Park.
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.
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Live Music, Rail Town, 2-5 PM, The Vineyard at High Holly.
Music Bingo, 7 PM, Ugly Dog Pub. Social Security, 7 PM, PAC.
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist.
Highlands American Legion Post 370 Memorial Day Event, 10 AM, Veterans Plaza, Highlands. Live Music, Doug Ramsey (Karaoke), 6 PM, Happs Place.
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Methodist. The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM.
27 The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM.
Village Nature Series, 5:30 PM, The Village Green.
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Beginners Mind, 10 AM-4 PM, The Bascom.
Locally Grown on The Green, 11 AM-3 PM, Village Green.
Volunteer Open House, 5-7 PM, Cashiers Historical Society.
Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.
Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM.
Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:30 PM, Cashiers Methodist Church Choir Room.
GAOS | Perugino: Eternal Renaissance, 5PM, Highlands PAC.
Live Music, Remedy 58, 6-9 PM, Trailborn Highlands.
Ballet Memphis, 7 PM, PAC.
Live Music, Nicole Atkins, 8:30 PM, Highlander Mountain House. Trivia, 7 PM, High Dive.
Agateware Throwing Carving Workshop
9 AM-4 PM, The Bascom. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM.
Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.
Live Music, High 5 Band, 6-8:30 PM, The Village Green.
Live Music, Nick Chandler & Delivered, 6-8:30 PM, Town Square, Highlands.
Live Music, Jake Matthews, 6 PM, Happs Place.
Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. Mayfest, 12 PM, Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau. Pop-Up Pipers, 4:30 PM, Highlands. HCCMF Residency Concert, 5 PM, First Presbyterian Church. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.
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Live Music, Rock Holler, 6 PM, Happs Place.
Live Music, Rock Holler, 6 PM, Happs Place. Live Music, Nasheville Jukebox. 6-8:30 PM, KH Park.
Live Music, Nasheville Jukebox. 6-8:30 PM, KH Park.
Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM-12:30 PM, KH Park. High Style Fashion Show, 10 AM, The Bascom.
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Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM-12:30 PM, KH Park. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM. Isabelle Ambrose Pop Up Show, HOP Galllery. Pressed Botanicals Workshop, 2 PM, Trailborn Highlands. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Isabelle Ambrose Pop Up Show, Highlands Village Square.
Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM. Isabelle Ambrose Pop Up Show, HOP Galllery. Pressed Botanicals Workshop, 2 PM, Trailborn Highlands. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.
Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM-12:30 PM, KH Park. High Style Fashion Show, 10 AM, The Bascom. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Isabelle Ambrose Pop Up Show, Highlands Village Square. Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. MET | Salome, 1PM, Highlands PAC. Live Music, Gotcha Groove, 6-8:30 PM, KH Park. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.
Live Music, James Gany, 6 PM, Happs Place.
Live Music, James Gany, 6 PM, Happs Place. Social Security, 7 PM, PAC.
Social Security, 7 PM, PAC.
Live Music, Spencer Thomas, 8:30 PM, Highlander Mountain House. Trivia, 7 PM, High Dive. 22 23 24 13 12 16 15 14 17 3 18
Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. MET | Salome, 1PM, Highlands PAC. Live Music, Gotcha Groove, 6-8:30 PM, KH Park.
Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.
Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM-12:30 PM, KH Park. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Season Opening Celebration, 11 AM, Highlands Historical Society Mountain Garden Club Sale, 9 AM, Highlands Town Baseball Field. Live Music, Jordan Denton, 2-5 PM, The Vineyard at High Holly. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.
Live Music, Mo Money, 6-8:30 PM, KH Park.
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Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM-12:30 PM, KH Park. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Season Opening Celebration, 11 AM, Highlands Historical Society Mountain Garden Club Sale, 9 AM, Highlands Town Baseball Field. Live Music, Jordan Denton, 2-5 PM, The Vineyard at High Holly. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.
Live Music, Mo Money, 6-8:30 PM, KH Park. Live Music, Nero and Sun Setters, 6 PM, Happs Place. Social Security, 7 PM, PAC.
Live Music, Nero and Sun Setters, 6 PM, Happs Place. Social Security, 7 PM, PAC.
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Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM-12:30 PM, KH Park. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM. MET | Il Barbiere di Siviglia, 1PM, Highlands PAC. Zorki, 1-3 PM, Ruffed Grouse Tavern.
10 Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM-12:30 PM, KH Park. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM. MET | Il Barbiere di Siviglia, 1PM, Highlands PAC. Zorki, 1-3 PM, Ruffed Grouse Tavern.
Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.
Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.
Live Music, The Holiday Band, 6-8:30 PM, KH Park.
Live Music, The Remnants, 6 PM, Happs Place.
Live Music, The Holiday Band, 6-8:30 PM, KH Park. Live Music, The Remnants, 6 PM, Happs Place.
June Events
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 - SATURDAY, JULY 12
Mountain Theatre Company’s The Marvelous Wonderettes
Highlands PAC
This smash off-Broadway hit takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts!. mountaintheatre.com
MONDAY, JUNE 16
CHHS’s Pawsitively Purrfect Party Country Club of Sapphire Valley
The evening - to benefit the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society - will feature a live and silent auction combined with a magnificent dinner and beer, wine and spirits. chhumanesociety.org
SATURDAY - SUNDAY, JUNE 28-29
Mountaintop Art and Craft Show
10 AM-5 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
From pottery and photography to weaving and basketry, you’ll find a wide variety of art and crafts. One thing our show specializes in is rustic furniture and wood accessories. Enjoy live music. Dogs and children welcome. highlandsartshow.com
ON THE HORIZON July Events
THURSDAY - SUNDAY, JUNE 12 - 15
Highlands Motoring Festival
Highlands, North Carolina
Oh, the tales they’ll tell! The classic autos at the heart of Highlands Motoring Festival are dramatic fusions of chrome, craftsmanship and passion. highlandsmotoringfestival.com
THURSDAY, JUNE 19
Great Art On Screen: Florence & The Uffizi Gallery
Highlands PAC
A journey into the Italian Renaissance. It is a totally immersive and unique experience allowing the audience to see, listen, feel and savor the most outstanding and celebrated breeding ground of creativity in the history of art. highlandsperformingarts.com
FRIDAY, JULY 4
Cashiers Fireworks Extravaganza
The Village Green
The annual Fireworks Extravaganza on The Green will take place rain or shine, on The Village Green Commons Lawn. Entertainment will be provided by the Caribbean Cowboys, and a fireworks show at dark featuring 1000s of colorful bursts! villagegreencashiersnc.com
SATURDAY, JULY 5
Community Day at The Bascom The Bascom
An event made for you and your family! Join us for a day filled with free art activities for the whole family. thebascom.org
EVENT SERIES
Locally Grown On The Green Wednesdays | 11 AM | The Village Green
Friday Night Live Fridays | 6-8:30 PM | Town Square
Highlands Marketplace Saturdays | 8 AM-12:30 PM | KH Park Saturdays on Pine Saturdays | 6-8:30 PM | KH Park
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 - SUNDAY, JULY1 3
Mountain Theatre Company’s Forever Plaid Highlands PAC
Once upon a time, there were four guys (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie) who discovered that they shared a love for music and then got together to become their idols –The Four Freshman, The Hi-Lo’s and The Crew Cuts. mountaintheatre.com
FRIDAY, JULY 4
Highlands Independence Day Celebration
Highlands, North Carolina
Enjoy a family fun day of Water Rockets, Hotdog Lunch, Field Games, Ladder Truck Spraydown, Duck Derby, Live Music, and of course - Fireworks. visithighlandsnc.com
SATURDAY - SUNDAY, JULY 19 - 20
Summer Colors Fine Art Show
Held at the Sapphire Valley Resort Community Center, this event will feature the original artwork of talented regional artists. Paintings, photographs, glass, wood, one-of-a-kind jewelry and other original artwork will be on display and for sale. artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com
Village Nature Series Select Dates | 5:30 PM | The Village Green May 27, June 25, July 30, Aug. 19, Sept. 30
Pop-Up Pipers First Saturdays | 4:30-5 PM | Around Highlands Orchard Sessions Select Dates | 6-8 PM | The Farm at Old Edwards June 20, July 11, Aug. 15, Oct. 10
Old Edwards Chef Dinners Select Dates | 6:30 PM | The Farm at Old Edwards | May 5, June 23, July 12, Aug. 25, Sept. 22, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Nov. 9 Groovin’ On The Green Select Fridays | 6:30 PM | The Village Green | May 24, May 31, June 7, June 21, July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 16, Aug. 30, Sept. 6
Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays & Saturdays | July 6 - August 11
Beth Townsend
A TOP 1% AGENT ON THE PLATEAU OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS!*
*According to data from the Highlands-Cashiers MLS, 2004-2024
BROKER & CO-FOUNDER OF THE MCKEE GROUP
Beth’s connection to Cashiers runs deep. A resident for nearly 45 years and a real estate professional for over 30, she has witnessed the plateau’s evolution while remaining rooted in its natural beauty and community spirit.
A Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) with GUILD ELITE™ recognition, she has played a key role in notable development projects, including Cedar Creek Club and Wade Hampton Golf Club.
With a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Florida, Beth offers specialized expertise in large-acreage development parcels, historic estates, and homes in the area’s finest private communities. A passionate conservationist, she helped protect over 600 acres near town, contributed to the creation of the Snowbird community, and preserved her own circa 1892 farm.
She also owns The Historic Minnie Cole House, built in 1875 and celebrating 150 years. Currently home to Cashiers Sotheby’s International Realty, it is a designated Cashiers Historical Society Heritage Property and received the 2022 Village Heritage Award for its careful restoration and adaptive reuse.
Beth’s profound understanding of land, history, and community has made her a trusted advisor for Buyers and Sellers alike. Her childhood summers and holidays at High Hampton cemented her love and connection to the area’s nature and culture.
What Beth’s Clients are Saying...
“When selling a challenging property, you want Beth on your team. She is determined, creative and perseveres to meet your goals. From emails and texts on the weekend to going above and beyond her ‘broker duties,’ you know instantly that you have an essential advocate on your side.” – SEAN L
“We’ve worked with Beth on a number of transactions over the past several years as Buyers and Sellers. She is smart, honest, hardworking, and a lot of fun. She is well-prepared and strategic, and we have always been well-served by trusting her instincts and advice. Plus, she makes the whole process enjoyable. I can’t imagine there’s a better broker in Western North Carolina.” –
JEN AND DAVE G
6 BR / 7.5 BA / 1.02 ACRES
• Golf front home on 10th hole of award-winning Fazio course
• Large lot has mountain view, pond and stone walled gardens
• Great room has new skylights and “dueling” stone fi replaces
• Newly updated chef’s kitchen has enormous butler’s pantry
• Primary suite has high ceilings,stone fi replace and luxurious bath
• Sunny gallery access to guest bedroom suites gives garden views
• Screened Carolina room near kitchen has grill and fi replace
Offered for $4,295,000
6 BR / 5.5 BA / 18.46 ACRES
• Unrestricted private mountain estate in “old Sapphire”
• Custom designed, one-owner property built in 2005
• Very convenient to Burlingame Country Club and the River
• Boasting antique wood floors, shiplap walls and 4 stone fi replaces
• Chef’s Wolf and Thermador kitchen with custom cabinetry
• Three level home with lots of guest privacy and common rooms
• Gated, paved driveway with two car garage
Cedar Ridge Estates
4 BR / 3.5 BA / 14.99 ACRES / MLS 1000130
• Custom home on double lot in close-to-Cashiers area
• Garden-centric home with lovely exterior vignettes
• Every room light fi lled with generous use of windows
• Expansive great room with dramatic rock face view
• Custom kitchen that will please an expert chef
• Three bedroom suites on the main level
• Permitted, and existing interior space for 5 Bedrooms
Whiteside Forest
Offered for $939,900
3 BR / 2 BA / 1.68 ACRES
• Very private 1.68 acres in Whiteside Forest
• Beautiful level lot — a fi sherman’s dream
• Ample frontage on Fowler Creek
Hemlock Woods
Offered for $685,000
2 BR / 2 BA / 0.82 ACRES
• Well maintained 2 bedroom 2 bath home
• Conveniently located between Cashiers and Highlands
• Beautifully updated kitchen
RECREATION & CREATION Pages 92-105
Mooney Falls in Nantahala
Nantahala National Forest’s
MMooney Falls isn’t a giant, but it rumbles.
ooney Falls is located in the Nantahala National Forest southwest of Franklin. Typically, the flow of the 20 foot waterfall is quite good. There is an upper and lower view of the falls. The lower view at the base of the waterfall provides the best view.
Trail
The trail to Mooney Falls is considered easy to moderate. The moderate part is due to some boulders at the base. The very short trail is only about a tenth of a mile long. Shortly into the hike, the trail splits. Go left to the upper view and right to the
view at the base of the falls.
Directions
to the trailhead
From the intersection of US 441 and US 64 in Franklin, drive west on US 64 for 12 miles to Old Murphy Road. Turn left and drive 1.9 miles and turn right on FR 67. After 1.7 miles, the road forks at the Standing Indian Campground. Take the left fork to continue on FR 67. The right fork leads to Standing Indian Campground. Drive 5.8 miles to the trailhead on the right. There is a sign to Mooney Falls at the trailhead.
Big Laurel Falls trailhead is located 0.7 miles before Mooney
Mooney Falls Big Laurel Falls
Falls on FR 67. A visit to both waterfalls makes a nice half day outing. The Big Laurel Falls trail is about a half mile long and considered easy. There are two forks in the trail. Take the right fork for both.
You can see informative videos of both of these hikes and waterfalls on line at HD Carolina.
by Ed and Cindy Boos
At a Glance Waterfall Guide
Enjoy this sampling of area waterfalls, for a deep dive visit thelaurelmagazine.com/recreation.
HIGHLANDS
Bridal Veil Falls
From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 2.3 miles west on US 64; Waterfall GPS: N35.07180 W-83.22910. Difficulty: You can park your car in a little parking area and walk 50 feet.
Dry Falls
From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 3.15 miles west on US 64 to a parking area on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.06884 W-83.23869. Difficulty: There are lots of steps you must go down to get behind Dry Falls.
Bust Your Butt Falls
From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 6.35 miles west on US 64 to the pullout on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.09268 W-83.26573. Difficulty: Don’t stop on the road itself!
Glen Falls
From the junction of US 64 and NC 106 in Highlands, drive 1.75 miles south on NC 106 and bear left at the sign for Glen Falls. Take Glen Falls Road, not Holt Road. Drive 1.05 miles to the parking area. Waterfall GPS: N35.03128 W-83.23829. Difficulty: There’s some climbing involved here.
Upper Middle Creek Falls
From the intersection of NC 106 and US 64, follow NC 106 South for 9.3 miles. Exactly 1 mile before you reach the Georgia state line, and about 0.3 miles after NC 106 crosses Middle Creek, a yellow School Bus Stop sign will be on the right. Park on the right side of the road right at the sign. Waterfall GPS: N35.00714 W-83.32916. Difficulty: The four-tenths of a mile hike is not strenuous but it can be confusing.
CASHIERS
Silver Run Falls
From US 64 in Cashiers, head south on NC 107 for 4.05 miles – there’s a pullout area on the left. Waterfall GPS N35.06599 W-83.06558. Difficulty: No difficulty.
Whitewater Falls
From US 64 west of Lake Toxaway, take NC 281 for 8.5 miles and turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls into a parking area. Difficulty: Not strenuous, though the paved path is a bit uneven.
Cashiers Sliding Rock
Cashiers Sliding Rock, a million miles from the cares of the 21st century, is easy to get to. From the Cashiers Crossroads, travel south on NC 107 to Whiteside Cove Road. Head down the road for 2.6 miles to where the road crosses the Chattooga River and pull over just across the bridge. Difficulty: A piece of cake.
Spoonauger Falls
From Cashiers, travel on NC 107 8.2 miles. The name changes to SC 107 – travel for 4.9 miles. Turn right onto Burrells Ford Road. Drive approximately 2.0 miles to the Chattooga Trail parking area on the left (look for the Forest Service Bulletin Board) Hike north on the Chattooga Trail, which roughly parallels the Chattooga River for 0.25 mile, then cross Spoonauger Creek. Immediately on the right will be a side trail. Difficulty: There’s nothing tricky.
Schoolhouse Falls
Scan for more information on the many waterfalls in the Highlands and Cashiers area.
From US 64, take NC 281 North for 0.85 miles and bear left on Cold Mountain Road. Stay on the road. When it becomes unpaved, travel about 0.1 miles. Take the road on the right and travel for 0.1 miles to a parking area. Take the trail to the right of the information kiosk. At the intersection, proceed straight on Panthertown Valley Trail. Turn left onto Little Green Trail. Schoolhouse Falls is about 0.15 miles ahead. Waterfall GPS N35.16330 W-83.00674 Difficulty: The hike isn’t challenging.
White Rock Trail
The Jones Gap to White Rock Trail offers its challenges, but delivers countless aesthetic, spiritual delights along the way.
Hikers traversing this area’s trails can almost not choose a bad one. However, some paths do offer more diversity and interest.
Take the Jones Gap to White Rock Trail off Gold Mine Road, which is off Highlands Road/U.S. 64. While it is a bit of a jaunt to get to the actual trailhead – about 30 minutes’ drive on first a paved road and then a well-maintained gravel road, after turning onto Gold Mine – the trek is well worth it.
Officially part of the Bartram Trail, the Jones Gap to White Rock Trail offers not only varied scenery, from a massive, very old apple tree in an open field at the start of the hike to rhododendron “tunnels” to smooth rocky balds, but also the idyllic Tessentee Valley to the southeast.
This valley is actually nestled between Scaly Mountain and Franklin. Yet, “as the crow flies” it is just below the ridge of White Rock Mountain, which is to the southeast of Cullasaja Gorge.
Besides the aforementioned attributes, the trail is also replete with native flora and fauna from spring to fall. Making a show in the spring months are wildflowers such as bloodroot, Robin’s plantain, and violets, while in early summer the dense groves of rhododendron and mountain laurel are in full splendor. And, all-year-round are brilliantly green bunches of moss and interesting textured lichen.
The actual White Rock precipice is a little over two miles from
the Jones Gap trailhead and parking area. The hike is moderate – no extreme climbs or descents. Hikers are primarily hiking along a ridge, albeit a densely forested one at times.
Caution is suggested when getting to the area at the top of White Rock, where the rocks are exposed and can be slick in spots. Venture out just far enough to take in the valley below, the bald boulders all around, and the layers of Nantahala Forest and North Georgia mountains in the distance.
Just going out to White Rock and back to the parking area is an exceptional hike, about 4.5 miles round-trip, with plenty to see.
For well-heeled hikers wanting to view two unusual sites, plus enjoy a stellar view from Wolf Rock, they can hike another 2.5 miles before turning around. This results in almost a 10-mile hike day, but plenty of rest and reflection spots are along the path, including a great picnic stop at Wolf Rock, complete with natural boulder benches.
Or, some hikers first park one vehicle at the Jones Gap trailhead and another vehicle at the Hickory Knoll Road trailhead. Belleview Road off Highlands Road/U.S. 64 near Franklin becomes Clarks Chapel Road becomes Hickory Knoll Road. There is a Bartram Trail parking area across the street from where the Hickory Knoll trailhead starts. This option, as well, is about 10 miles; the difference is that it is a straight shot instead of an out and back.
As alluded to in the article’s title, the reason it behooves hikers
to hoof it a little farther past White Rock is that a very distinct trail-marker tree exists along the path. These trees were bent by Cherokee people in specific directions as seedlings and then staked or weighted down so that they would grow in unusual shapes. Trail-marker trees were Native Indian road signs, denoting direction, water sources, danger, hunting grounds, etc.
Finally, the most mysterious attraction on the trail is that of an old bus. “A Hiker’s Guide to the Bartram National Recreation Trail in Georgia and North Carolina” author Brent Martin surmises that the bus may have housed migrants (most likely in the mid-1900s) who worked in a nearby apple orchard, which is now overgrown.
How to get to Jones Gap Trailhead:
Coming from Highlands, take a left onto Gold Mine Road, and then turn left again in less than a mile onto Dendy Orchard Road. After driving a little over two miles on pavement and then gravel, look for a Bartram Trail Access sign to the right and turn there. Now the fun part. Drive another two miles to the trailhead. While that does not seem like far, the drive up to the top of the mountain and the parking area is fairly slow going. The road, as mentioned earlier, is well-maintained, but a few spots are somewhat steep. Two-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles might be fine, but taking a four-wheel drive vehicle would provide assurance that you will not have any issues.
by Deena Bouknight
The PurpleFinch
With its soaked-inHawaiian-Punch plumage, this seasonal resident stands out in our temperate rainforest habitat.
Male Purple Finch
Alocal migrant that winters in our area from December to May, this bird frequented our seed feeders in large numbers this past winter.
The Purple Finch, the state bird of New Hampshire, is a seasonal resident of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau during winter months as flocks migrate to the Southeastern U.S. from Canada. That’s right, this short-distance migrant comes to our temperate rain forest for the winter.
Larger than a sparrow and smaller than a cardinal, the female Purple Finch is an elegant brown and white with bold streaks on her head, breast and belly, a white “brow” above the eyes and lower moustachial markings. The male, described by Roger Tory Peterson as a “sparrow dipped in raspberry juice,” has a reddish wash over its head, back and wings. Both have distinctive notched tails
and triangular bills. There are slight differences between the eastern and western subspecies of this finch and the Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) is not to be confused with a House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus).
Their habitat is mixed and coniferous woodlands. During the summer Purple Finch feed on seeds, insects, berries and buds high in the trees. In winter they forage lower in the forest, searching for seeds, competing with other ground feeders.
Their breeding grounds are in Canada, California and the Northeastern U.S., ranging from Minnesota to West Virginia. They build their nests on horizontal branches and tree forks using twigs, grass and moss, creating wellshaped cups that are lined with animal hair and fine grass. The female lays and incubates four or five blue-green eggs with brown spots on the larger end. Hatchlings appear in about 13 days, fed by both parents until they fledge about
two weeks after hatching. Finch, like most other birds, sing little in the winter, foraging for food taking precedence over social activities. If they did sing, the song would be something like plidi tididi preete plidi tititi preer. Did you get that?! Check your Merlin app to hear a recording. They are often seen congregating with other finch and local winter birds around feeder stations offering sunflower seeds.
Happy May birding from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society.
The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society, focused on enjoying and preserving birds and their habitats, is a Chapter of the National Audubon Society and a 501(c) (3) organization. For information on all our activities and membership, please visit highlandsaudubonsociety.org.
by William McReynolds, Highlands Plateau
Audubon Society
Our Busy Little Friends
Kindness to bees pays off with bountiful gardens and flowering fields.
Have you ever heard of a bee house? I sure hadn’t until I was researching how to help our bee population. You can be crafty and make one or simply purchase a bee house, sometimes known as a bee hotel, and run your own B&B to help these busy pollinators!
I’m guessing you’re wondering “Debby, why in the world would you want me to attract bees into my yard?”
Good question, here’s why:
Pollinators are creatures that assist in the fertilization of plants by moving pollen from the male part (anther) of a flower to the female part (stigma) of another flower. This exchange allows the plant to produce seeds, fruits, and new plants. While some plants can reproduce without the help of pollinators, many plants, especially those that produce fruits and seeds, depend on this process.
It’s estimated that about 75 percent of flowering plants and nearly 35% of global food crops rely on animal pollination. Bees by far are the most important and well-know pollinators. They account for a large proportion of pollination worldwide. There are over 20,000 species of
bees, and they vary greatly in behavior.
Honeybees are the most common commercial pollinators, but wild bees, such as bumblebees, also perform essential pollination functions. Bees are particularly effective because they have specialized body structures, like hairy bodies and pollen baskets, that make them excellent at transferring pollen.
Here are four simple steps to help our busy little friends:
• Plant pollinator friendly gardens. You don’t have to go crazy with it, just add in some native flowers and plants. Plant a variety that bloom at different times to ensure a steady supply of food during the season. Include shrubs, trees, and herbs that attract butterflies, bees and birds. The wider the diversity, the better the habitat.
• Reduce pesticide and herbicide use. Opt for organic methods, remember grandma wasn’t spraying her garden with chemicals. If you must use pesticides, apply them during times when pollinators are not active, such as early morning or late evening. Avoid spraying when plants are blooming.
• Provide water sources. Pollinators need
water to survive, just like any other creatures. Providing a small water source in your garden can help them stay hydrated. You can set up a shallow dish with stones or twigs where bees and other pollinators can safely drink without drowning. A shallow pond or birdbath can also serve as a water source for various pollinators, especially in dry seasons.
• Leave a patch of wildness. Pollinators such as solitary bees and some butterflies use deadwood, leaf piles, and other undisturbed areas for nesting and shelter. Rather than cleaning up everything in your garden, consider leaving a few areas undisturbed.
If the idea of a bee house or hotel intrigues you, you can purchase or create these, they are made from materials like wood, bamboo, or drilled logs to provide a safe nesting place. If that is going too far for you, just adapting these simple ideas will help our hardworking friends thrive in our area and keep our ecosystem up and running. It’s important that we take care of each other, creatures big and small.
Happy Gardening! by Debby Hall
Ode to the Opossum
The humble opossum, a reliable banisher of bugs, is just trying to get by in a world that seems to move too fast.
One of our region’s most misunderstood native animals is the Virginia Opossum, the little fuzzy gray animal with the iconic “rat-like” pink tail and toothy grin.
People often wrongly associate the Opossom with rodents, but they are in fact the only marsupial native to the United States, meaning the females birth their young into a small pouch on their bellies and continue to carry and nurse them in the pouch until they are fully developed and ready to emerge.
Once they emerge, the mother will carry the tiny babies on her back until they are ready to be on their own.
Opossums are typically about the size of a house cat and generally have very docile temperaments. They are known for their pink, nearly hairless prehensile tails that are able to grasp and hold objects. They also have an opposable digit on each hind foot that functions just like our thumbs,
making them excellent climbers.
A common misconception about the opossum is that they are dirty and carry disease, however, the Virginia Opossom’s body temperature is too low for the rabies virus to survive and therefore they do not contract or carry rabies. They are also very clean animals, regularly grooming themselves thoroughly, just like cats.
These critters are highly resistant to deadly snake venom due to their frequent ingestion of venomous snakes. Wild opossums have been observed being able to withstand a full bite from a diamondback rattlesnake, something enough to kill an adult human, and exhibit no symptoms other than bite site trauma.
Another benefit of having these animals around is that insects are a large part of their diet, including ticks. Captive opossums have been observed eating 95 percent of ticks that they encounter,
typically during grooming, and scientists theorize that a healthy population of wild opossums can help keep tick populations (and lyme disease by default) in check. Finally, we all know the term “playing possum,” but the opossum truly lives it, using a state called “tonic immobility” to feign death, going limp and emitting a foul odor in an attempt to make themselves unappealing to predators. Unfortunately, this reaction often causes them to end up as roadkill.
Next time you see one of these little gray critters, take a minute to consider all the positives to sharing your natural space with them and enjoy their pleasant nature.
HCLT celebrates and protects all the incredible biodiversity that makes our area so special. For more fun and informative content, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook or at hcltnc.org.
by Stephanie Contreras Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust
Brookies in the Blue Lines
Brookings’ Blue Line Bar, located at 88 Cashiers Lake Road, is the perfect spot to plot the capture of the elusive Brookie.
A“blue line” is a term that has been created by anglers referring to streams and creeks small enough in size that when you look at a map its hard find a name for it – hence the term “blue line.”
There are too many of them to count in our area. Just break out a map and take a look. These are spring fed streams coming right out of the aquifer itself that stay cool even in the dogdays of summer. They hold water and aquatic insects year-round, which make most of them home to wild trout.
For those fly anglers that like to avoid the crowds, and distractions of modern life, you can bet that most of these “blue lines” have very spotty cell service, and very primitive access points.
Everything is to scale, including the size of the fish, but it’s one of the best ways an angler can interact directly with mother nature. For those anglers that
enjoy this type of experience, Western North Carolina provides more than a lifetime worth of exploring these types of streams.
Most interesting to trout fishers are the Blue Lines high in elevation (more than 3,000 ft). These streams are home to the brook trout – which isn’t actually a trout at all. Brook Trout are arctic char that came down with the glaciers millions of years ago when these mountains were made.
Brookies in these streams are the fish that have been here forever, the ones Harry Middleton wrote about in “On the Spine of Time. “Not just wild fish, but wild native fish.” They’re mostly tiny and you may need to be in pretty good physical shape to get to them, but if it doesn’t stir your soul to its very foundation to fish for Brookies in these streams and to marvel at how they’ve survived the loggers, the erosion, the warming, and the poachers, then maybe
you need to trade your fly rods in for a set of golf clubs.
You might go as far as to say that “Blue Lines” define Western North Carolina as a unique destination for fly anglers all over the world.
In light of that, Brookings has opened up the “Blue Line Bar” in its Cashiers location on the shoreline of Cashiers Lake at 88 Cashiers Lake Road. It’s a place for folks that enjoy the fine sport of fly fishing to come and meet others with the same interest and tie some flies, tell fish stories, or simply take in the warm breeze off scenic Cashiers Lake.
We hope to see you there! Cheers! by Matt Canter, Brookings Fly Shop
Connecting with Nature
Highlands Nature Center is offering an entire season of discovery and wonder. For a full menu of activities and information, visit highlandsbiological.org.
The Highlands Nature Center is buzzing with excitement as we gear up for a summer full of fun, learning, and outdoor adventures! With programs for both kids and adults, there are plenty of ways to explore the unique landscapes of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and connect with nature.
Young explorers between the ages of 5 and 10 can connect with nature through our Summer Nature Camps which provide engaging and fun educational experiences.
Through activities like storytelling, art, and nature walks, campers will discover the wonders of local streams during our Aquatic Adventures camp and get up close with insects in our Insect Investigator camp. Each session strikes a unique balance between hands-on learning and outdoor fun, with every
day bringing new discoveries that leave children with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of nature.But our programs are not just for kids! Every Tuesday this summer, Nature Center Nights extends an invitation for all ages to join our Naturalists for after-hours explorations of the Highlands Botanical Garden. Come search for salamanders on a Salamander Meander or meet live owls during Owls: Masters of the Night, as these programs offer a unique way to experience nature after dark. Just don’t forget your flashlight! Attendance is free, but registration is required and opens two weeks before each event, so be sure to sign up online in advance. These events are perfect for families or anyone looking to explore the wonders of nature in a new light.
And there’s always something happen-
ing at the Nature Center! Join us for free daily programs like live Animal Encounters, Scientist Skills, and Storytime. It’s a great way to explore and learn about the natural world, whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back for more.
We look forward to guiding you and your family towards a deeper connection with nature through these fun, educational summer programs. For more details, be sure to visit our website at highlandsbiological.org.
by Marissa Nieddu, Highlands Biological Foundation
Nature campers discover a turtle; photos courtesy of HBF staff
Going with the Flow
Cover artist Lindee Elliott’s life is bursting with possibilities and new visions.
Alot’s happened since Lindee Sabic (now, Lindee Elliott) was featured on the Laurel cover three years ago. She’s always been a go-getter, a creative teacher, and fine water-colorist.
But she swung the doors even wider since we last spoke, welcoming a new husband to her innermost realm.
Further, she’s incorporated eye-popping, painting techniques into her ever-
evolving style, which continues to be focused on water-base pigments.
She loves watercolor’s rich hues and the movement it possesses. The wet-on-wet process intrigues her most. Nature (gravity, weight, crevices and bumps on surfaces) can work with the artist, but the results can also be a complete surprise.
“If you don’t like surprises,” laughs Lindee, “Stick with pastel crayons.”
Among her other recent adventures, she illustrated botanicals, in ink, in Living Your Best Life with Fibromyalgia.
Her marriage invites a lot more travel. Hendersonville is often where she hangs her artist’s chapeau these days. She’s stretching her comfort zone in a lot of directions, with nature exploration and with figure-painting, perfecting a fly-fishermen portrait recently. Whew! That work was loaded with
movement, wind, waves, and unpredictable wigglings. There were flies and fishing line and rods and castings, and fisherman-appendages flipping around as fast as the fish. It was the equivalent of managing a flying fish rodeo.
She’s also playing around with waterbase pigment-fade. Different brands, over time, develop tricky light-fastness, so she’s intent on preserving her pieces for her long-term commissions.
Since her elementary school days, when her work was sold in a general store
across from her school, her art continues to warm her heart.
Daily, she announces, “I still take joy in saying ‘I did this!’ That brings me more joy than anything.”
And if you want to take a class, and have some joy for yourself, give her a call. She’s also teaching personal art getaway sessions at Meraki Escape in Brevard.
Contact info: lindeeart@gmail.com, website: phone/text: (828) 384-0875; lindeeartstudio.com. Keep an eye on her website blog for new events and classes.
Lindee’s prints and cards are featured on her website and can be ordered there.
Meet Lindee at The Laurel’s May Cover Artist Reception at High Country Wine and Provisions in Highlands on Tuesday, May 6, 5:30 - 7:00 P.M. – and raise a glass to her. RSVP to info@thelaurelmagazine.com.
by Donna Rhodes
A Journey Thru The Bascom
In its plunge into the future, The Bascom takes a moment to consider its decades of revelation and inspiration.
Herbert Creecy, Untitled, 1983, Acrylic on Canvas, Collection of The Bascom (a work from Inspiring and Empowering: A Journey Through The Bascom’s Exhibition Legacy)
For four decades, The Bascom has championed meaningful connections through the visual arts, enriching lives and strengthening communities through accessible, creative engagement.
As the institution marks its 40th anniversary, its spring and summer exhibitions offer a reflective exploration of its evolution and impact through two retrospectives: Inspiring & Empowering: A Journey Through The Bascom’s Exhibition Legacy and Looking Back: A Retrospective of The Bascom’s Artistsin-Residence Program.
Inspiring & Empowering opens in the Bunzl Gallery on May 10. This retrospective revisits the exhibitions, artists, and initiatives that have shaped The Bascom’s mission over four decades, showcasing the breadth of artistic expression that has filled its galleries –from site-integrated outdoor sculptures
to experimental installations that have engaged and challenged audiences.
Looking Back opens May 24 in the Thompson Gallery, tracing the evolution of The Bascom’s Artist-in-Residence program and its lasting impact on artists. Featuring work from past residents across multiple disciplines –including painting, ceramics, and mixed media – this exhibition contextualizes the program’s legacy of artistic innovation and professional growth. Through this retrospective, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the creative paths of these resident artists and the profound influence The Bascom and its surrounding community have had on their practices.
To celebrate these exhibitions, The Bascom will host a free public reception on June 12 at 5:00 P.M., honoring Inspiring & Empowering, Looking Back, and the Photography Resident Exhibition
by resident artist, Margaret Adams. This reception invites the community to reflect on The Bascom’s legacy, engage with artists, and celebrate the people who have helped shape its journey. As always, admission to The Bascom’s galleries is free of charge.
More than a commemoration of The Bascom’s 40 years, these exhibitions represent an ongoing dialogue between past and future, paying tribute to the visual traditions that continue to shape The Bascom and its creative community. by Bianca Mitchell, The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts
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The Best of Theatre and Opera
Ballet Memphis brings a performance of passion and precision to Highlands Performing Arts Center, Thursday, May 29.
Ballet Memphis
Prepare for an unforgettable evening of dance as Ballet Memphis takes the stage at the Highlands Performing Arts Center on Thursday, May 29, at 7:00 PM.
In line with the Highlands Performing Arts Center’s mission of providing highquality venues for the performing arts in the Highlands-Cashiers community, this special one-night engagement will showcase the exceptional talent of the renowned company, featuring captivating works by acclaimed choreographer Trey McIntyre and Ballet Memphis’ own Artistic Director, Steven McMahon.
Founded in 1986, Ballet Memphis was established with a powerful mission: to create a ballet company that truly reflects its community and the nation. Through innovative creation, compelling presentation, and dedicated teaching, the company celebrates the human spirit in all its diversity. Ballet Memphis has
cultivated a company that is beautifully diverse in mind, body, and soul, and it strives to use the transformative power of its art to serve others.
Over the years, Ballet Memphis has built an acclaimed original repertoire that often draws inspiration from the cultural significance of its home region.
…this special one-night engagement will showcase the exceptional talent of the renowned company…
Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to witness the artistry and passion of Ballet Memphis right here in Highlands. Tickets for this special event are available online at HighlandsPerformingArts. com/special-events or by calling the Highlands Performing Arts Center box office at (828) 526-9047.
Secure your seats now for an evening of breathtaking dance that celebrates the human spirit and the power of artistic expression.
by Jeanne Piazza, Executive Director, Highlands PAC
This unique and compelling work has garnered national and international recognition, captivating audiences around the globe and in prestigious venues such as The Joyce Theater in New York City and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
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In the Heart of the Fire
Robert Noelke’s stunning designs are a bold fusion of fire, iron, and imagination.
Robert Noelke digs the earth –and what’s beneath it.
His passion: to fashion fire and flame into phenomenal works of art and architecture – right in your own backyard.
His process: Raw materials, iron, for example, are fired-up on a forge (furnace). Like the Roman god, Vulcan, Robert heats the metal, turning it into a molten, red-hot glob, ready for hammering and manipulating – you know,
the fun, smashing part. Air, fire, and water are Robert’s essential elements. Without them, metal would remain … well, unsmashed.
Once the metal is molten, it might become: a support, a railing, a sculpture, a piece of furniture.
That decided, how shall the railings/ furnishings be adorned? Appalachian flora and fauna are Robert’s go-to subjects. Growing up, his elders/mentors were accomplished mechanics. They also
immersed him in nature. He is equally comfortable in creating organic or man-made designs.
An outsider might think Robert is living a Marvel comic-epic, complete with Roman god. But he lives every minute of his fascinating life in real time, simply enjoying an ancient craft, that literally built an iron world starting around 1500 BCE. Every blow of the hammer has impacted the world since.
Robert has been introducing another
kind of world to the mountains: he’s turning drab yards into Backyard Dreamscapes.
He’s turning ordinary patios into cool decks with creative carpentry and bold, unique surprises. Robert is not just a blacksmith. He is also a crackerjack wood-craftsman. And that is a crazycool, rewarding combination.
Robert says, “When designing, I usually visit a client’s home and get a feel for them. I try to repeat their requests and tweak their vision. Once we are in agreement, I do my best and routinely
please every client.”
When you get a chance, ask Robert about custom repousse, hand-designed/ forged steel adornments, copper work, hammered address inscriptions, castings, and more. He’s an accomplished metal restorer from vintage chandeliers to antique railings. And he is a consummate repairperson, top-to-bottom of your home.
The other half of the Noelke duo is his wife, jewelry artist, Shannon, who was featured earlier this year in The Laurel Contact Robert Noelke Customs
in Otto at (828) 342-7555, or Robertnoelkecustoms@gmail.com or Instagram/ robert_noelke_art. Visit his webpage for examples of his heirloom work at shannonnoelkemetalarts.com/ pages/robert-noelke-customs. by Donna Rhodes
Robert Noelke
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Every Note Vibrates
Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival’s Salon Series presents its evocative performances in uniquely intimate settings. For tickets or more information, call (828) 526-9060 or email hccmfnc@gmail.com.
William Ransom
What happens when chamber music escapes the formal concert hall, finding sanctuary in a private home – where every note vibrates with intimacy, artists breathe alongside their audience, and music transcends performance to become pure conversation?
For over 40 years, the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival has been answering this question. Through its innovative Salon series, this summer the festival will transform eight selected private homes across the Plateau into extraordinary listening spaces, where music is not just performed, but experienced. These gatherings reimagine the traditional concert format, creating the conditions for chamber music to do what it does best: dissolve barriers and spark connection, and invite listeners into something immediate and personal.
The Salon series opens on June 16 with a ‘Dynamic Duo’ that promises to set the
intimate tone for the entire festival. Pianist and artistic director William Ransom joins forces with violist Yinzi Kong, formerly with the internationally acclaimed Vega Quartet—a pairing that embodies the festival’s most essential promise: music not as distant performance, but as living, breathing dialogue.
From this opening conversation, the festival unfolds like a musical story.
By June 28, ‘Winds in the Mountains’ will transport listeners with the rare and luminous collaboration between flutist James Zellers and clarinetist Alexandra Prior.
On July 11, 24-year-old pianist Zitong Wang takes the stage – a Carnegie Hall alumnus whose performances reveal an emotional depth beyond her years.
The musical journey continues July 16 with Sharon Isbin, a Grammy-winning classical guitarist whose four-decade career includes multiple Grammy awards and
performances at the White House while redefining the instrument’s possibilities. The Salons continue July 18 with “CheeYun Dazzles @ The Enchantment,” highlighting the violinist’s celebrated blend of charm and virtuosity.
Then July 30, Vijay Venkatesh performs with a magnetic stage presence that has drawn comparisons to the great Romantic pianists. August 1 features violinist Njioma Grevious, a Sphinx Competition laureate whose sound is rich, radiant, and unmistakably her own.
The season culminates on September 20 with ‘Festival Favorites!’ – a powerful pairing of violinist Helen Kim and cellist Charae Krueger.
With tickets intentionally limited, every performance creates an intimate musical experience that directly supports the festival’s mission of bringing world-class chamber music to mountain landscapes.
by Marlene Osteen
The Highly-Anticipated 87th Season
Mountain Theatre Company raises the curtain on an ambitious season of surprising casting choices, music, laughter, and sudden moments of heartbreak.
Mountain Theatre Company, under the Executive Artistic Direction of Scott Daniel, is proud to announce the two star studded casts for its highly-anticipated 87th season opener, featuring two beloved musicals playing in repertory: The Marvelous Wonderettes and Forever Plaid.
This summer, audiences will be treated to two unique productions featuring two distinct casts: an all-female cast brings the hilarious and tuneful The Marvelous Wonderettes to the MTC stage, while an all-male cast will charm audiences with the close harmonies and witty banter of Forever Plaid. Both productions are delightful throwbacks to a simpler time and are deeply reminiscent of past MTC favorites: Jersey Boys, Catch Me if You Can, and Sentimental Journey.
Some familiar faces grace the MTC stage in The Marvelous Wonderettes, including Erin Leigh Knowles (MTC’s Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages), Taylor Ruffo (MTC’s Jersey Boys), and Jillian Worthing (MTC’s Grease, Catch Me If You Can). Rounding out this incredible ensemble of women are MTC newcomers Catara Brae, Abigail Gordiany, and Rachel Maselek.
The Marvelous Wonderettes opens on Wednesday, June 11 at the beautiful Highlands Performing Arts Center under the direction and choreography of Amy McCleary (Memphis – National Tour, The Wizard of Oz – National Tour). This smash-hit musical written and created by Roger Bean, follows the lives of four high school friends – Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy – as they navigate love, friendship and a decade of growth. Vote for your favorite Prom Queen while you enjoy iconic hits like “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” and “Respect.”
This charming and hilarious show is a
must-see for anyone who loves nostalgic tunes, laughter and a healthy dose of female empowerment. The creative team includes Production Design by Scott Daniel, Music Direction by Lori Nielsen, Lighting Design by CJ Barnwell, Sound Design by Bo Garrard, Costume Design by Beck Jones, and Scenic Design by Jeff Weber.
Opening just two days later on June 13, MTC will present the all-time classic Forever Plaid. Beloved by audiences around the world, Forever Plaid is a celebration of tight barbershop harmonies and pitch-perfect melodies all set to a compelling tale that continues to pack audiences in. Forever Plaid tells the story of four high school friends – Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie – who form a singing group. Tragically, their dreams of stardom are cut short following a fatal car accident on the way to their first big gig, but miraculously are given one final chance as they return from the afterlife to deliver a hilarious and heartwarming final performance.
This musical written and created by Stuart Ross, features a talented quartet of actors in its hilarious and heartwarming tribute to the music of a bygone era with hits like “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Heart of Gold,” and “Love is a ManySplendored Thing.” As an award-winning director and choreographer, Jonathan VanDyke (Disenchanted! - National Tour) will lead Forever Plaid’s creative team, with Production Design by Scott Daniel, Music Direction by Lori Nielsen, Lighting Design by Hannah Wein, Sound Design by Bo Garrard, Costume Design by Beck Jones, and Scenic Design by Jeff Weber. Forever Plaid will also feature a live band with Matt Moleworth on the piano, Dan Knowles on the drums and Jackson Hopper on the bass.
Highlighting the cast of Forever Plaid is the return of Highlands favorite, Emanuel Carrero, known affectionately as “Highlands’ Frankie Valli” after his record-breaking performance in MTC’s Jersey Boys in 2022 and 2023, who will grace the stage as the charming, klutzy heartthrob, Jinx. Also returning as an audience favorite is Terrance McQueen from MTC’s 2024 production of Home for the Holidays: Sounds of the Season, starring as lovable goofball Sparky. Rounding out the cast includes soon-to-be audience favorites, Kyle Channell as smooth crooner Frankie, and Cooper McConnell Shaw as shy and gentle Smudge; alongside the multi-talented Parker Viator, and Cedric C. Paige.
This June, Mountain Theatre Company encourages audiences to indulge in this unique theatrical experience. With matinee and evening performances scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, audiences will have the opportunity to see both shows on the same day, if they so choose. Audiences have an opportunity to catch the girls’ harmonies on a matinee performance of The Marvelous Wonderettes, and then return in the evening to enjoy the compelling story of Forever Plaid with an evening performance This repertory schedule allows audiences to fully immerse themselves in the music and magic of both shows, with both shows alternating between matinee and evening performances from June 11 through July 13. Tickets and a full performance schedule can be found online at mountaintheatre.com. Matinee performances begin at 2:00 P.M., with evening performances beginning at 7:30 P.M. Tickets range from $68-$78. by Erin Leigh Knowles, Mountain Theatre Company
Putting on a Show
PAC Educational Theatre’s Matilda the Musical is a jolly celebration with music, mystery, and a very special girl at its center. It’ll be staged at Highlands Performing Arts Center May 2 through May 4.
PAC Educational Theatre in rehearsal for Matilda the Musical
This spring, PAC Educational Theatre will take the stage with its highly anticipated production of Matilda the Musical, a captivating story of a young girl with extraordinary powers and the heart to overcome adversity. The show will run from May 2 to May 4, with tickets priced at just $20-25.
Matilda the Musical follows the journey of Matilda Wormwood, a precocious and gifted girl, as she navigates the challenges of her family, school, and an authoritarian headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. With its witty dialogue, memorable songs, and themes of resilience and empowerment, the production promises to captivate audiences of all ages.
Over 35 local kids, ranging from first time performers as young as 5 to seasoned performers, will take center stage, supported by a talented ensemble of 10 adults.
A majority of these young performers come from the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau area, reinforcing PAC Educational Theatre’s commitment to the community. The show marks a significant expansion from last year’s successful production of Oliver! This year’s larger cast not only adds to the energy and complexity of the performance but also provides even more opportunities for local kids to shine.
PAC EDU’s mission is not just to create amazing productions, but to use theatre arts as a platform for teaching valuable life lessons. By giving these young actors the chance to work in a professional theater environment, they develop essential skills in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Students learn the importance of working together toward a common goal, how to manage their time, and how to overcome challenges both on and off the stage. These experiences go beyond the
footlights, helping them build confidence and a work ethic that will serve them well throughout their lives.
In every production, PAC EDU strives to provide professional-level experience, helping the students rise to the occasion. From rehearsals to the final performance, the goal is to challenge the actors, enhance their skills, and showcase their growth. It’s about more than just putting on a show, it’s about creating well-rounded individuals who are ready to take on any challenge life presents.
With a stellar cast, an engaging story, and valuable life lessons woven into every scene, Matilda the Musical is sure to be a hit.
Mark your calendars for May 2 through 4, and don’t miss your chance to see this incredible local production in action! by Erik Bishop, Highlands Performing Arts Center
Prodigy to Pro
The artistic journey of Evan Bryson began with a gallery showing at his sixth birthday party and led to the remarkable landscapes of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. He’ll explain it all at the May 19 meeting of the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers.
Evan Bryson
The May meeting of the Art League will be held on the terrace at The Bascom on May 19.
Social time begins at 4:30 P.M., with the meeting following at 5:00 P.M. The guest speaker will be Art League member Evan Bryson, a self-taught Appalachian landscape artist, working in oil.
His journey as an artist began at a very young age. In fact, the theme of his sixth birthday party featured a “gallery” of his childhood paintings.
After spending his college years on the coast, in 2016 he moved to Highlands. Here he found unlimited inspiration for painting landscapes. He was captivated by the pristine views and the variety of colors and textures offered by the area. His primary subject matter is found in and around the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, the Nantahala National Forest and the Smokey Mountains National Park.
He is greatly influenced by the American Hudson River School, and has an appreciation of the luminism movements of the 19th century. His favorite artists of the past include M.J. Heade, F.E. Church, E.W. Waite, and A.B. Durand.
It is the work of these and others that Bryson emulates.
Here he found unlimited inspiration for painting landscapes.
reminds my viewers to go see the real landscapes.” Not surprisingly, his work has been well-received at area art shows. He is a member of the Art Renewal Center as well as the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers.
We hope you will join us for this free social and presentation. To learn more about the Art League, visit our website, artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com. by Zach Claxton, Art League of Highlands Cashiers
He says of his work, “I strive to capture a fraction of the magic of the American Hudson River School masters. Western North Carolina serves as my ultimate place of inspiration. I am hopeful my work captures a moment in time, and
Scan to learn more.
Covered in Color
A splash of color and a dash of delirious fun – the Annual Cashiers Kids’ Color Course makes its debut Monday, June 16 at the Cashiers Rec Center Ball Field.
At 10:30 A.M. June 16, at the Cashiers Rec Center Ball Field we’ll be coloring our world.
Join the fun as we run the field, play games, and have a colorful dance party! Wear white and be covered in color as you run, walk, or roll the course.
And of course, we’ll end the morning with a giant color fight! We guarantee that anyone that wants to be covered in color, will be. Adults – you may want to bring some towels to protect those car seats!
The colorful throws are corn starch and chalk, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Be sure the clothes you wear are something you don’t mind being colorful for a few washes. The ball field is accessible for those with mobility concerns; the field is grass, level, and well maintained. Water and snacks will be provided for all participants. We run – rain or shine – as long as there
is no lightning in the area! Rain date is June 23 at 10:30 A.M. The Color Course would not have been possible without the generous support of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina – Cashiers and Highlands and the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau.
This program is free and open to the public and children of all ages. Adults can join in the colorful shenanigans, as well. We’ve even had a dog or two enjoy the color.
To sign up or volunteer to be a color tosser, contact the Library at (828) 743-0215, or stop by the desk. by Serenity Richards, Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library
Kaleidoscopes of Color
A visit to Around Back at Rocky’s Place is both a gallery browse and a celebration.
Tracey Burnette, proprietor of Around Back at Rocky’s Place Folk Art Gallery, has been Rocky-ing steady nearly a quartercentury in Dawsonville, Georgia.
Rocky’s Place has become a Southeastern folk art destination. For some devotees, it’s celebrated as a folkart mecca.
Collectors and viewers are loyal to their favorite Outsider celebs like Cornbread, Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Meaders Potters, Mose Tolliver, and Howard Finster. Tracey supports folk artists of the past, the present, and those who show future promise.
Every year the Dawsonville Chamber of Commerce hosts a gala happening, formal dress. Tracey is a more jeans and tee gal.
Her mom, on the other hand, is 93. She dresses to the nines, and loves to party. So Mom helped her with attire and
joined as Tracey’s date.
Tracey said, “It was a fabulous dinner. Top of the line. We sat, enjoying every minute. Mamma was hanging in there, but she was getting tired. She signaled let’s go, so I announced, ‘Mom’s ready to go.’”
The emcee of the evening quickly intervened, “No, you can’t go right now,” she insisted.
I looked at my mom and said, “We can’t leave yet, Mom.”
She looked puzzled.
But then, on cue. the Chamber President launched into raves and congratulations. It took a couple of minutes for Tracey to realize the praise was intended for her. She said, “I was floored that someone even noticed my gallery after so many years. I am still just kind of in awe. When she started talking about my gallery, all I could say was ‘Wow!’”
As a destination business, people come
from all over, attracted to the wide range and quality of folk art Tracey features. She admits, “What I am doing here is drawing tourists. This has kept me in business, and benefitted others in the process.”
Join the many who take a trip or two annually to experience probably the most popular Folk Art destination in the South … maybe even much of the country.
Discover Around Back at Rocky’s Place Folk Art Gallery yourself – visit 3631 Highway 53 at Etowah River Road in Dawsonville, Georgia. They are open Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Give them a call at (706) 265-6030; email gallery@ aroundbackatrockysplace.com; or visit aroundbackatrockysplace.com.
by Donna Rhodes
Scan to learn more.
DINING Pages 136-157
Reasons to Return
Settling into the Ruffed Grouse Tavern (270 Main Street in Highlands) for a bite and a sip and a bit of lively conversation is an exercise in indulgence.
It was a cold evening in late January when Marjorie Deal and I stepped into the Ruffed Grouse Tavern.
Instantly and blissfully, the mountain chill dissolved into distant memory. An overstuffed chair beckoned near a woodburning fireplace, its flames casting a warm, amber glow across the room. The space enveloped us in a cocoon of comfort – soft conversations humming, firelight reflecting in glassware – promises of refuge from the winter’s bite.
Jeremy Carter, the wine director, approached our table, a glass of Paul Bara Grand Cru Rosé Champagne in hand.
Warm and engaging, with a career spanning California’s legendary wineries like Chappellet and Duckhorn, Carter
has a flair for the meaningful detail and an effortless knowledge that makes you feel instantly at ease. The champagne, elegant, delicate, and subtle on both nose and palate was a harbinger of the evening to come.
The Tavern itself is a testament to owner Jason Reeves’ vision – part saloon, part salon, a space that nods to the past without being imprisoned by it.
Reeves, a designer, preservationist, and developer, is a maximalist with a curator’s eye. Nothing here is accidental. Every brass sconce, every leather banquette tells a story, carefully orchestrated to create an environment that feels both timeless and entirely of the moment.
This is Reeves’ canvas – the Highlander
Mountain House ecosystem, of which Ruffed Grouse Tavern is the culinary heart. A maximalist in the best way, he leaves nothing to chance, treating each detail with the same intentionality a chef might approach a complex dish.
And Reeves, it must be said, seems to be having a very good time. He moves through the space with ease – engaging guests, exchanging a few words, checking in with his team. It’s hospitality with aplomb and pizzazz, adding a touch of theater to the evening without ever drawing the spotlight away from the experience itself.
In the kitchen, two executive chefs – Adam Bresnahan and Chris Herzog –mirror Reeves’ approach. Their partner-
ship is rare: two high-level accomplished chefs sharing one kitchen, yet the collaboration feels seamless. Bresnahan, a Johnson & Wales alum, brings a refined, ingredient-forward sensibility shaped by years in Chicago, Wyoming, and the Virgin Islands. Herzog’s culinary foundation was forged under a French chef in Colorado and sharpened in kitchens across Western North Carolina.
Their menu is a conversation, not a monologue. A Green Hill Brûlée arrives – a perfect round of soft-ripened cheese torched to golden complexity, drizzled with Blue Ridge honey, punctuated by green apple’s sharp counterpoint. With it comes Devils on Horseback— dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in hickory-smoked bacon. A familiar idea, yes, but done here with the kind of balance that makes you pause. Salty, sweet, smoky—never too much of any one thing.
Paired with the appetizers, The 2020 Hermann J. Wiemer Riesling lean, mineral, and lively, cutting through the dishes with elegance and lift.
The butternut squash ravioli follows, dressed in brown butter and topped with fried sage and shaved parmesan, was among the night’s most quietly luxurious dishes. The pasta was delicate, the filling silky, and the sage added both texture and perfume. With it came a Joseph Drouhin Puligny-Montrachet, bright with citrus and mineral and the faintest whisper of fennel.
Our main courses offered contrasting pleasures. The Sunburst Farms Carolina Mountain Trout, almond-crusted and seared until golden, arrived over jasmine rice with sugar snap peas and a lemon beurre blanc that gave it lightness without losing depth.
The chargrilled New York Strip was the opposite kind of pleasure – deeply caramelized, perfectly medium-rare, and served with rosemary-smashed potatoes, duck-fat Brussels sprouts, and a sharp, red chimichurri that added brightness and bite.
With the mains, Carter poured two reds: a 2021 Pax Sonoma Hillside Syrah, all violets, blueberry, and a savory undercurrent of olive; and a Domaine Roger Perrin Châteauneuf-du-Pape, full of dried herbs, black pepper, and warm spice. Each wine stood beautifully on its own. Together, they framed the dishes with richness and restraint.
We concluded with bread pudding, and like everything else that evening, it avoided the expected. The custard was laced with dark and white chocolate, fragrant with cinnamon and vanilla, and finished with a slow pour of caramel. It was warm, supple, and nostalgic – but
not too sweet, a final testament to the kitchen’s remarkable restraint.
There were things I didn’t try – the Lamb Wellington, the Wild Mushroom Ravioli, even the House Burger, rumored to be one of the best in town.
But that’s the beauty of a seasonal menu. It gives you a reason to return. Nobody needs to be talked into this kind of bliss.
Reservations are a must – call (828) 5262590 or visit highlandermountainhouse. com/the-ruffed-grouse-tavern.
by Marlene Osteen
Pull That Cork
Forget Cinco de Mayo! The entire month can be a fiesta, complete with the perfect wine pairing. ¡Olé!
Marlene Osteen
You may not have opened this magazine expecting my wine column to mention tacos. Or guacamole. Or Cinco de Mayo.
But trust me – if wine is about pleasure and conviviality, if it’s about culture and celebration and making food taste better – then there’s no better occasion to pull a cork than May 5th.
So, are you ready to join me on a fictional odyssey to a Cinco de Mayo celebration?
Let’s imagine a table spread with tacos, salsas, grilled meats, and slow-cooked sauces. The sun is out, the playlist is good, and by the time the food arrives, we’ve all raised a thirst.
Let’s start with sparkling wine, the ultimate party-starter. A dry Spanish Cava like Raventos i Blanc “Blanc de Blancs” is bright, citrusy, and perfect with chips and salsa or Baja-style fish tacos. The bubbles slice through fat and
spice with ease.
Grilled steak, carnitas, or al pastor? Reach for a medium-bodied red. A Garnacha like Bodegas Borsao Tres Picos brings juicy cherry and spice, while Ridge “Three Valleys” Zinfandel adds depth and a peppery kick. For birria or barbacoa, go with a Rhône Syrah – perhaps the Chateau de Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône Rouge, a wine that knowledgeable Stephanie Miskew of Highlands Wine Shoppe deems has “oodles of personality at a very affordable price.
Barbacoa demands a wine that can tango with its smoky intensity. Enter Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Reserva Tempranillo—a Spanish standout with enough muscle and red fruit, spice and swagger to match this slow-cooked masterpiece.
Even guacamole—that creamy, limekissed glory—finds its soulmate in
Spanish Verdejo. Try Bodegas Naia’s electric version that zips across your palate like lightning, making each chip-dip-sip combination feel like a flavor revolution.
For dessert? Trust me on this wild ride: churros and sparkling rosé! Pop open Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé and watch how its berry notes and tiny bubbles dance with cinnamon sugar in perfect harmony.
This Cinco de Mayo, be the host who breaks the mold! While everyone else is knocking back predictable margaritas, you’ll be pairing cultures in the most delicious rebellion possible.
Salud, amigos! Your taste buds can thank me later. Most of these wines can be found in Highlands at the Highlands Wine Shoppe, highlandswineshoppe.com.
by Marlene Osteen
The Seasoning is Everythiing
With her childhood of kitchen learning and a reverence for the traditions of her homeland, Chef Maria Escobeda’s carnitas dishes are far removed from your typical tacos.
If there’s one dish that Chef Maria Escobedo says everyone gets excited about – it’s tacos de carnitas.
These aren’t your average tacos. Think melt-in-your-mouth pork, simmered slowly in lard with citrus, herbs, and spices, then crisped to golden perfection and tucked into warm tortillas. It’s a dish that comforts and celebrates all at once—and it’s deeply personal.
Before she took over the reins at Highlands Burrito, manning the stoves and reinventing the menu to reflect the authentic recipes of her homeland of Mexico, Maria Escobedo was a little girl in Michoacán, piling into the kitchen with her family after church, drawn by the scent of something rich and
slow-cooked.
“Carnitas were always a reason to gather,” she says. “Everybody would get excited.”
Carnitas (or “little meats”) are a traditional Mexican dish of cubed pork shoulder braised with spices and citrus until tender. Escobedo’s version, its luscious fat cut beautifully with bittersweet orange juice, pays homage to the style made famous in Michoacán, the state in west-central Mexico where she grew up.
There, carnitas are often slow-cooked in giant copper pots – rich, rustic, and meant to feed a crowd. The braising liquid, infused with orange, garlic, earthy oregano, cinnamon, and bay leaf, imparts deep, savory flavor as the pork
cooks. It’s minimal on effort, maximal on flavor. The meat can be made ahead and finished under the broiler or in a hot skillet for that signature crispy edge.
At Highlands Burrito, where Maria Escobedo leads the kitchen with pride and purpose, carnitas are just the beginning.
Best-selling specials like Quesabirria –street tacos filled with slow-cooked beef and melted cheese – fly out the door, along with hearty Mexican bowls and rotating hits like Camarones a la Diabla and Acapulco Fish, made with tilapia, chipotle, beer, and spices.
Indeed, since joining the Old Edwards family of restaurants, she’s been on a mission to deepen her guests’ understanding of true Mexican cooking by
Chef Maria Escobeda
introducing indigenous recipes and the rich, layered flavors of her homeland.”
The results speak for themselves –Highlands Burrito is busier than ever, now open until 8:00 P.M. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Still, the carnitas remain a cornerstone.
“The seasoning is everything,” Maria says. “If you change it, it’s not the same.”
So she doesn’t – and you shouldn’t either.
Maria Escobedo’s Tacos de Carnitas
Serves 6
Ingredients:
500g lard (about 2¼ cups)
1 liter water (about 4¼ cups)
1 kg pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into large chunks
Juice of 1 orange
1 bay leaf
1 pinch black pepper
2 pinches coarse salt
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried marjoram
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
Fresh cilantro, chopped (to taste)
Lime wedges, for serving
Corn tortillas, warmed
Your favorite salsa or hot sauce
Instructions:
1. In a large, heavy pot over medium heat, combine the lard and water. Stir occasionally until the lard melts and the mixture is fully combined.
2. Add the pork to the pot along with orange juice, bay leaf, pepper, salt, thyme, and marjoram. Stir to coat the meat evenly.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncov-
ered for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the pork is very tender and beginning to brown. Stir occasionally.
4. Remove the pork and let it drain. Discard the cooking liquid or reserve a little to drizzle over the pork for added flavor.
5. Chop or shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. For extra crispiness, broil briefly or sear in a hot skillet.
6. To serve, fill warm tortillas with pork, then top with chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add salsa to taste.
Make Ahead Tip: The pork can be cooked a day in advance and stored in its braising liquid. Reheat gently and finish under the broiler or in a skillet before serving.
by Marlene Osteen
Renfro
photos by Susan
Cashiers Burger Week
“The Grills are calling and I must go.” Carnivores (and the people who love them) can still judge the culinary delights (and sides) served up at 2025 Cashiers Burger Week. For more information and updates, cashiersburgerweek.com.
Favorite Burger 2024: Happ’s Place Barn & Grill
Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated 2025 Cashiers Burger Week, set to take place through May 4 in Cashiers. This annual culinary celebration brings together local eateries and burger enthusiasts for a weeklong homage to the beloved burger.
What to Expect
During Cashiers Burger Week, which launched on April 26, participating restaurants will craft unique, limitedtime burgers, each priced at an enticing $10. These specialty burgers are offered à la carte, with sides and beverages available for an additional cost. This event provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the diverse culinary talents within the Cashiers area, as chefs put their creative spins on classic and innovative burger recipes.
How to Participate
To join in the festivities, you’ll need a Burger Week Passport, which guides the
participating restaurants and a record of your burger adventures. Passports can be picked up at the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce, 202 US-64 in Cashiers, starting mid-April. Alternatively, if you prefer the convenience of printing your passport at home, an online version will be available on the official Cashiers Burger Week website.
As you savor each burger, be sure to get your passport stamped at every location. Collecting stamps tracks your culinary journey and qualifies you to vote for the “Best Burger” and “Most Creative Burger” awards. To be eligible for prize drawings and have your vote count, you must visit at least three participating restaurants. Visiting five or more establishments earns you a bonus entry, increasing your chances of winning exciting prizes from local sponsors and restaurants.
Burger Week Etiquette
Participants are encouraged to:
Be Patient: Popular spots may experience high demand, leading to potential wait times or occasional shortages. Show appreciation for the hardworking staff, relax, and enjoy the community atmosphere.
Tip Generously: While the unique burgers are offered at a special $10 rate, they often represent higher-value creations. A gratuity of at least 20 percent is appreciated.
Support Local Businesses: Consider purchasing sides, beverages, or other menu items to show additional support for the participating establishments.
Share Your Experience: Document your burger journey and share it on social media using the hashtag #CashiersBurgerWeek. Engaging with the community enhances the overall experience and fosters local pride. by Susan Gregory, Executive Director, Cashiers Area Chamber
The Tastiest Spot
Owning and operating the Plateau’s pâtisserie is anything but a cakewalk. It’s more like a happy pie hop. Jennifer Colson’s splendid treasures are on display at The Baked Bunny at 177 Main Street in Highlands.
Highlands’ newest and tastiest spot is The Baked Bunny at 177 Main Street in Wright Square.
Jennifer Colson has created a unique vibe in this bright space featuring Spanish tiles, hand-printed art, a gleaming confectioner’s case, and carefully chosen gift items, many created by her artisan friends.
Jennifer describes it as “a slice of Miami in the mountains,” and she has managed to combine Miami sophistication with down-home comfort and goodness. Her decadent desserts, cakes, pies, cupcakes, croissants, pastries, and breads would make any grandmother proud, and any gourmand marveling at the complex flavors.
How does one hone this culinary skill that so perfectly blends modern tastes and flavors while remaining so true to simple goodness? A lifelong passion for baking helps. Some of Jennifer’s first memories are of sitting on a kitchen counter
with a cold bowl in her lap helping her grandmother make whipped cream with a rotary whisk.
Jennifer grew up in Miami, but her family has owned homes here since the ‘60s. Her fondest childhood memories are of summer adventures here – in the kitchen with her mom and grandmother and in the wilds of nature enjoying summer camps, hiking, rafting, rappelling, and gem mining.
That adventurous spirit and lifelong love of baking fuels this thriving business.
Jenn loves to experiment with ways to add unexpected flavors to tried-and-true favorites.
A touch of coconut in the crust of a key lime pie or a bit of guava in a cinnamon roll – yes, please! Pies are a specialty, showcasing perfect cream toppings, tightly woven lattice crusts, and flavors beyond compare. In 2020 she was honored as one of the pie artists featured in The Miami Herald’s
Jennifer Colson
Indulge Magazine.
Her offerings are incredibly delicious as we can attest, having enjoyed a slice of chocolate cake which was a chocoholic dream come true, and cinnamon rolls that were perfection.
You may be wondering how she arrived at the name. Jennifer was known as Jenn Bunny in college and the name fits. Jennifer hops around this bakery with a joy so profound that it is infectious.
That cute logo? It’s her adorable dog, Gary, sporting bunny ears.
Treat yourself to something wonderful from Baked Bunny today. They are open Wednesday through Saturday from 8:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M.
In addition to all the delicious baked goods, Jennifer offers coffee or tea and a beverage case full of sodas, juices, and cold brews.
by Mary Jane McCall
Renfro
photos by Susan
Appalachian Infused
Oh, the things they’re planning – May’s Highlands Supper Club event is a blending of bold California vintages with Chef Aaron Kulzer’s endlessly surprising Southern Appalachian-infused dishes.
The historic Joe Webb cabin housing Highlands Supper Club has seen its share of memorable meals—but on Thursday, May 15, it hosts something more distinctive: a culinary conversation between California’s wine country and the Southern Appalachian kitchen of Chef Aaron Kulzer.
“Golden State and Southern Plate,” the second in the restaurant’s monthly third Thursday wine dinner series, bridges geographic divides, pairing expressive
West Coast vintages with food that is confidently, deliberately Southern.
For Kulzer, this transcends a mere themed menu.
“I’m not trying to be clever,” he says. “I want to make food that feels grounded – food that connects to here, even if it starts somewhere else.”
That philosophy – of Southern food as evolving, rooted, yet receptive to influence – defines the series. Each month, the Supper Club explores a new culinary region through the perspective
of Southern Appalachian tradition.
After April’s Spanish-inflected dishes showcased jamón alongside Carolina grits and trout, May shifts westward.
The evening unfolds through a series of small plates crafted to complement wines from California’s standout producers: The Hilt, Jonata, The Pairing, and Bloodroot. A vibrant rosé Prosecco from Italy’s Poggio Costa sets the tone, with wine representative Matt McKeown of Drink Brands Partners offering context for each pairing – enhancing understand-
ing without overshadowing the experience. With only 20 seats available across two seatings (5:00 and 7:00 P.M.), priced at $60 per person or $100 with wine pairings (plus tax and gratuity), the evening feels both exclusive and accessible.
The menu speaks with Southern authenticity while engaging its Californian counterpart. Carolina prawn ceviche, tomato tart, fried green tomatoes, and pulled pork deliver textural contrasts and bright acidity – elements designed to highlight the structural elegance of coastal Pinot, the clean minerality of Chardonnay, and the layered complexity of Sonoma Cabernet. Cornbread with honey butter and Kulzer’s signature
fried chicken provide foundation, while a cream cheese pecan pie concludes with measured richness.
Each dish carries the weight of tradition without being burdened by it – reflecting Kulzer’s journey from Mississippi through kitchens in Biloxi, Florida, and finally Highlands.
Indeed, the Highlands Supper Club’s wine series are a true reflection of the balance between heritage and innovation.
Set in what locals knew as the Log Cabin Restaurant, Highlands Supper Club honors its past by advancing it – creating food that acknowledges history while embracing present possibilities. Beyond
mere pairings, these dinners offer narrative, connection, and the remarkable way one region can complement another through thoughtful presentation of food and wine.
Each third Thursday, Kulzer continues this culinary dialogue –anchored in Appalachia, reaching outward, and inevitably returning home with new perspective.
For reservations for the two May 15 seatings, visit thehighlandssupperclub. com or call (828) 271-9620.
by Marlene Osteen
Plateau Dining Guide
Restaurants of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau
HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS
4118 Kitchen + Bar 64 Highlands Plaza (828) 526-5002
Calder’s Cafe
CASHIERS, NC
Buck’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 743-9997
Cashiers Valley Smokehouse - (828) 547-2096
Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160
Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750
El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522
Native Prime Provisions (828) 743-3743
Subway - (828) 743-1300
Ugly Dog - (828) 743-3000
Whiteside Brewing Company - (828) 743-6000
GLENVILLE, NC
The Local - (828) 743-7778
SCALY, NC
Magliocca’s Ristorante - (828) 526-0803
384 Main Street (828)
HIGHLANDS, NC
Asia House - (828) 787-1680
Black Bear Cafe - (828) 482-7020
The Blue Bike Cafe - (828) 526-9922
Bryson’s Deli - (828) 526-3775
Divine South Baking Company - (828) 421-2042
Fressers Courtyard Cafe - (828) 526-4188
Highlands Pizza Place - (828) 305-7700
Highlands Tavern - (828) 526-9002
Madison’s Restaurant - (828) 787-2525
Mountain Fresh - (828) 526-2400
Rosewood Market - (828) 526-0383
The Ruffed Grouse - (828) 526-2590
Secret Garden - (828) 305-7509
Spinx Highlands - (828) 526-4191
Stubbon Buddha - (828) 482-4822
The Stubborn Bull - (828) 200-0813
Subway - (828) 526-1706
Wild Thyme Gourmet - (828) 526-4035
LAKE TOXAWAY, NC
Los Vaqueros - (828) 966-7662
Sweetwater Perk & Creamery, LLC - (828) 577-0469
Villa Amato (828) 885-7700
SAPPHIRE, NC
The Fix Bar & Lounge - (828) 743-7477
Jim’s Place at Sapphire Country Store - (828) 966-4011
Library Kitchen + Bar (828) 743-5512
Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740
Panthertown Cafe - (828) 862-3663
Slopeside Tavern - (828) 743-8655
Plateau Lodging Guide
Accommodations on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau
BREVARD, NC:
Meraki Escape - (828) 463-7440
CASHIERS, NC:
High Hampton Resort - (800) 648-4252
Hotel Cashiers - (828) 743-7706
The Lakehouse - (904) 753-0247
Landmark Vacation Rentals- (877) 926-1780
Mountain Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-0258
The Orchard
Guest Cottage - (828) 743-7614
Pebble Creek Village - (828) 743-0623
Silver Creek
Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-1999
The Wells HotelA Cashiers Experience - (828) 761-6289
FRANKLIN, NC:
Southern Belles
Glamping - (828) 371-9890
GLENVILLE, NC:
Innisfree Bed & Breakfast - (828) 743-2946
Mountain Lake Rentals - (828) 743-6875 Prime Property Rentals - (828) 743-3482
HIGHLANDS, NC:
200 Main - (855) 271-2809
Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-3717
Fairview House - (866) 526-8008
Half Mile Farm - (855) 271-7246
Highlander Mountain House - (828) 526-2590
Highlands House Bed and Breakfast - (828) 787-1186
Highlands Inn - (828) 526-9380
Highlands Resort Rentals - (828) 526-5839
The Inn at Mill Creek - 828-526-9999
Lotts of Sky - (404) 395-4000
Lullwater House - (423) 488-2799
Old Edwards Inn and Spa - (866) 526-8008
Outpost Inn (828) 482-7736
Park on Main - (800) 221-5078
Ray’s Roost - (678) 534-6870
Rent in Highlands - CCP - (800) 684-2171 x 302
Rockwood Lodge - (828) 526-8919
Silver Creek Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-2999
Trailborn Highlands (828) 482-1581
Valentine Manor - (561) 613-1496
Whiteside Cove Cottages - (828) 526-2222
SAPPHIRE, NC:
Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-3441
Foxhunt at Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-7667
Hampton Inn & SuitesCashiers-Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-4545
Mt Toxaway
Lodge & Motel - (828) 966-4582
Sapphire Run at Whisper Lake - (863) 412-5734
Whispering Falls - (352) 470-4085
Woods at Buc - (770) 714-9211
SCALY MOUNTAIN, NC:
Fire Mountain Resort & Spa - (800) 775-4446
The Vineyard at 37 High Holly - (828) 505-6190
LAKE TOXAWAY, NC:
Cabins at Seven Foxes - (828) 877-6333
Earthshine Lodge - (828) 862-4207
Greystone Inn - (828) 966-4700
Lake Toxaway
Realty Company - (828) 508-9141
DRINK PINK
As Buck’s Wine Atelier gears up for season they’re offering 10% off the purchase of any 6 rosés for the month of May. These delicious, Spring-inspired wines from around the globe are hand-selected by Owner and Certified Sommelier Stephanie Miskew. Come enjoy and drink pink!”
6 Rosés for the Month of May Special Buck’s Coffee Cafe | Cashiers
ECHOES OF AFFECTION
Inspired by famous love letters, artist Laura Moser creates a stunning tribute to love’s deep emotions and the permanence of promise, pen, and paper.
Love Letters, Mixed Media, 24x30 | $1200
Laura Moser Art | Cashiers
Plateau Picks
A few of our
favorite things
INSPIRED COOKWARE
Crafted by an artisan blacksmith in Charleston, SC, each Smithey carbon steel skillet is as much of a work of art as it is a cooking tool. Inspired by blacksmith design of the 18th and 19th century, these skillets are designed to elevate your everyday cooking experience. All with performance that rivals cast iron at a lighter weight.
Smithey Farmhouse Skillet | $ 295 Cashiers Kitchen Company | Cashiers
GARDEN ROYALTY
Adorned with a crown of autumn leaves, the beautiful Princess of the Garden watches over your garden through the seasons. As a symbol of enduring hope, she will make a beautiful addition to your garden and its changing colors.
Princess of the Garden Statue | $ 368 .99 Chattooga Gardens | Cashiers
STYLISH SIPS
Sip in style with Highlands Wine Shoppe’s Spiegelau “Definition” Glasses. Crafted in Germany from ultrathin, lead-free crystal, these lightweight glasses are designed to elevate every sip by enhancing the aromatics and flavor profile of your favorite wines. Each set of two is etched with HWS signature logo and presented in a sleek red carrier box – the perfect gift for any wine lover (yourself included). Speiglau “Definition” Glasses | $ 69.99/set of two Highlands Wine Shoppe | Highlands
STYLE IN A CLUTCH
Crafted with gorgeous coral-colored Italian leather by artist Lauren Brink, this clutch is super stylish and unique. Accented with sliced agate natural stone - this is truly a statement piece. And, it’s the perfect size to fit your cell phone, keys and lipgloss for a day around town or a night out.
Geode and Leather Clutch | $ 295
Jeanie Edwards Fine Art | Highlands
A Touch of Magic
Bevan Schiffli’s Natural Selection (361 Main Street in Highlands) is an emporium trading in nature’s goodness, a splash of whimsy, and, always, the unexpected. It’s all built upon Bevan’s effervescent personality.
It’s no surprise that Highlands often makes its way onto so many Best Small Town Shopping lists.
For such a compact downtown area we pack quite the punch offering something for everyone.
One of the most charming and unexpected pleasures is finding that eclectic little shop that stands out for its
uniqueness and abundance of small-town charm. Natural Selection at 361 Main Street is such a find.
There’s a touch of magic in this store (and we mean the good kind, think modern-day flower child vibe) but this flower child is sophisticated and in touch with nature, loves fair trade and repurposed items, might be interested in tarot
or botanical healing and fragrances, and is always on the lookout for the unusual.
Owner Bevan Schiffli has created this magical space full of unexpected treasures that beg a closer look. Jewelry that is unique, often functional, and sourced from small businesses; candles; nature-themed items; incense; flower essences by Romany Botanicals; tarot
Bevan Schiffli
cards; t-shirts that she designed; home décor items; gift items; fun fake tattoos; vintage items and clothing; regionally and carefully sourced CBD products including full spectrum; and such cute mushroom merchandise that we anticipate a local resurgence in the power of the simple mushroom to bring a touch of whimsy into everyone’s life.
All that mushroom power isn’t entirely random as Bevan’s husband, Sam Faust, who is the Executive Banquet Chef at Old Edwards, moonlights as a mushroom farmer, operating Blue
Valley Mushrooms.
Bevan credits a lot of her success to Sam and all her family and friends, who encouraged her to follow her dream and open this shop and supported her through a rather challenging opening season in 2020 as it coincided with the pandemic. That she survived that rocky start and thrives today is a testament to the power of her vision, dedication, and propensity for finding the perfect items to sell. No mass market items here – these are carefully and lovingly chosen.
You’ll be as taken by Bevan’s warm personality and good energy as you are this fascinating little shop. Treat yourself to a little escape from the everyday and visit this slightly mystical world gently scented with herbs and incense and overflowing with unique treasures.
Natural Selection is open MondaySaturday from 11:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. and on Sundays from Noon until 5:00 P.M.
by Mary Jane McCall
photos by Susan Renfro
Wit’s End Fashion High
Step into Wit’s End and step into Highlands’ history – with a twist of style.
The oldest shop on Main Street (since 1940!), this legacy boutique continues to define classic Southern style.
Opened in 1940 by Mrs. Oliver Earle Young Sr., the shop was passed on to her son Earle and his wife Mary Lu in the 1950’s and is now headed up by Susie Young (daughterin-law and 3rd generation) who has been operating the business for over 30 years.
Wit’s End is the very definition of timeless. Think of it as old-school charm meets classic cool—where classic fashion still rules the runway.
What started as a seasonal shop for gifts and home accessories has expanded into a year round business of elevated women’s apparel.
The racks are stocked with beautifully made collections from Kinross Cashmere, Tyler Boe clothing, Minnie Rose, Saint James, Oliphant, enewton designs, Elizabeth James and dozens of other contemporary and timeless pieces.
“So many of our customers have memories of shopping here with family over the years,” says Susie.
“It’s part of their Highlands tradition.”
Wit’s End
382 Main Street, Highlands (828) 526-3160
Ava Schmitt (right) is wearing dress by Anna Cate Tina Rogers (left) is wearing dress by Elizabeth James
High Camp | Highlands, NC
photos by Susan Renfro and Mary Gillan Renfro
Sashay Around Fashion High
IfCashiers had a runway, Sashay Around would be front row, center. Tucked inside a charming 80-yearold cottage in Cashiers on Highway 107 N, just half a block from the intersection, this beloved boutique has been a fashion fixture for more than 48 years.
Family-owned and fiercely fashion-forward, Sashay Around specializes in curated collections that balance longevity with a little flair. American designers like Nic + Zoe and Tyler Boe set the tone with clean lines and flattering silhouettes made to move effortlessly from mountain strolls to evening cocktails.
But it’s not just about what you wear – it’s about how you feel. Personalized service is the boutique’s signature, offering expert styling, wardrobe consultations, and special orders tailored to every woman’s shape and style.
The result? A wardrobe that’s as confident and curated as you are. With its warm welcome, eye for detail, and effortless mix of charm and sparkle, Sashay Around remains a destination for women who crave fashion with substance – and a little something extra.
Sashay Around 97 Hwy. 107 N., Cashiers (828) 743-3003
Ava Schmitt (left) is wearing blouse and pants by Marble, hat by San Diego, cork bag from Portuga and jewelry by Sea Lily.
Tina Rogers (right) is wearing dress by Spanner, hat by San Diego, clutch by Hobo, and palm seed necklace from Ecuador.
High Camp | Highlands, NC
photos by Susan Renfro and Mary Gillan Renfro
The Southern Way Fashion High
Stylish without trying too hard. Polished with a wink of playfulness. That’s the vibe at The Southern Way, the Highlands boutique where Southern charm meets everyday cool. Owned by Michelle and Harry Bears, this shop has been setting the tone for relaxed sophistication for over 20 years—with fashion that fits real life.
For men, The Southern Way is a gold mine of modern classics. Think polished, performanceready dress shirts from Mizzen & Main, laid-back polos and button-downs from Johnnie-O, and relaxed Southern staples from &Diamonds and GenTeal. The lineup also includes Tasc, Redvanly, and Birddogs, giving customers plenty of choice for everything from mountain weekends to business-casual days. Women’s fashion is equally well-represented, with stylish offerings from Johnnie O, 7Diamonds, Habitual, and FOIL. Handbags from Hobo and sunsmart accessories by Eric Javitz add flair and function – all helping you look sharp, relaxed, and unmistakably Southern.
More than merely a boutique – The Southern Way is a true lifestyle hub. Easygoing, wellmade and effortlessly cool… much like Highlands itself.
The Southern Way 338 Main St, Highlands (838) 526-4777
High Camp | Highlands, NC
photos by Susan Renfro and Mary Gillan Renfro
John Bynum is wearing pants by Duck Head, shirt by Mizzen+Main, jacket by 7Diamonds, and belt by Pampeano.
Tina Rogers is wearing shirt and jacket by Habitual, shirt by Elietia, and purse by Hobo.
Highlands Fashion Show
Twelve fashion boutiques and habiliment galleries will be putting the Style in High Style, May 17 in Highlands.
We at The Laurel have always been unswerving in our devotion to the Fashion and Artistic communities that have flourished here on the HighlandsCashiers Plateau.
That’s why we jumped at the chance to sponsor the High Style Fashion Show, the centerpiece of this month’s High Style Celebration.
And you’re invited to the High Style Fashion Show, held at The Bascom at
10:00 A.M. on May 17. It will celebrate the latest trends and timeless classics –from Resort Casual to Mountain Chic to, naturally, High Style.
You’ll be treated to the newest looks found in the boutiques that adorn
the Plateau. Participating in the exclusive Fashion Show are Plateau style-setters Allison Diane, Annawear, Bear Mountain Outfitters, Brookings, C. Orrico, Elevation, Haley’s Lingerie, Highland Hiker, Highlands Kids, Molly Grace, TJ Bailey, and Wit’s End.
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a trendsetter, or simply looking for a fun morning, the High Style Fashion Show at
The Bascom promises an unforgettable experience for all.
The event is free and open to the public. VIP seating is available for $25 per person and includes an arrival beverage and swag bag. We encourage you to show up in your own unique dress-toimpress finery.
Of course, there’ll be plenty of other events to take in during this exciting
weekend (see page 36), but we wanted to extend this personal invitation to you.
For more information about High Style, call (828) 526-2112. Tickets for fee-based events are available at highlandschamber.org/high-style.
by Luke Osteen
Allison Diane Clothing
Highland Hiker
Bear Mountain Outfitters
Brookings Elevations
C. Orrico
Haley’s Fine Lingerie
Annawear
Highlands Kids
TJ Bailey’s
Molly Grace
Wit’s End
Scan to learn more.
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WEST END
1. On The Verandah Restaurant
2. Highlands Smokehouse
3. High Country Wine & Provisions
5. The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts
6. The Bascom Shop
7. The Dave Drake Ceramic Barn at The Bascom
SOUTH END
23 Highlands Supper Club
25. 4118 Kitchen & Bar
27. Dauntless Printing
32. Cosmos Flowers
37. Lupoli Construction
38. Allen Tate/Pat Allen Realty Group
39. Highlands Decorating Center
44. Unfurl Wellness Spa
45. Don Leon’s
46. Dusty’s
48. ACP Home Interiors
50. The Summer House
51. Nancy’s Fancys/The Exchange
60. Divine South Baking Company
MAIN STREET
101. Main Street Nursery
104. Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center
106. Los Vaqueros
167. The Christmas Tree
120. Eight on Oak
121. Highlands Wine Shoppe
123. The Park on Main Hotel
124. Landmark Realty
128. Primary Kitchen + Bar
134. The Southern Way
136. Dutchmans
141. Main Street Gifts
146. Wit’s End Shoppe
147. Calders Coffee Cafe
148. Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry + Wine Shop
152. Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty
153. Allison Diane Clothing
158. C. Orrico
160. TJ Bailey for Men
163. Spoiled Rotten
166. Annawear
169. Country Club Properties
180. Bijou
185. Ristorante Paoletti
187. The Dry Sink
191. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Meadows Mountain Realty
195. Old Edwards Inn
196. Madison’s Restaurant
197. The Wine Garden
198. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar
202. Hudson Library
203. Country Club Properties
210. Creative Concepts Salon
WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN
(Factoid: Named after Whiteside hero)
115. The Baked Bunny
117. Country Club Properties, Wright Square Office
CAROLINA VILLAGE
701. Mountain Life Properties
702. Highlands Historic Village
704. Creekside Village: - Suncoast Equity Management
705. Mountain Construction Engineering
708. Haley’s Fine Lingerie
709. Wayah Insurance
710. The High Dive
ON THE HILL
303. Mirror Lake Antiques
305. Jeanie Edwards Fine Art
306. Acorns
308. Highlands Burrito
310. McCulley’s
311. Martha Anne’s on the Hill
312. The Ugly Dog Public House
313. Old Edwards Inn
318. Peggy Crosby Center: - The Kitchen Carry Away & Catering
- Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation
319. Lakeside Restaurant
SPRING VILLAGE
400. Jannie Bean Fine Custom Jewelry
405. McCulley’s 406. Brookings
VILLAGE PARK
611. ACP Home Interiors
613. Cleaveland Realty
619. Christie’s Internatonal Real Estate Highlands Cashiers
NorthHighlands,Carolina
NorthHighlands,Carolina
NORTH END
801. Green Mountain Builders
807. Highlands Recreation Park & Civic Center
815. Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival
815. Highlands Cashiers Players
815. Highlands Performing Arts Center
815. Mountain Theatre Company
OUT 28 SOUTH
➡ Satolah Creek Farm
OUT NC 106
➡ Head Innovations
➡ Highlands Chiropractic & Wellness
➡ Peak Experience
➡ Allan Dearth and Sons Generators
➡ Steve Holt Landscaping
OUT 64 WEST
➡ Jackson Hole Gem Mine
OUT 64 EAST
➡ Black Rock Design Build
➡ Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services
Meadows Mountain Realty
➡ WHLC
➡ Highlands Lawn & Garden
➡ High Camp
➡ Bryson’s Grading & Paving
➡ Mission Hospital
➡ Rejuvenate Laser Center
➡ Wenzel Facial Plastic Surgery
➡ Reclamations
➡ Allen Tate/ Pat Allen Realty Group
➡ Highlands Dermatology
➡ Roman’s Roofing
VISIT FRANKLIN
➡ The Attic Antiques
➡ Clark & Co Hardscape Supply
➡ Diva’s on Main
➡ Garcia Paint Expert
➡ Whistle Stop Antique
VISIT CLAYTON
➡ Butler Galleries
➡ Calhoun Irrigation & Landscaping
➡ C&C Design Studio
➡ Clayton Merchants Business Association
➡ Georgia Shuttle
➡ Mountain Lakes Physicians Group
➡ Mountain Gate Systems
➡ SoulCraft
➡ Willow Valley RV Resort
For a complete listing please visit our website, thelaurelmagazine.com.
Being added to our listing is easy! Simply advertise with The Laurel.
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NORTH 107 2. Zookeeper Bistro 6. Slab Town Pizza 16. Stork’s - Wrap. Pack. Ship. 19. The Look Boutique 20. Mountain Mermaid 21. Sashay Around Ladies Boutique
SHOPS AT CASHIERS COMMONS
22. Joan Anderson Interiors 27. Bird Barn & Garden 28. Cashiers Kitchen Co.
29. Dr. Anita, Medical Aesthetics
30. Bombshell Hair Boutique 31. The Watershed Shoppe 33. Zoller Hardware
45. Cashiers Valley Real Estate 47. Lehotsky & Sons, Builders
54. Mountain Home Consignments
55. Fusion Yoga & Wellness
55. The Bungalow Boutique 59. Las Margaritas EAST 64
62. Laurel Terrace: - Natural Element Homes
63. Alexander Gardens: - Victoria’s Closet - Victoria’s Closet Shoes & Purses - Vic’s for Men
72. Ingles Plaza
Allen Tate/ Pat Allen Realty Group
74. Carolina Rustic Furniture 76. Blue Ridge Bedding 79. Jennings Builders Supply
WALK 80. A-List Antiques 80. Josephine’s Emporium 80. Laura Moser Art 82. The Village Hound
Village Pantry
Children’s Edit
Nora & Co. 89. Nearly New Furniture Consignment 90. Gracewear Boutique SOUTH 107 102. TJ
Trust
118. Chattooga Gardens Nursery
121. Robin’s Nest
123. Caliber Fine Properties
127. David Harley MD
128. Mountainworks Custom Home Design LTD.
130. The Cashiers Store
131. Poane Gallery
136. Cashiers Sotheby’s International RealtyThe McKee Group
137. Bounds Cave Rug Gallery
138. The Orchard Restaurant, Events Barn & Guest Cottage
THE VILLAGE GREEN
142. Village Green Commons
143. The Village Green
WEST 64
145. Edgewood Antiques
146. Shoppes On The Green: - Sugar Creek Custom Cabinets
155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
172. Whiteside Art Gallery
173. Betsy Paul Properties
176. Lenz Gifts
DOWN 107 NORTH
➡ Bazaar Barn
DOWN 107 SOUTH
➡ Silver Run Reserve
VISIT BREVARD
➡ Platt Architecture
VISIT GLENVILLE
➡ Crawford Construction
➡ Four Seasons Landscape
➡ Happ’s Place
VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY
➡ Balistreri Realty
➡ Charlie’s Hot Buns
➡ Grand Olde Station
➡ The Greystone Inn
➡ Headwaters Outfitters
VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY
➡ Historic Toxaway Market
➡ Lake Toxaway Company
➡ Los Vaqueros
➡ Mountain Construction Engineering
➡ Sweetwater Perk & Creamery
VISIT SAPPHIRE :
➡ Burlingame
➡ Casa Amigos Bar and Grill
➡ Sapphire Valley Real Estate
➡ Whistlin’ Dixie
VISIT SYLVA :
➡ Riverstone Development Group
For a complete listing please visit our website, thelaurelmagazine.com.
Being added to our listing is easy! Simply advertise with The Laurel.
Liz Harris & Jessica Hoheisel
TWO SISTERS, ONE GOAL: YOUR REAL ESTATE SUCCESS
As sisters and brokers, we bring a powerful blend of synergy, passion, and market expertise to the CashiersHighlands area. With deep roots in the community and a shared commitment to excellence, we’ve combined our individual successes to create a powerhouse real estate duo—offering our clients twice the knowledge, strategy, and personalized service.
Liz, has been a leader in the region’s luxury real estate market for over 20 years and is currently the top ranked broker in Cashiers and the 2nd ranked broker on the Highlands/Cashiers plateau for 2024. Specializing in exclusive club communities, land and estates, and lakefront properties, she pairs strategic marketing with a keen eye for staging, ensuring every listing reaches its full potential.
Jessica’s solution oriented attitude is the driving force behind her career. Mentored by Liz Harris over the past five years, she’s quickly becoming an expert in high-end real estate, seamlessly navigating transactions and building strong client relationships. Possessing an innate ability to understand and connect with people, and a sharp eye for market trends, she helps buyers and sellers navigate the real estate process with confidence and ease.
Together, we offer a full-service real estate experience, combining elite marketing, expert negotiation, and an extensive network of industry professionals. Whether buying, selling, or investing, we ensure a smooth, strategic,
“Liz and Jessica have guided us through the purchase and sale of several homes in Cashiers and we could not speak more highly of their expertise, attention to detail or the care and services they provided us as clients.You would be hard pressed to find a more knowledgeable agent; they have led us to a few of our best investments. This team will just about bend over backwards to find you the perfect real estate for your family. We are so grateful for their professionalism and assistance.” –
“Liz has successfully been my Broker on two occasions. First, she coordinated with other Brokers to get top-dollar for my home in Mountaintop. Next, she was able to secure a property I really wanted after it was just sold to someone else, and find a solution that satisfied everyone. In a word she is tenacious, and gets the job done.” – CHRIS E
4 BR / 4.5 BA / 1.48 ACRES
Welcome to this exquisite new construction home now completed and ready to move-in! Conveniently located in the highly sought-after neighborhood of Cedar Hill, just minutes from the heart of Cashiers. Offering long-range, expansive views from the Primary Suite, Living Room, Kitchen, and Guest Suites, this property blends luxurious living with breathtaking scenery. The Main Level is designed for both comfort and elegance, featuring a spacious Primary En-Suite with a dualsided fireplace, seamlessly warming both the bedroom and the bathroom. Adjacent is a charming study, complete with its own cozy fireplace, perfect for quiet relaxation. At the heart of the home, you’ll find the vaulted-ceiling Living
for $4,395,000
Room, featuring a full-stone fireplace and a glass-enclosed wine storage room, ideal for showcasing your collection. The open-concept Kitchen offers two large islands and connects to a Breakfast Nook, Keeping Room, and Formal Dining Room—perfect for both casual meals and elegant entertaining. A wellappointed Laundry Room and spacious Walk-In Pantry enhance the home’s functionality. Upstairs, discover three additional very spacious En-Suite Bedrooms and an office. The unfinished space above the three-car garage offers potential for additional square footage, ready for your personal touch. Don’t miss the chance to own this one-of-a-kind property with luxury finishes, unparalleled views, and a prime location in Cedar Hill. MLS 105907
Wade Hampton Golf Club
4 BR / 4 BA / 0.84 ACRES This beautifully renovated home blends timeless character with modern luxury. The great room serves as the heart of the home, featuring vaulted ceilings and a stone fireplace that creates a welcoming atmosphere. Natural light pours through large windows, while the open flow leads seamlessly into the beautiful kitchen and formal dining room. Completing the living areas, a charming Carolina Porch with its own fireplace provides a relaxed outdoor setting for enjoying morning coffee or entertaining guests. The Primary En-Suite is a true retreat, offering a serene ambiance and glimpses of the mountains beyond the golf course below the property. A spacious, remodeled bath with dual vanities, a large walk-in shower, and an expansive walk-in closet completes this retreat. The main level also features a cozy study, a second bedroom, and a beautifully appointed guest bath, ensuring comfort and convenience for both residents and visitors. The Terrace Level offers even more living space, with a cozy
for $3,695,000
family room anchored by a stone fireplace and a full wet bar—ideal for relaxing or hosting. Two generously sized en-suite bedrooms offer privacy and comfort, while the terrace-level Carolina Porch extends your living space outdoors, inviting you to take in the fresh air and views. Every detail in this home has been thoughtfully curated with exquisite custom furnishings and decor, creating a refined yet welcoming atmosphere throughout. Outside, the gently rolling lot boasts terraced gardens, lawn spaces, and an inviting outdoor fire pit. Situated just minutes from the charming mountain village of Cashiers and located within the gates of the prestigious Wade Hampton Golf Club, this home offers the perfect balance of privacy, luxury, and convenience. With its impeccable renovation, stunning surroundings, and thoughtful design, this home is an exceptional find for those seeking a peaceful mountain retreat. MLS 32855
Silver Run Reserve
4 BR / 4.5 BA / 0.65 ACRES
This 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath luxury cottage in Silver Run Reserve offers a perfect blend of mountain charm and modern comfort. The living room, designed to capture natural light and provide a tree house-like experience, features floor-to-ceiling windows and a fireplace, creating a warm and inviting gathering space. The chef’s kitchen is well-appointed with high-end appliances, ample counter space, and a spacious walk-in pantry for added storage. From the Kitchen and Dining Area through the folding door system, a highlight of the home is the Carolina Porch: a true year-round retreat. It presents with a stone fireplace, roll-down screens, vinyl
for $3,150,000
shades, built-in heaters, and an outdoor grill and pizza oven, making it ideal for entertaining in any season. The main level includes a Primary En-Suite and a Guest En-Suite, offering privacy and convenience. Upstairs, a cozy sitting area leads to a bonus room and two more Guest En-Suites. A large storage room is located beneath the home with paved access to covered golf cart storage. Situated within Silver Run Reserve, a low-density, amenity-rich mountain community, this home provides access to scenic trails, outdoor recreation, and exclusive community amenities—all while being just five minutes from the heart of Cashiers! MLS 1000310
3 BR / 2.5 BA / 1.35 ACRES Nestled just minutes from the heart of Cashiers, this charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom mountain cottage offers year round views of Whiteside Mountain, Shortoff Mountain and is a perfect blend of comfort and nature. Set within a serene community, the property fronts a greenspace and features a boutique lake stocked for catch-and-release fishing. Inside, the inviting open-concept living area features a cozy living room with a fireplace, dining room and expansive windows that showcase the mountain and forest views. The well-appointed kitchen includes granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample storage. A spacious Carolina porch provides the perfect spot to unwind and take in the fresh mountain air. A primary en-suite
Laurel Meadow Cottage
3 BR / 3.5 BA / 0.33 ACRES Discover this pre-construction sale of a charming new cottage, perfectly situated just outside the gates of Mountain Top Golf and Lake Club and a quick 4-minute drive to downtown Cashiers. Nestled in a serene, sunlit setting, this home boasts picturesque views of the community meadow and glimpses of the prestigious Whiteside Mountain. The main level features an open-concept living area that seamlessly flows onto a spacious covered porch and wraparound decks, ideal for outdoor entertaining. You’ll find the primary bedroom on this level, along with a versatile office or
at $1,425,000
can be found on the main level with two additional guest rooms, an office and bathroom on the second level. The home also includes a two-car carport with a bonus space above, offering great potential for expansion, as the property is already equipped with a 4-bedroom septic system. Beautiful garden spaces can be found around the front of the home and terraced down the back yard which features a built-in stone patio and firepit area. Whether as a full-time residence or vacation retreat, this mountain cottage offers the ideal balance of seclusion and convenience! Call or text Liz Harris today at 828.342.3194 for a personal tour of this property! MLS 1000305
Offered for $1,275,000
nursery space. Upstairs, two generously-sized bedrooms with en suite baths await, complemented by a roomy loft area perfect for a second living space or family room. Located in the new Laurel Meadow community, this lowmaintenance home allows you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without the hassle—including HOA maintained landscaping! With only eight homes in this quaint neighborhood, you’ll find the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility, all at an exceptional price point. Don’t miss out on this idyllic retreat! MLS 106184
A private community located on the prestigious 107 South corridor in Cashiers, NC. Silver Run Reserve is a paradise of natural beauty offering a variety of indoor and outdoor amenities, and a range of large estate homesites and new cottages.
Always Something Simmering
Charlie’s Hot Buns are a touch of magic in the morning or throughout the day. Find out for yourself at locations throughout the Plateau or at charlieshotbuns.com.
You can smell it from the parking lot – that intoxicating perfume of caramelized sugar, orange zest, and butter-soaked cinnamon that hits like a dopamine trigger. Inside the historic Mount Toxaway Hotel, Chef Charlie Hudson is orchestrating the sweet, sticky magic of Charlie’s Hot Buns – what locals call “the most delicious silver lining to a foot injury ever discovered.”
In 2021, hobbled by long-postponed surgery and doctor’s orders to stay off his feet, Hudson was a caged tiger.
“Three months of sitting still? Impossible,” he laughs.
True to form, his mother’s remedy came in the form of a recipe card – for cinnamon buns, of course.
So, faithful to her directive, he baked a batch of buns. Then another. Then he obsessed. Eight months and countless iterations later, a cult phenomenon was born. Hudson’s creations aren’t just cinnamon buns—they’re spiral-shaped revelations. Each bite delivers a perfect storm: cloud-
soft dough yielding to the crunch of cinnamon-sugar crystals before melting into a honey-orange glaze that makes licking your fingers not just acceptable but mandatory.
One customer described them as “the kind of treat that stops all conversation mid-bite.” But this wizard of Mount Toxaway doesn’t stop at breakfast. His cocktail crackers – shatteringly crisp, salt-flecked lavosh made decadent with old-school lard – inspire otherwise reasonable people to hide bags from their families.
This season, Hudson has a growing list of ideas on the drawing board.
Donut Saturdays are now a weekly pilgrimage for the sugar faithful, and seasonal pies may be on the way – strawberries in spring, peaches in summer, apples in fall.
He’s also toying with savory additions: tomato soup, house-made hummus, other spreads, and possibly take-and-bake lasagna and fresh pasta.
“There’s always something simmering,”
he says.
Adding momentum to this cinnamonfueled operation is Chef David Gwyn, a Culinary Institute of America grad and longtime Cashiers homeowner. Gwyn built an empire of Tallahassee restaurants – Cypress, Vertigo Burgers, and Grove Market Café – before swapping retirement for this cinnamon-scented adventure. He and his wife Elizabeth have had a vacation home in Cashiers since 1998, and now they’re all in.
The shop runs Friday through Sunday in spring, expanding to Wednesday through Sunday post-Memorial Day. Call ahead—and if it’s Saturday, come early. Those donuts wait for no one.
Can’t make it to Sapphire? Hudson’s creations are stocked at Bryson’s and High Country Wine and Provisions- in Highlands, and in Cashiers at Buck’s Cafe and the Cashiers Farmers Market. But fair warning: they often sell out by noon. by Marlene Osteen photos by Mary Gillan -
Charlie Hudson
Greenhouse Grown Promises
Over the span of its 30 years, Whistlin’ Dixie Garden & Gifts has become a retail powerhouse and, just as important, a local touchstone. It’s located on Rosman Highway in Sapphire, and open May through October. For information, call (828) 966-9619 (but you owe yourself a careful browse).
The parking lot is packed, carts are rolling, and the scent of potting soil is thick in the air – spring has officially arrived at Whistlin’ Dixie Garden & Gifts.
For gardeners across the Plateau, the season doesn’t start by the calendar. It begins the moment they pull in, load up the trunk, and breathe in that first whiff of greenhouse-grown promise.
The success story behind this gardening powerhouse began in 1995, when April and Chuck Galloway, together with April’s parents, Rex and Judy Dillard, established their nursery on land formerly occupied by the Bearwallow Springs Jelly House.
Through determination, faith, and family teamwork, they’ve built an operation that continues to thrive and expand. A major leap forward came in 2005 with the construction of a dedicated gift shop building, significantly enhancing their offerings beyond plants alone.
“Ninety-five percent of our plants are grown on site,” April says, referring to the 14,000 square feet of covered greenhouses behind the shop. “They’re already used to mountain weather – no adjustment needed.” That insider advantage, paired with expert guidance from their nine-person team, makes Whistlin’ Dixie a go-to resource for gardeners from Highlands, Cashiers, Lake Toxaway, and as far away as Brevard and Hendersonville.
By Mother’s Day, the pace reaches a joyful frenzy. The nursery bursts with vibrant annuals, hardy perennials, fragrant herbs, and structural shrubs— ready to root and thrive. Their stunning hanging baskets alone number over 4,000 each season and often sell out fast.
The experience doesn’t stop at the greenhouse.
Inside the gift shop, visitors can browse an ever-evolving mix of greeting cards (20 brands and counting), cocktail
napkins in every imaginable design, and a wide selection of Michel Design Works soaps and lotions.
New this year are Proven Winners Aquapots—sleek, self-watering containers that blend convenience with elegance.
Outside, the expanded nursery yard features solar lights, moss-lined hayracks, wind chimes, rain chains, and lightweight planters in modern and classic styles. And when it’s time to prep the soil, Whistlin’ Dixie has you covered with mulch, straw, and a full array of gardening amendments.
At Whistlin’ Dixie, gardening isn’t a hobby – it’s a competitive sport with better hats. Around here, folks swap plant tips like stock tips and treat compost recipes like family secrets.
And when spring hits? It’s game on, and Whistlin’ Dixie is where everyone gears up.
by Marlene Osteen
Remembering
Memorial Day | May 26
50 Years of Treasures
Stan and Donna Cochran’s passion and wisdom have turned their Mirror Lake Antiques into a Highlands landmark.
In this year that Highlands is celebrating 150 years of vibrant existence, we thought it’d be fun to turn our attention to the landmark personalities and businesses and organizations that have given flavor and substance to life here on the Plateau.
We didn’t have to look too hard -- Mirror Lake Antiques on the hill, South 4th Steet in Highlands, has rung
up 50 years in business in this busy retail environment.
At the center of it all are owners Donna and Stan Cochran, who are always in this shop – selling their treasures, offering advice and insight and their opinions on the state of the world, questions about you and your world, and, almost certainly, a wry observation by Donna (although Stan will sometimes chime in).
Here’s what their daughter Katie wrote about Mirror Lake Antiques two years ago:
“Mirror Lake Antiques, on the hill at 215 S. 4th Street, should be your first stop for estate and contemporary jewelry. If you are looking for sterling flatware and holloware, they are happy to match a particular pattern for you. This shop is truly a treasure trove of antique and
Donna and Stan Cochran
estate jewelry, elegant porcelain, and many special items that are just right for entertaining. Owners Stan and Donna Cochran have loved curating their eclectic collection for the last 48 years and they are happy to help you find the perfect vintage piece to fit your contemporary lifestyle.
“Stan and Donna say they offer pieces that are ‘old, new, and middle-aged – just like the rest of us.’”
All of that success, every moment of
these 50 years has been thanks to the expertise and passion of Stan and Donna. They have lovingly tended to their business as a cherished family member, and we are all the more fortunate for it.
Walking into this light-filled space that glitters with all that is silver, gold, crystal and more, is a feast for the eyes and senses. They carry an astonishing inventory of sterling silver, both holloware and flatware; fine china in unique patterns like Flow Blue and Majolica.
But let me get back to Donna and Stan, they’re the principals in this half-century tale and they embody the notion that I’ve been pushing throughout this year of reflection and celebration – it’s the people who inhabit this Plateau that make it a singular delight.
As Stan says, “we’re well-past retirement age but love working with beautiful things and wonderful people.”
by
Luke Osteen photos by Susan Renfro
The American Camping Movement
Let’s gather around the campfire – The Jan Wyatt Symposium, set for June 19, will delve into the lore of Summer Camps in Western North Carolina.
Campers at Rockbrook Camp in Brevard, NC sing around the campfire in the 1950s. Archival images and objects from local summer camps will be on display this summer at CHS’s new exhibit, “Campfires & the Embers of Youth: The History of Summer Camps in Western North Carolina.”
Cashiers Historical Society’s Jan Wyatt Symposium, “Campfires & the Embers of Youth: The History of Summer Camps in Western North Carolina,” will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 19.
The symposium will include a slate of speakers and presentations, panel discussions, activities, and a catered lunch at Chimney Pond Farm in Glenville.
Amelia Golcheski, Executive Director of the Cashiers Historical Society, says, “The Jan Wyatt Symposium is an opportunity to spend a day diving deep into a single topic. This year’s topic allows us to discuss the myriad ways that summer camps have shaped the social, economic, and cultural history of Western North Carolina.”
An accompanying museum exhibit will be open to the public and free of charge on the Cashiers Historical Society
campus June 16 through October 31. This exhibit will focus on the history of overnight camps in Western North Carolina founded before 1970.
…to discuss the myriad ways that summer camps have shaped the social, economic, and cultural history of Western North Carolina.
Exhibit curator and the director of Operations and Visitor Experience at the Cashiers Historical Society Lindsay Garner Hostetler says, “It’s been exciting to be on the forefront of new research to bring this story of Western North Carolina’s importance to the American camping movement to life. I’m thrilled to be able to tell the story visually through fun and dynamic displays that will appeal to visitors of all ages.”
Cashiers Historical Society presented
the first Jan Wyatt Symposium in 2005. In the years since, the Historical Society has continued its mission to preserve the history of the Cashiers Valley area through education by sponsoring an annual symposium. The featured topics have ranged from historical figures and geological issues to cultural aspects of the region. Previous symposia highlighted traditional mountain music, heirloom gardens, and the history of tourism in the area.
Tickets are available at cashiershistoricalsociety.org or by calling (828) 743-7710.
by Lauren Carmichael, Cashiers Historical Society
Scan to learn more.
What’s in Your Drawers?
Go easy on yourself and your housekeeping rituals. It’s not a competition. Carol will never see your home.
Last year my friend, Carol, won the Uber-Micro Award. Her good intentions were aided and abetted by pure, unadulterated pushiness.
When you’re the family’s steel magnolia matriarch, age 84, who’s gonna take you down?
If you wonder how the judges measured Carol’s super-uber persistence, it was gauged by an AKC Jack Russell meter. Like a terrier, Carol lets go of nothing.
And yet, like an adorable JR, you gotta love her.
On my first visit to Carol’s house, she shepherded me room-to-room, person-toperson, table-to-table. Her home was micro-manicured.
Not a spot of spillage, not a splotch, nor a speck did I witness. Chairs were geometrically-positioned. Carol’s living room was Feng Shui’d within an inch of its existence.
Terrified, no one touched even a pillow. The tiniest energy-bump might ripple the universe, collapsing the living room and possibly the entire Eastern Seaboard.
I offered to help Carol with dinner prep once – once.
My job: chopping celery. Whenever I’d turn my back after setting down a knife or bowl, I’d turn around to find it gone.
“Where’s my knife?” I’d ask.
“Oh, I thought you were through with it. I washed it and put it away,” said Carol
casually, reaching for a paper towel in my hand.
“I’ll toss that for you,” she said, and without even eyecontact, took it, and canned it.
My jaw gaped. I told my jaw, “Mouth, don’t dribble, or Carol will come at us with a Kleenex wad and a bib. And please, if it should happen, don’t let this be on You Tube.”
Think upon this, girlfriends. What is your measure of Clean and friends who worship it. How important is it to you?
I’m a 5-7 cleaner on a 10-point scale. My mom was a halfhour girl. If it took longer, it ain’t worth it.
Bearing that in mind, here’s her house-cleaning process:
1. Shove everything into closets and drawers (no one’s going to go into your drawers, if you’ll pardon the idiom).
2. Vacuum the middle of the floor (who’s going to look under tables and couches?).
3. Put out fresh flowers (Posies are why folks are not looking in your drawers and under your tables.)
That’s all for this month, folks. Take it easy on Spring cleaning.
Hey. Wait-a-sec – Did you just vacuum my broom? by Donna Rhodes art by Norma Jean Zahner
BEE Kind for Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is excited to emphasize the importance of mental health again in 2025. BEE Kind, founded in May of 2023 in partnership with the Counseling Center of Highlands, is an initiative that is based on the premise that “Mental Health Begins With Kindness.” Everyday simple acts of kindness can contribute to boosting mood, reducing stress, and possibly alleviating symptoms of depression or anxiety for yourself and others. In addition, what might seem like a small kind gesture could have a greater impact than you might think.
In addition to promoting kindness in our community, BEE Kind is committed to helping people recognize how mental illness impacts their lives. There are many misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health issues. Because of this, people often suffer in silence and don’t seek treatment for their conditions. There is no health without mental health, and it is crucial to improve our understanding of mental health conditions and increase access to healthcare for those who need it in our community.
Nearly one in five adults in the US has
a mental health condition. However, that one person has family, friends, and others whose lives are touched by their condition, even if they do not suffer from one themselves. It is important for caregivers, friends, and loved ones to understand the impact that mental health has on daily life. When people gain a better understanding of these conditions, they can provide more effective support to someone dealing with a mental health issue.
Recognition and education are important ways to remove the stigma associated with mental illness. Throughout the month of May, the Health Foundation will once again collaborate with the Counseling Center of Highlands and various organizations and businesses across the Plateau to help create a time and space to start a conversation. Talking openly about mental health can reduce the misconceptions and stigma, and can encourage those who are suffering to seek help and find a support network. If someone in your life is struggling with their mental health, the best thing you can do is reach out and start a conversation. Educate yourself about the realities of living with mental health issues and confront any feelings of stigma or judgment you may have.
For information on how to begin these conversations, please visit the BEE Kind Mental Health Resources page or attend a BEE Kind event. These can be found at www.healthyplateau.org/ beekind. Simply supporting those in your life can help spread the message of awareness and acceptance.
There are many ways to support BEE Kind. You can begin by placing a sticker on your business window, computer, or cup, or by putting a yard sign at your home or business. We encourage you to support BEE Kind Bingo on May 22 at the Highlands Community Building starting at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds will benefit mental health services on the Plateau. Please email Josh Bryson at j.bryson@hchealthfnd.org for more information about how you can be part of BEE Kind.
As mental health gains more prominence in national discussions, the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation remains dedicated to enhancing support networks, combating stigma, and fostering mental well-being and prevention across the Plateau. Your involvement in BEE Kind this May will make a difference! by Josh Bryson, Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation
Financial Focus® Don’t Lose Track of Financial Accounts
For years, people save and invest in 401(k) plans, IRAs and other financial accounts. They wouldn’t lose track of this money, would they?
You might be surprised. About 1 in 7 people has unclaimed cash or property, totaling billions of dollars, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators.
People lose track of their money for a variety of reasons: They change jobs and forget about their retirement accounts; they move and leave no forwarding address; they change names and don’t notify former employers; or their employers go out of business or merge with another company.
Maintain good records. Keep records of all your financials, investment and retirement accounts — and let a family member know where these records are kept.
Keep a manageable number of financial accounts. The fewer bank and brokerage accounts you have, the easier it will be to keep track of everything. You might even want to consolidate accounts when possible.
Report your change of address. Whenever you move, contact your financial services providers and any former employers with whom you may have retirement accounts.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Whatever the reason, losing tabs on accounts that could be worth thousands of dollars is never a good thing. What can you do to avoid suffering this type of loss?
Here are a few suggestions:
Report name changes. If you change your name, notify new and old 401(k) plan administrators, banks, brokerages and any other institution connected to your money.
Manage retirement accounts when you change jobs. If you leave your job, you
might be able to leave your 401(k) behind with your old employer. But if you do, keep track of it. On the other hand, you could roll your old plan into your new employer’s plan or into an IRA. Inform your financial professional about all your accounts. If you work with a financial professional, they can help you track your accounts, so inform them of all past and present IRAs and 401(k)s or similar employer-sponsored plans.
So far, we’ve looked at ways you can prevent losing track of financial accounts. But can you do anything if you suspect you’ve already left some money behind?
If you think you’ve lost tabs on an IRA, you can check old tax returns and bank statements to help you track your contributions and find the name of the financial provider that held your account. If it’s a 401(k), you can contact your old employer’s plan administrator. You can get some help from other
sources, too. The Department of Labor recently launched a retirement savings lost-and-found database (lostandfound. dol.gov) that can help you find pension or 401(k) plans connected to your Social Security number. For a stray IRA, you can check unclaimed.org, the website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators.
And for various other sources of money — including uncashed checks from corporations and financial institutions, inactive brokerage accounts and unclaimed safe deposit boxes — you can check MissingMoney.com, the unclaimed property website of the National Association of State Treasurers. These sites offer no guarantees of finding your lost or missing accounts or other sources of money, so you still may have to do your own sleuthing.
But as the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” — which, in this case, means you’ll
help yourself greatly by tracking your accounts from beginning to end.
Todd Holder
I Grew Up Here
Betty
Holt’s seen some big changes in her beloved Highlands, but the twin virtues of honesty and friendliness remain constant.
The Greatest Blessing
Betty Holt, a real estate broker at Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Meadows Mountain Realty, is a fourth-generation Highlander who muses that the Highlands she grew up in the 60s was very different from Highlands today. There were fewer people-year rounders and visitors – and the season was short, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Winters were quiet and often snowy. Many businesses shuttered for the winter.
Both of Betty’s parents had small businesses. Her dad, Bill Holt owned Bill’s Soda Shop, and her mother owned Anne’s Beauty Salon. Summers were their busy season and it was long hours and all hands on deck.
From a young age, Betty helped where needed and learned her work ethic at her parents’ side.
At 16 she started her first real job at the
Galax News, a summer publication put out by O. F. Summer, who owned the Galax Theatre and was principal of the school. He advertised his movies in the Galax News. The movies were two or three years old by the time they were shown here.
There was no shortage of entertainment – swimming lessons at Lee’s Inn, movies at the Galax Theatre, nature study classes at the Nature Center, riding horses at Crane’s Stable, and playing putt-putt golf. She and her friends would get together and explore the woods, play board games such as Monopoly and Parcheesi, or ice skate on Mirror Lake in winter.
As a teenager she enjoyed clogging at Helen’s Barn, basketball, cheerleading, volunteering at the Highlands Playhouse, and of course, hanging out at Bill’s Soda Shop. She also took piano lessons and played for several area churches, including her home church, First Presbyterian
of Highlands.
Through all the changes Betty is thankful Highlands has retained its beauty, small-town charm, and that the people remain as honest and friendly as ever.
In her own words: “In addition to being born and raised here, I feel that living in Highlands has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. To wake up every morning into a forest of beauty and take a walk in my sweet neighborhood that my grandparents once owned is in itself calming and grounding. To know that there are any number of people I could call on in an emergency is reassuring. To walk down the street and be known and spoken to pleasantly enhances my sense of self. To be a part of a local population that remembers “how things used to be” creates a sense of belongingness. My genetic roots run deep here. I am proud to call myself a native Highlander.”
by Mary Jane McCall
Betty Holt
Raising Your Colon Cancer Awareness: Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Screening Methods
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, but 60 percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented if people followed current screening recommendations.
On the bright side, we’ve got an extraordinary way to screen for colon cancer — the colonoscopy — and there are now more than one million colon cancer survivors in the United States. Some of the nonmodifiable risk factors that put a person at increased risk for developing colon cancer are having a close family member who has been diagnosed and living with inflammatory bowel disease.
Fortunately, there are several modifiable risk factors that you have control over to help lower your risk for colon cancer. Obesity increases a person’s colon cancer risk, so losing weight is critical if your weight can cause you to be classified as obese (with a body mass index, or BMI of 30 or more).
People with type 2 diabetes are also at higher risk for colon cancer, but per the Colon Cancer Foundation, good management of blood sugar levels helps people avoid diabetes complications and positively impact the outcome of someone diagnosed with colon cancer.
A diet high in red and processed meat has been seen to increase colon cancer risk, and so has leading a sedentary lifestyle. Dietary changes like increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as increasing physical activity are key.
Avoiding tobacco and alcohol use also lower your risk.
Familiarize yourself with colon cancer symptoms, which include changes in bowel habits (increased constipation or diarrhea, for example), rectal bleeding, persistent stomach pain or cramps, and unintended weight loss. Another sign is not feeling fully relieved after having a bowel movement.
Multiple colon cancer screening options are available, but factors like how often a person is tested and which screening they receive will vary, depending on their individual risk factors and personal medical history. One alarming trend has been the increasing number of younger adults being diagnosed with colon cancer. Because of this, the recommended age for initial screening for people at average risk for colon cancer was lowered to 45.
For those at average risk, there are stool-based tests that are used to screen for colon cancer and can be done at home. Visual tests include the flexible sigmoidoscopy and the colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, the surgeon uses a flexible lighted tube with a tiny camera to examine the colon and rectum. Before the procedure, the patient must do bowel prep, which often involves drinking fluid that causes them to empty their bowels completely. This is important so the
surgeon can see the colon and rectum clearly when they look for any polyps. During the procedure, the patient is briefly sedated. If no polyps are found, this test is only needed every 10 years. The colonoscopy is often referred to as the “gold standard” colon cancer screening, because polyps can be removed during the procedure if found.
At Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, we’re proud to have board-certified general surgeons Dr. Zachary Phillips based in our Highlands clinic and Dr. James Osborne based in our Cashiers clinic. Both surgeons perform colonoscopies, as well as many other procedures.
Speak with your primary care provider about your risk factors for colon cancer. If you’re due for a colonoscopy, call Dr. Osborne at (828) 743-2491 or Dr. Phillips at (828) 526-4346 to schedule an appointment.
Don’t delay. It’s a tragedy when we lose a loved one to a disease that is preventable with early diagnosis and intervention. by Tom Neal RN, MBA, MHA, CEO/ CNO, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital
Tucked into the trees and surrounded by quiet beauty, this home strikes a thoughtful balance: refined, yet relaxed; layered, yet approachable. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear every room was designed to feel lived-in and loved.
At the heart of the home, the kitchen invites connection. Soft gray cabinetry keeps the palette grounded, while a sculptural live-edge wood table introduces a natural, organic element that echoes the landscape beyond. “It’s a place where you can open a bottle of wine, cook with friends, and really enjoy being in the space,” says designer Anne Buresh.
That effortless feeling carries through into the adjoining living room, where dusty blues and soft grays are paired with sculptural furnishings, rich wood tones, and just enough color in the textiles to keep the eye moving. Natural light pours in through sweeping windows, blurring the line between indoors and out.
Beyond the sliding doors, the connection continues. A fully outfitted outdoor kitchen and fireside lounge reflect the same warmth and elegance as the interiors. Stacked stone, rattan textures, and layered greenery set a tone that feels both grounded and welcoming.
Throughout the home, Buresh’s eye for subtle luxury is unmistakable. From tailored drapery to hand-selected lighting and finishes, every detail is considered. But good design is more than how a home looks, it’s about connection. “Design should reflect the people who live there,” Anne shares. “You can have a beautiful home, but without soul —without personality—it won’t truly feel like yours.”
That sensibility is most evident in the way each space feels deeply personal. Upstairs, the primary bedroom is soft, grounded, and rooted in wellness with plush textiles, warm layers, and a palette that mirrors the surrounding landscape—earthy neutrals, soft blues, and natural textures that echo the rhythm of the landscape.
It’s a home designed for real life. A home that feels lived in and loved.
A Legacy in The Making
Hagan Binder Landscape Architects offers a unique blend of vision and precision.
Led by Principal Ashley Hagan Binder, the firm has ‘For Generations’ philosophy: focused on creating lasting places (and tools) of meaning.
The design firm services the entire Plateau region.
In the hands of Hagan Binder Landscape Architects, a landscape is never just a space – it’s a legacy in the making.
From their Highlands-based studio, husband-and-wife duo Ashley Hagan Binder and Lawrence Binder design thoughtful, artful outdoor environments for discerning clients, guided by a design-first philosophy that fuses beauty, sustainability, and long-term impact.
“We’re not just picking plants,” says Ashley, the firm’s principal designer and University of Texas Masters graduate. “We’re crafting experiences – spaces that feel as natural as they are intentional.” Every project begins with a site-specific study of the land—its soil, water flow, tree canopy, and topography – ensuring each design works in harmony with nature and the client’s lifestyle.
Ashley’s design roots run deep – from building garden forts as a child to working with celebrated landscape architect Raymond Jungles in Miami.
Lawrence, a medical engineer by training and entrepreneur, brings precision and problem-solving to the firm’s operations.
“Ashley’s the visionary,” he says. “I help make it happen.”
That background in medical design inspired the couple’s retail venture, Fine Tools, featuring heirloom-quality garden tools and furnishings.
“Working with doctors taught me how the right tool matters,” Lawrence says. Among their innovative designs are the patent-pending Nursery Bucket Movers and Land Plan, a digital property archive accessible via engraved brass plaques—all embodying their “For Generations” philosophy.
This blend of vision and pragmatism extends to their personal lives—they’re raising and homeschooling three children (ages 11, 10, and 2), immersing them in the daily rhythm of entrepreneurship and creativity.
At any given time, Hagan Binder manages 20 to 30 commercial and residential projects in North Carolina and beyond, but they’re selective.
“There needs to be a level of respect for the vision,” Ashley says. “We’re most interested in projects where we can be truly impactful.”
Law, Ashley, Holland, Sterling, and Lawrence Binder
The Patent Pending “Nursery Bucket Movers” – designed by HBLA to assist in easily moving nursery plants.
While the scope varies, their values don’t. They prioritize native plants, preserve existing ecosystems when possible, and aim to restore what’s been lost.
They also host community workshops—past events have included wildflower seed mixing and hypertufa planting techniques, with pruning workshops being considered for the future—not only to educate but to connect.
“The more events we offer, the more people understand how we work,” Ashley explains. And in a small town, it gives people something meaningful to do.”
You’re invited to participate in Heritage in Stone: Make Your own Hypertufa Trough Planter, set for 4:00 P.M. Thursday, May 8 (just in time for Mothers Day). You can register on haganbinder.com. Spaces are limited.
And their definition of success?
“When someone wants to get married in a landscape we’ve designed,” Ashley smiles. “That’s the ultimate compliment. You’ve created a space people want to share with the people they love.”
Hagan Binder offers fixed-fee site consultations to help clients uncover what’s possible. To begin the conversation, contact ahb@haganbinderdesign.com.
by Marlene Osteen
by Susan Renfro
photos
The Vital Nutrient You’re Probably Deficient In— and Don’t Even Know It
Dr. Kristin Lander, DC
When most people think of nutrient deficiencies, they picture vitamins like D or minerals like iron. But one of the most common—and overlooked—deficiencies I see in my clinic isn’t a vitamin or a mineral. It’s protein.
Protein is often under-consumed, especially among older adults and those trying to “eat light” or “healthy.” Yet this one macronutrient plays a critical role in nearly every system in your body. If you’re struggling with pain, fatigue, weight gain, or even a weak immune system, inadequate protein may be a hidden culprit.
Why
Protein Matters
Protein is made up of amino acids— your body’s building blocks. These are required to repair muscle and connective tissue, support immunity, balance hormones, and keep your metabolism humming. Unlike fat or carbs, your body
can’t store protein for later use. That means you need to consume enough daily to meet your needs.
For active adults or anyone healing from injury or chronic inflammation, protein needs are even higher. Yet many people fall short.
Signs You May Be Low in Protein
Even if you eat “some” protein, it may not be enough. Signs of low protein intake include:
Chronic pain or slow recovery
Fatigue or weakness
Hair thinning or brittle nails
Loss of muscle tone
Trouble maintaining a healthy weight
Low protein also contributes to sarcopenia—the gradual loss of muscle mass with age—which can affect mobility and independence.
How Much Do You Need?
The minimum recommendation is 0.36
grams per pound of body weight, but most people thrive closer to 0.55–0.9 grams per pound. That’s about 90–120 grams of protein per day for many adults, or 20–30 grams per meal.
Small Shifts, Big Impact
You don’t need a complete diet overhaul. Prioritize high-quality sources like chicken, fish, grass-fed beef, legumes, and low-histamine options like turkey or lamb. Vegetarian and vegan options like tofu, lentils, tempeh, and quinoa can also help you meet your goals.
If you’re dealing with stubborn pain or fatigue despite “doing all the right things,” your body may simply need more of what it’s made of.
Sometimes, healing begins with the basics.
by Dr. Kristin Lander, DC Highlands Chiropractic & Wellness
Hospitality at Every Turn
Trailborn Highlands returns to glorious life with a new aesthetic and a fresh attitude.
For decades, the property now known as Trailborn Highlands stood quietly atop a ridge, just steps from downtown, yet wrapped in forest.
Once a beloved lodge and restaurant, it gradually fell into decline -- a bit worn down, sometimes forgotten, eventually abandoned.
That could have been the end of the story, but when the team behind Trailborn discovered it, they saw something worth saving. They gave the property a full-scale renovation, preserving its mountain soul while
layering in smart design, local artistry, and modern comforts.
Today, Trailborn Highlands feels refreshingly new but deeply rooted, like it’s always belonged here.
I visited at January’s end just after a snowstorm had blanketed the grounds, turning the 4.5-acre property into a textbook winter scene.
Rhododendrons bent under frost, the lily pond was edged with ice, and the fire pit stood unused — but the setting was still spectacular. I walked the property,
imagining spring blooms returning to the garden, and stood at the ridge line, where the land falls away into the trees. Inside I sought refuge in the Nordic spa’s sauna, a warm haven. It struck me how close this place came to being lost altogether.
The renovation deserves applause. The design feels rooted in this landscape with forest greens, deep maroons and soft golds echoing the Blue Ridge outside. The lobby, completely reimagined, now houses a small market filled with locally made goods.
Guest rooms blend clean, modern design with a sense of place — custom quilts stitched with Blue Ridge-inspired patterns, local pottery and artwork, and a color palette lifted straight from the forest floor. Even the amenities felt intentional: Parachute robes, Fellow kettles, Tivoli radios, and Grown
Alchemist bath products — no afterthoughts, just thoughtful hospitality at every turn.
Best of all? The staff. They know Highlands in a way only local can – they know not just its scenic highlights, but the lesser-known trails, the tucked-away views, the stories only locals tell and the
places they visit.
generic hotel but as a gathering place.
When I asked about a winter hike, they didn’t hand me a brochure; they asked what I was hoping to find and sent me somewhere I wouldn’t have found on my own. They clued me into which shops were open, which galleries worth a visit and even gave me the heads up on Trailborn’s newly launched Artist in Residence program, where rotating artists will not only create onsite but teach workshops for guests and locals.
Thanks to owners Mike Weiss and Ben Weinberg, Trailborn Highlands stands as a vision of what a hotel can be. A forgotten property resuscitated, not as a
From its design and amenities to its partnerships with local artists and guides, every element celebrates the outdoors, respects the property’s history, and gives guests a true sense of what makes Highlands special.
by
Marlene Osteen
photo by Susan Renfro
Scan to learn more.
Upscale Resale
Built upon an unshakeable sense of community and compassion, The Bazaar Barn’s resale shopping experience spreads goodness throughout the Plateau.
The Bazaar Barn, run by the Church of the Good Shepherd and located across from Blue Ridge School on Highway 107 North in Cashiers, is the perfect example of neighbors helping neighbors. They enjoyed their most successful year yet in this newly renovated 10,000+ square-foot facility that offers shoppers
a much-improved “upscale resale” shopping experience.
They earned an astonishing $560,000 in 2024, a 50 percent increase over 2023, bringing their lifetime total to almost $4 million put to work through the Good Shepherd’s Outreach efforts.
One hundred percent of net proceeds are returned to the community as the
Church does not use any of the money for its operations.
Grants were given to 42 organizations in 2024 to help those in need. The 2025 grants will increase in both amount and number, thanks to the successful 2024 Bazaar Barn sales.
Any 501(c)(3) organization in Cashiers and Highlands is eligible to apply for
TK Heatley, Store Manager Skip Ryan, Ruth Russ, Assistant Manager Nell Hines, and Laura Flaherty.
a grant, though they focus primarily on requests that address food insecurity, education, healthcare, housing, environmental protection, and other human needs.
Outside of the grant process, Good Shepherd reserves funds for emergency aid requests, a practice which proved a particular blessing when Hurricane Helene took such a toll on our area last fall. Along with this aid, the Barn’s Mattress Ministry has provided over
200 gently used mattresses to those in need. They’ve provided financial assistance and office space to Pisgah Legal Services to support their important work in the area. Where there is a need, the Good Shepherd and the Bazaar Barn seek to help.
Items that don’t sell are given to local thrift stores, and they have partnered with Transylvania Habitat to furnish new homes for those who lost housing in the Hurricane.
Their success is a testament to the hard work of the Barn’s volunteers and staff, as well as generous donations of household furnishings from donors throughout the community. This support enables them to bring their mission to “Reflect God’s Love Through Our Faith in Action” to life.
by Mary Jane McCall
photos by Mary Gillan
Together, We Bloom: The Heart of the Sharing Sunshine Project
A community movement turning sunflower seeds into symbols of kindness and connection. Join the Sharing Sunshine Project and help brighten our community—one sunflower at a time.
Tracy Mendy
Hello, friends! I’m Tracy Mendy, founder of Sunny Daze Flower Co., and I’m thrilled to share something that’s been blooming in my heart for quite some time- the Sharing Sunshine Project!
This project is all about joy, kindness, and connection. It’s about using something as simple and beautiful as a sunflower to brighten someone’s day. And honestly—who couldn’t use a little more light?
Back in 2020, after moving to Highlands, I began growing sunflowers with the intention of sharing them with friends, neighbors, and residents of the local nursing home. What started as a small patch quickly grew into a full-blown flower venture, supplying cheerful blooms to shops and restaurants across the Plateau.
It was both fun and fulfilling – but over time, I realized the real magic wasn’t
in the selling. It was in the sharing. Seeing someone light up when handed a sunflower? That’s what filled my heart.
After stepping back to refocus and realign, I decided to pour my energy into what brings me the most joy – cultivating sunshine and good vibes And with that, the Sharing Sunshine Project was born.
Here’s the vision: We come together as a community to plant sunflowers with the sole intention of sharing them. To make people smile. To brighten sidewalks and storefronts. Can you picture it? Little pop-up patches of positivity blooming all around town. Visitors pausing to snap photos and sharing them with #sharingsunshineproject. Locals smiling. Spirits lifting.
This season, I’ll be offering Sunny Daze Specialty Sunflower seeds that are designed to make it easy and fun for anyone to join the movement. Whether you have a garden, a porch, a
storefront, or just a sunny windowsill, let’s come together and share some sunshine this summer.
Local business owners, I’d love for you to be a part of this! Plant a patch out front and see what happens. Customers smile. Conversations start. Energy shifts. It’s a small gesture with a big ripple effect.
Let’s fill this summer with purpose. Let’s focus our energy on doing good, on lifting each other up, on brightening the spaces around us. Whether you want to plant, partner, volunteer, or simply cheer us on -- there’s a place for you!
Reach out to me and follow @sunnydazeflowerco on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop. Contact me at sunnydazeflowerco@gmail.com.
by Tracy Mendy
Help Literacy Light the Path
For Literacy & Learning Center volunteers, the need is great but the rewards are vast.
Seeking a fulfilling way to contribute to the Highlands community? The Literacy & Learning Center seeks dedicated volunteers to support vital literacy programs for youth and adults. This is a remarkable opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of other community members and become part of a passionate team committed to education.
TL&LC greatly needs individual tutors to provide personalized, one-on-one support in reading, writing, and comprehension for students of all ages. Your patience and encouragement can be transformative, helping individuals achieve their academic and personal goals. Flexible scheduling allows you to contribute conveniently, fitting volunteering into your lifestyle. Enthusiastic individuals are also needed
as after-school group support volunteers, assisting with engaging educational projects for students in a fun and supportive environment. If you enjoy working with children and believe in the power of hands-on learning, this is a great way to inspire young minds.
become part of a supportive team dedicated to a common cause. Volunteers offering consistent support throughout the academic year are especially valuable, ensuring the stability of our crucial programs.
…greatly needs individual tutors to provide personalized, one-on-one support in reading, writing, and comprehension for students of all ages
If you seek a new source of purpose and a concrete way to give back to the Highlands community, join TL&LC. Become a literacy champion and help TL&LC build a stronger, more empowered Highlands community.
by Anna Norton, Literacy & Learning Center
Volunteering with TL&LC offers a profoundly enriching experience. Witness your positive impact on residents, empowering them with essential skills that open doors to more significant opportunities.
Share your knowledge, connect with your neighbors meaningfully, and
Scan to learn more.
Hearts Heal With a Wag
Homer’s long odyssey comes to a happy conclusion when he finally arrives at home.
In January 2022 the Kentucky Humane Society reached out to us for help.
They had just been to the scene of a puppy mill/hoarder where more than 100 Siberian Huskies were found in cruel and inhumane conditions. We loaded up the CHHS transport van with six large empty dog crates and I came back after a 12-hour round trip drive to Louisville with some very precious cargo.
One Husky in particular tugged at my heart. He was a mostly white Husky and looked just like my beloved Hemi, who had gone on to the Rainbow Bridge at the age of 12. So I named this sweet boy Hemi as well.
Just a few weeks later, all six of those brave canine survivors found new loving homes.
In early February 2022 Hemi met a great new mom and found a forever home in a nearby county. Fast forward three years
later. Hemi’s name had been changed to Homer, and Homer had a great life with a great animal lover.
But recently, that animal lover — Homer’s mom — fell on hard times. Really hard financial times. With tears in her eyes, she brought Homer back to CHHS this past March begging us to take him back in. With tears in our eyes, too, we said yes, of course we would. CHHS has a no-questions-asked return policy.
Staff naturally looked to me and wondered if I might be able to give Homer a new home.
Since I’ve had nine Huskies in my life, that was a completely understandable question. But things have changed since I rescued sweet Hemi/Homer from Kentucky three years ago. My home pack is full (it always is), but more so now. That ninth Husky of mine is Oakley, my blind twoyear-old who recently had enucleation
surgery. So at home, my plate is more than full. And as Clint Eastwood is famous for saying in one of his movies, “A man’s got to know his limitations.” All animal lovers should. Knowing limitations prevents well-intentioned, kindhearted people from becoming hoarders. Homer wasn’t back in our compassionate care for very long. A wonderful couple near Cedar Creek opened their hearts and home for this magnificent sevenyear-old Husky. Homer and I did another “head boop” in the parking lot before he eagerly jumped into his new parents’ car. His new forever home is only a couple of miles from our no-kill shelter. So it really wasn’t like saying goodbye to Homer. It was more like, “I’ll see you again sometime down the road.”
by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society
Spring Has Sprung
The people, the creatures and the landscape at Carpe Diem Farms have all burst back into exuberant life.
Spring Has Sprung!
April showers do bring May flowers! Carpe Diem Farms has “popped: with an array of flowers. The Bradford Pears have burst with a magnificent display. Each year they seem to be more beautiful than they year before. Their magnificence greets those who arrive from the front gate to my residence on the hill. More than 50 trees in all of God’s glory!
The horses are shedding the last of their winter coats and the grass is growing! The cool mornings give way to Carolina Blue sky days and the horses can be found grazing to their hearts’ delight.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that
“Journey,” the spectacular Shire who joined the herd last April, celebrated his fourth birthday, April 16. The farm hosted a party for him on the 18th, complete with an apple and carrot cake for him and his stablemates.
The human attendees, which included participants from the Boys and Girls
The cool mornings give way to Carolina Blue sky days and the horses can be found grazing to their hearts’ delight.
Club of the Plateau, helped to blow out his candles on the yummy sheet cake! A variety of CDF friends and donors joined in the festivities. Pictures will appear in next month’s article.
I’m so excited to share that CDF has some special volunteers coming in July. One of my very best Florida friends from high school, whose family physician daughter and her husband have three boys, 16, 14 and 9, are coming in July for a whole week to be “farm hands.”
Their mom, Christie, has fond memories of times at Carpe Diem and wants to help create some for her boys too while “giving back.” It’s a new generation learning all about the magic and miracles of our magnificent herd and the farm while seeing the value of sharing their time and talents.
Blessings do abound here at Carpe Diem Farms!
by Sue Blair, Carpe Diem Farms
35 Years of The Peggy
With its 35 years of service, the Peggy Crosby Center has been a resource for local nonprofits, businesses, people in need, and local pollinators.
The Peggy Crosby Center – affectionately known as “The Peggy” – is not just another pretty face in Highlands. She’s got history, heart, beauty, and a lot of soul!
In 1990, Philip Crosby had a vision for the former hospital building (built in 1948) whereby it could serve the community. His desire to honor his wife’s legacy in the Highlands community led him to create and partially fund the “Peggy Crosby Center.”
He envisioned a specific purpose for the Center. Since then, “The Peggy” has provided multiple non-profits and start-up companies with affordable, desirable office space so that they can more efficiently serve their clients. Since 2010, the building systems have been made more energy efficient –windows, doors, lighting, plumbing, emergency generator and HVAC. The infrastructure has been improved –internet, plumbing, electrical, parking
lot, retaining walls, and walkways. Her beauty treatments consist of new flooring, paint, ceilings, furniture, and artwork. Her soul is the hundreds from the community who walk the halls of “The Peggy” – learning life skills, obtaining international assistance, receiving counseling, preserving our precious lands and those who just want to expand their horizons.
The transformation of “The Peggy” is possible because of generous donations. Her daily operations are funded entirely by tenant rents, but all building enhancements, renovations and upgrades are funded by donations and grants.
And finally, in a strange resonance to our Debby Hall’s article about our local bees, there’s the Peggy’s magnificent Pollinator Garden.
Made possible by the generous support of The Laurel Garden Club and other special donors from within the
community, and under the direction of noted landscape designer, Canty Worley, the garden offers a beautiful array of flowering perennials and native grasses. It’s home to Salvias, Purple Coneflower, Yarrow, Coreopsis and Black-eyed Susan.
Intended as an alternative to the traditional lawn or landscaped beds, this new style of naturalistic design involves dense plantings of flowering plant communities that provide not only seasonal interest and beauty, but much needed habitat and food sources for a diverse range of pollinator species. Many different bees, flies, wasps, moths, and butterflies have been observed.
While the garden was intended to attract and support pollinators, many other forms of life are benefiting from the planting as well. Birds, reptiles, amphibians, and a host of soil microbes are now frequenting the site.
by Luke Osteen
A Standout Year
Mountain Findings, the irreplaceable Highlands resale store and boon to local charities since 1969, has released its astonishing totals for its record-setting 2024.
Front left to right: Jill Helmer, President; Beth Townes, Treasurer
Back left to right: Michael Garrett, volunteer; Ann Garrett, volunteer
John Warner, Vice-President
Mountain Findings is proud to announce that 2024 was a standout year, marked by substantial and unique donations, resulting in a 10 percent increase in sales compared to the previous year. With over 340 hours of public shopping, totaling approximately 105 days, combined with nearly 12,000 volunteer hours, this half century old non-profit has been able to support the Highlands area through community partnership grants and senior high school scholarships.
Since its inception in 1969, Mountain Findings has generated over $6 million in funding through charitable donations, which has been reinvested into our local communities. This achievement is particularly notable given the humble beginnings of our thrift store mission, which initially generated annual revenues of approximately $200.
The board and membership of Mountain Findings are grateful to everyone who has contributed to this outstanding
success. And invites you to continue supporting your community thrift store, where your donations, volunteer time, and patronage have a significant and lasting impact.
To donate furniture, housewares, and other home items, please contact Mountain Findings by calling (828) 5269929 or emailing MountainFindings1@ gmail.com.
by John Warner, Mountain Findings
Renfro
photos by Susan
Impact of Early Education
Cashiers
Valley Preschool is there for the children, and for the community.
As both a parent and a board member of Cashiers Valley Preschool, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of early childhood education.
Preschool is far more than just a place where children spend their days while parents work – it is a foundational stepping stone in a child’s development that fosters cognitive, social, and emotional growth. High-quality preschool education provides children with the tools they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond, setting the stage for a lifetime of learning and success.
Research overwhelmingly supports the benefits of preschool education. Studies show that children who attend high-quality preschool programs develop stronger literacy and math skills, are more prepared for primary school, and exhibit greater social competence..
Beyond academics, preschool lays the foundation for essential life skills. In a structured yet nurturing environment,
children learn how to interact with peers, follow directions, solve problems, and express their emotions constructively.
Cashiers Valley Preschool is deeply committed to providing a high-quality early childhood education experience for children in our community. Our preschool serves as a vital resource for families who recognize the importance of a strong educational foundation.
Our mission at Cashiers Valley Preschool is to provide a nurturing, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment where young children can grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. We understand that each child is unique, and our dedicated teachers create individualized learning experiences that cater to diverse needs. By fostering curiosity, creativity, and confidence, we prepare our students for future academic and personal success.
At Cashiers Valley Preschool, we create a supportive environment where children feel safe to explore and take
risks. Our teachers foster a sense of autonomy while providing gentle guidance, allowing children to build confidence in their abilities.
Cashiers Valley Preschool plays a crucial role in shaping young minds and empowering future generations.
As a parent and board member, I encourage families in our community to consider the profound benefits of preschool education. Whether you are looking to enroll your child or support our mission through donations or volunteer efforts, Cashiers Valley Preschool welcomes your involvement.
For more information about Cashiers Valley Preschool, our programs, and ways to get involved, visit cashiersvalleypreschool.com or visit us on Facebook at @CVPcashiersvalleypreschool for updates, events, and a closer look at our daily activities.
by Danielle Hernandez, Cashiers Valley Preschool
Spreading Kindness with Purpose
The generous spirit of Thomas Taulbee echoes across the Plateau. The Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce wants to know your experiences.
Thomas Taulbee
The Cashiers Area Chamber is launching the Inaugural Thomas Taulbee Kindness Challenge this May, honoring the late community leader’s enduring legacy.
Thomas championed our community through relationships; in life and death, he brought us together, and together we’re better. A dear friend, Maggie Carton, said it best when she told me she had stopped saying how much we would miss Thomas and, instead, how much we would remember him. His generous spirit touched so many organizations, people, and initiatives. His efforts created a Venn diagram of the community with Thomas at the center. Thomas left an indelible mark on our community and our hearts.”
Through a month-long celebration of kindness, the chamber invites residents to commit simple acts of compassion and share them online.
Inspired by a heartfelt conversation with
Tim Womick and with the blessing of Thomas’ sister, Susan, we’re inviting everyone to join this month-long celebration of kindness—with a special spotlight on Thomas’ birthday, May 24.
At the heart of the challenge is a social media campaign:
Perform an act of kindness;
Snap a photo or share your story:
Tag and collaborate with those who knew and loved Thomas: tag the Cashiers Area Chamber and use the hashtag #KindnessForThomas Help keep his light shining
As his friend Mary Abranyi said, “Thomas Taulbee was one of my best and dearest friends. Our time spent together was always filled with laughter, warmth, and joy. He was the person that I could go to with good news and bad. He always said the right thing and gave the best advice or was able to sit and listen without judgment or interjecting
his own opinion (if it wasn’t asked for). He was an incredible teacher, not only of yoga but of life. I will always miss him, and I will always cherish the lessons he taught me while he was here. I know he’s still around, I can feel him giving a gentle pat or hug and a smile.”
Let’s flood our feeds with good vibes and generous hearts.
The effort is both a tribute and a call to action – proving that even the smallest gesture can have a powerful ripple throughout our lives.
To keep up with what’s going on in the community, stop by the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce at 202 Highway 64 west, or visit cashiersareachamber.com. by Susan Gregory Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce Scan to learn more.
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Allen Tate -
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