Visit Highlands NC Destination Guide 2022

2022

Surrender

Indulge

Savor

VISITHIGHLANDSNC.COM

EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Immerse

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A HOME IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASSETS THAT MOST PEOPLE WILL EVER BUY. HOMES ARE ALSO WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE AND YOU WANT TO WORK WITH SOMEONE YOU CAN

TRUST. WARREN BUFFETT

CHAIRMAN AND CEO, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY, INC.

828.526.1717 | MeadowsMountainRealty.com 488 Main St, Highlands | 2334 Cashiers Rd, Highlands | 196 Burns St, Cashiers © 2022 BHHS Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHHS Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. ® Equal Housing Opportunity.

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INSIDE Surrender to the Outdoors

Indulge in Spas, Resorts, Inns and Lodges

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Insider’s Guide 4

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History

96 Kids in Highlands 98

Don’t Miss Winter

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Savor

Immerse

Inspired Cuisine and Beverages

in Arts, Shopping and Festivities

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Journey to 4118

Directions

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Maps

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Business Sector Listings

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BROKER ON (COFFEE) DUTY Coffee is always on and fresh cookies every Friday

125 S 4TH STREET | HIGHLANDS, NC 28741 | WHITEOAKRG.COM | 828.782.0472

Surrender to the Outdoors

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BOB BY GR ACE PU T T ER S

H

COLLEEN KERRIGAN

ighlands is nationally recognized for its beguiling golf courses, a trend that began nearly 100 years ago. In 1928, when Robert Tyre “Bob” Jones Jr. struck the very first ball christening the Highlands Country Club golf course, the founders had a feeling history was being made. Those founders, including Col. Robert P. Jones (Bob’s father), had engaged well-known Scottish architect Donald Ross to carve a

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golf course out of the verdant Southern Appalachians.

Nowadays, there are Highlands courses in every direction of the compass. So it makes sense that Bobby Grace would end up here. Now if you inhabit the rarefied world of professional golf, you know of Bobby Grace. Heck, even if you only get to a course on random weekends and occasionally fantasize about a golf getaway, you’ve proba-

bly heard of Grace. He’s won an international audience for his handcrafted putters, and his curated collection of classic and antique clubs is the focus of impassioned online bidding. And his tricked-out Tour Studio, Mercedes-Benz Van, emblazoned with his name and outfitted with all the tools for crafting his signature clubs, is not only an instantly-recognized feature in Highlands, but also at the nation’s most prestigious golf courses.

Highlands has ended up as the endpoint for this golfing innovator, but it’s the result of a journey Grace began as a teenager. Taking up golf as a youngster, he quickly became a junior champion, competing in the US and the British Amateur. And his fascination with the game extended beyond competing into golf history, with a focus on the game-changing golf clubs that he collected. Over time, his classic clubs collection evolved into a business.

As the business flourished, Grace started to tinker with club design, using the insights he had gained from studying his collection.

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My wife and I fell in love with Highlands on our first visit and are thrilled to join the many friends we have made in this great American golf community.

In 1994, he had the opportunity to show one of his prototypes to World Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Price. Price was warming up for a tournament when he tried Grace’s putter. He became so excited by the results, he replaced the putter he had been using with Grace’s prototype, called “The Fat Lady,” for the final two rounds. The following week Price used the “Fat Lady” at the PGA Championship, winning wireto-wire and talking about his new putter the whole time. Thanks to Price’s enthusiasm, Bobby Grace Putters immediately received 27,000 orders for “The Fat Lady.” In the years since, his putters have won over 200 Tour Victories for number one players.

Inevitably, Grace would visit Highlands over the years to conduct custom fittings at local clubs. When he brought his wife along, everything changed.

“My wife and I fell in love with Highlands on our first visit and are thrilled to join the many friends we have made in this great American golf community,” he said.

For more information on how to start putting like a Tour Pro, updates on his move to Highlands and exclusive offers, subscribe to Bobby’s email newsletter at bobbygraceputters.com.

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Hiking Trails & Quick Getawaways WANDER AND LOSE THE WIFI

There’s no doubt that Highlands is made for those looking to lose themselves or find themselves amidst the forests and hills that surround us. Generations of naturalists, artists and dreamers have discovered paradise on the trails that wind through the wilderness. For directions to these favorite trails, stop by The Highlands Welcome Center at 108 Main Street. Take a camera with you!

(This isn’t Chamber of Commerce hype – each one of these trails is loaded with charm and spectacle.)

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BARTRAM TRAIL The Bartram Trail runs from Oconee State Park in South Carolina through Georgia and North Carolina to the Great Smokies. It’s marked with yellow blazes.

CHATTOOGA LOOP TRAIL This is an almost two-mile loop trail that begins to the left of the Iron Bridge. From Highlands, proceed east on Main Street for 4.5 miles. Main Street will become Horse Cove Road. Look for the intersection with Bull Pen and Whiteside Cove Roads. Turn right onto Bull Pen Road (#1178/#1180). Proceed for 5.4 miles to the Iron Bridge. The trailhead is on the left just before bridge.

CHINQUAPIN MOUNTAIN This 3.2mile round trip starts with its trail head at the Glen Falls Parking Lot. It’s a moderate walk, and the trail crosses streams many times. A mile-long series of switch backs leads to the top. Length: 1.5 miles. Difficulty: Moderate CLIFFSIDE L AKE RECREATIONAL AREA This is a delightful plunge into nature’s glorious bounty. Take US 64 West for 4.5 miles, turn right at the Cliffside Lake sign and continue for 1.5 miles. There are several hiking trails and picnic tables with grills and a lake for swimming and fishing It’s a fee area, for day use only. It also features a LOOP TRAIL, an easy 0.75 walk around the lake.

ELLICOT T’S ROCK / BAD CREEK TRAILS This seven-mile round trip starts on Bull Pen Road. It boasts Ellicott’s Rock, an enormous boulder embedded in the Chattooga Riverbank, bearing the letters NC, carved by surveyor Andrew Ellicott. He thought this was the intersection of North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina. Spoiler Alert: It wasn’t. That’s Commissioner’s Rock, bearing the symbol NC/SC 1813, 10 feet downstream. At the far end of Horse Cove, turn onto Bull Pen Road.

Ellicott’s Rock trail starts at six miles, the Bad Creek trail starts at 10 miles.

Both drop steeply down from opposite sides of the river near Ellicott’s Rock (left bank looking down stream) and continue down river. This will give you a good workout.

HICKORY KNUT GAP Take Hwy 106, 4 miles to Turtle Pond Road and turn right. Take a left on Hickory Knut Gap Road. Drive 0.9 mile to the trail, which is a Forest Service Road on the left. Park on the right and walk road for 0.28 miles then the trail leaves the road sharply to the right. Follow the

blue blazes to the junction with Bartram and continue to Scaly summit or beyond. You’ll feel like you’re far, far away from civilization.

HIGHLANDS BOTANICAL GARDENS This lovely spot with several varieties of gardens to explore, just a half mile from downtown on Main Street/Horse Cove Road. Park on the gravel area across from Highlands Nature Center. The garden paths start to the left of the Nature Center with maps posted along the trails. The gardens are free and open to the public year-round, from sunrise to sunset. This is a little jewel just a few hundred yards from the bustle of downtown.

JONES KNOB Take US 64 West to Turtle Pond Road. Go 1.1 miles to the intersection and continue to the right on Dendy Orchard Road for 1.4 miles to the top of the hill. Turn left on Jones Gap Road and continue for two miles to the parking area. An old roadbed leads right to a wildlife management field. At the far end of the field, yellow blazes mark Bartram to the right and blue blazes mark the Jones Knob spur trail to left. Follow the blue blazed trail for .03 mile to a delightful mountaintop view.

LAKE SEQUOYAH Formed in 1927, Lake Sequoyah is Highlands’ largest body of water. Take in the sights of the lake while savoring a delicious meal at On the Verandah restaurant (ontheverandah.com), located right on the banks of the Sequoyah.

LITTLE SLIDING ROCK Take Horse Cove Road to the end the of pavement. Take the left (Whiteside Cove Road) for approximately five miles, then start looking for a little parking area off the road. This quiet spot, seemingly a million miles from 21st century stress, has delighted its guests for generations. Stop along the way to see the World’s Smallest Post Office.

THE NARROWS This is an easy fourmile round trip. Its trail head leads off Whiteside Cove Road. It features spectacular views of the Chattooga River forced into a narrow channel, exploding over boulders, and revealing an unexpected swimming hole. Turn left onto Whiteside Cove Road and drive 0.9 mile. The trail is on a logging road on the right and descends two miles to The Narrows. You’ll pass a trail to the right, which continues to Bull Pen Bridge on Horse Cove Road.

Be sure to return the way you came.

SLICK ROCK TRAIL This is a simple 0.2mile round trip. Take Horse Cove Road to the end of the pavement. Take the

right fork onto Bull Pen Road and continue one mile. On a sharp left curve, look for a pull-off and a steep unmarked path on the right. The hike is short, but the summit offers an impressive view of the mountains.

SUNSET ROCK This is an astonishing site, just a few hundred yards from downtown. Take Main Street for half a mile east until the Nature Center is on the left. Park on the gravel on the right side of the road. Sunset Rock is an ideal choice for a late afternoon stroll.

It’s a short half-mile walk to the top.

Beautiful sunsets can be seen over the town, while you sit on a natural amphitheater on slabs of granite. Some people will tell you that you can drive to the summit. This is good advice if you don’t mind that your vehicle could (almost certainly will) sustain a broken axle. Trust us – walk to the top.

YELLOW / SHORTOFF MOUNTAIN To reach the trailhead, take US 64 East from Highlands three miles and turn left onto Buck Creek Road. Follow Buck Creek Road for 2.3 miles. The trail will be on the right. The destination of this hike is a spectacular panoramic vista scene from the top of Yellow Mountain. This strenuous hike is 4.8 miles one way, so allow for a full day.

WHITESIDE MOUNTAIN This jaw-dropping spectacle is six miles from town on US 64 East. Turn right at the sign onto Whiteside Mountain Road. Go one mile to a well-marked parking area on the left.

This is a fee area, and there’s a restroom located in the parking area. The two-mile loop trail climbs above sheer cliffs and offers outstanding views. This moderate trail, crowned by a panoramic vista, is a two-mile loop.

WHITEWATER FALLS TRAIL This easy 0.6 mile-round trip will reward you with a spectacular view of the highest waterfall in the Eastern United States. Take Highway 64 East to Cashiers, turn right onto Highway 107 South for 9.3 miles. At the Whitewater Falls sign, turn left to SC 130.

Continue 2.3 miles to a stop sign and turn left onto Whitewater Road (SR 1171). Drive 1.1 miles to the Whitewater Falls sign and turn right. The trail descends very steeply to the river. There is another overlook about 100 feet further down the trail. To the left, the trail continues to the river and fords the river. There are numerous places for picnicking as well as shallow pools for wading and quick dips.

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FAUNA , FORES T AND FEE T When you encounter Highlands for the first time, you can’t help but imagine that the deep forests and the shadowed hollows must be home to a vast community of wildlife. aaAnd when you notice the names of our locations – Little Bearpen Mountain, Panther Ridge, Wildcat Cliffs, Fawn Creek, Lost Horse Trail (ok, a lost horse probably isn’t strictly “wildlife,” but the horse was never found so we’re going to count it), Fish Hawk Road – well, you expect to see creatures at every turn.

Raccoon

And sure enough, if your eyes and ears are open you’ll be rewarded with glimpses of all sorts of animals going about their business.

You’ll probably first notice the birds all around. The National Audubon Society has designated the Highlands Plateau as an Important Bird Area,

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one of the few IBAs with whole towns within its boundary.

“While visiting Highlands, it’s easy to see and hear Red Crossbills and Pine Siskins flying over Main Street, or to see Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in the church parking lot downtown, or to have Black-Throated Blue Warblers in the parking

Squirrel (R) Raccoon (L)

lot of The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts,” says an Audubon spokeswoman.

For a view of the stunning Peregrine Falcon, visit Whiteside Mountain. These bewitching birds nest on the cliffs and can be seen soaring on

the updrafts, punctuated by dives that can exceed speeds of 200 miles per hour, earning these top-of-the-foodchain raptors the designation of the Fastest Birds in the World.

Speaking of Apex Creatures, our Black Bear population has mushroomed in recent years. That means it’s entirely possible that you’ll encounter one of these bruins if you spend more than a few days here on the Plateau.

In fact, you needn’t go into the backwoods. They’re constantly wandering

Bobcat

through our residential areas, and it’s not unusual for mamas and their cubs to be strolling through the downtown.

If you encounter a bear, you needn’t panic. They don’t view you as a quick meal, and once they realize that they’ve been spotted, they’ll usually look for a way to discreetly slip away.

We’re embarrassed to even mention this, but don’t run, approach a bear and never, ever, offer it food. These are wild animals and you may provoke a defensive response or, by teaching a bear that humans are an easy source of delicious food, assuring that it’ll die in a future encounter with people.

Further down the food chain, but still a thrilling sight are the Red and Grey Foxes that inhabit this corner of Western North Carolina. Both varieties can be spotted in the fields scattered around Highlands (especially the edges of pastures in Horse Cove and the eerie formations at Granite City).

You may also spot them as they dart across Highlands’ roads in the middle of the night. It’s a startling sight, but

Deer

it’s a thrill to glimpse these beautiful animals.

Speaking of surprise appearances, Highlanders were elated last year when researchers announced that they’d spotted River Otters at Highlands Botanical Garden’s Rav-

enel Lake. The surprise lay in the fact that these playful creatures had disappeared from Western North Carolina in the 1930s. Their mysterious reappearance was widely celebrated, and followed by confirmed sightings of otter pairs at Mirror Lake and Big Creek.

This is probably a good spot to mention the continued enigma of Eastern Cougars gliding through the wild corners of Highlands. Although state and federal wildlife officials will tell you that the Panthers (or “Painters” as the original Highlanders called them) disappeared around here in the early years of the last century, reports of enormous dark-furred cats slipping like ghosts through the forests have

can provide photographic evidence (or physical evidence like a paw print), well, there’s a Star in Your Crown!

We’ve been working our way down the Highlands Food Chain, but it’s led us to what may be the most important wild denizen of the Highlands Plateau.

Highlands is the Salamander Capital of the World! Their variety and sheer numbers in such a small area makes Highlands a destination for researchers from across the globe.

Their abundance is testament to the purity of our air and water, but most of us cherish them because they’re so cute (in a slippery kind of way).

You’ll most likely encounter them on the shores of the streams that snake through the community or if

River Otter

been noted throughout the last hundred years.

If you encounter such an animal (and you’ll probably only catch a glimpse), please report this to the good people at the Highlands Biological Station – highlandsbiological.org. If you

you’re mucking about in the forest undergrowth.

For all of these creatures, enjoy your encounter, be respectful and take plenty of pictures.

If you can provide photographic evidence (or physical evidence like a paw print), well, there’s a Star in Your Crown!

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SEE PAGE 123 FOR A LIST OF LOCAL RECREATION BUSINESSES 16

Chasing Waterfalls

RUNNING WILD AND FREE With its ancient granite mountains and shadowed hollows, combined with abundant rainfall (Highlands is technically in a rain forest), well, it’s no surprise that the Highlands has become a national waterfall destination.

Some of them are diminutive, little more than a rivulet; some of them are raging, exploding over a cliff face with irresistible force.

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BUST YOUR BUTT FALLS Drive 6 miles on US 64 West to pull over on right or left. This is a popular swimming hole. For the brave, one can jump off a boulder into the Cullasaja River.

This series of stair-step falls on the Cullasaja River is found about six miles down the Cullasaja Gorge Road (US 64 West).

There are parking areas on the left and right sides of the road.

Park, stretch your legs, soak in the view, and dangle your toes in the water.

WHITEWATER FALLS Discover the East’s King of Waterfalls. Watch it cascade over massive rock pillars and drop 411 feet to the river below. Use extreme caution near the top of the falls. It’s worth the 23.4 miles drive from Highlands via HWY 64 East to the crossroads in Cashiers, then turn right onto HWY 281 South. Signage will direct you to the falls from HWY 281.

CULLASAJA FALLS Drive 8.75 miles from town on US 64 West to a pull over on the left side of the road. It is strongly advised that you drive beyond the pull-off, turn around at a safe place and retrace your route. Respect the road and the unforgiving cliff face framing this exquisite series of cascades.

GLEN FALLS Drive 1.7 miles on NC 106 to the sign for the falls. Turn left, then immediately turn right onto a dirt road. Drive 1.1 miles to where the road dead-ends at a parking area. Glen Falls is composed of three falls dropping 640 feet. The foot trail descends some 700 feet in one mile. The walk down is easy, but the walk back up is steep.

SAFET Y TIP

DRY FALLS Drive 3.25 miles on US 64 West to the parking area on the left. A pleasant walk down stone steps leads to a path that goes behind the waterfall. Here the Cullasaja River projects over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls without getting wet, hence the name. (PS – You’ll probably get damp.)

Our waterfalls are beguiling and will charm even the most jaded traveler. Beautiful as they are, all should be approached with caution. Never wade into the stream feeding a waterfall, no matter how lazy it seems and think twice before splashing in the pool at the base of a waterfall.

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BRIDAL VEIL FALLS This small, picturesque fall cascades over US 64 West, 2.45 miles from town. The gentle cascade which you can walk behind, does indeed look like a delicate bridal veil.

But the name has a deeper meaning.

According to Cherokee lore, a woman who walks behind the falls in the spring will be married by the arrival of the first snow.

SECRET FALLS Due to limited access through private property, this beautiful waterfall has been a long-held secret. But it’s now accessible via a trail constructed across public lands, so this “secret” is out for all to behold. The best route is a southerly drive on NC 28 from Main Street in Highlands, 4.1 miles to Wilson Gap, a left turn on Rich Gap Road, then 0.6 mile and a right turn on Forest Service Road FR45670. Drive approximately 1.75 miles on this unpaved road to the Big Shoals parking area on the right. The old road turns into a footpath which leads to the falls. Enjoy the seclusion and the undeniable sense of mystery that shrouds this little charmer.

THINK SEE DO

EDUCATION

Participate in classes and more! The Bascom offers life-enriching and hands-on experiences through comprehensive arts education in a variety of mediums for artists of all ages and skill levels.

EXHIBITIONS

Featuring the work of local, regional, national and international artists that might not otherwise be seen in Western North Carolina.

EXPERIENCES

Through a variety of initiatives, The Bascom serves the surrounding areas with mission driven public programs including free admission to theme-based exhibitions paired with artist talks, gallery walks, public receptions, and networking events.

Located on six acres of a former horse farm, The Bascom campus is a stunningly scenic home for the visual arts in Highlands, NC. The Bascom offers a range of special events and opportunities that engage, inform, and inspire our creative community.

323 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC | 828.526.4949 | TheBascom.org

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DEFINING RUSTIC ELEGANCE lupoliconstruction.com

Highlands, NC

(828) 526-4532

B E AR COUN T RY

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t used to be that spotting a Black Bear in Highlands was a noteworthy event. Nowadays, if you spend any time in town – in the woods, at a home on the edge of the woods, at one of the country clubs, even on Main Street – you’re bound to run into one.

It’s not like they’re seeking out a Close Encounter. It turns out they’re spectacularly uninterested in you. They’re inevitably looking for an overstuffed garbage can, or a generously seeded bird feeder.

The last thing they’re looking for is a confrontation with you (and your dog).

Having said that, there are some simple steps that you can take to ensure that your Bear Encounter is a simple learning experience for both parties.

Photo: Ed Boos

SAFET Y TIPS WHILE HIKING

• Talk or make noise to avoid surprising a bear, especially near rushing water where it may not hear you.

• Stay alert. Don’t hike with earbuds in.

• Keep an eye on the trail ahead.

• Pay attention if you’re riding a mountain bike. You sure don’t want to startle a bear.

• Keep children near.

• Dogs may help detect bears but they can also quickly escalate the situation that neither side wants, so keep them on a leash.

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• Avoid eye contact if you

encounter a bear. Remain still and calm, or slowly begin walking backward.

• Raise your arms (to appear larger) and talk gently while backing away to safety.

• Don’t throw your pack at the

bear – that provides a “reward” that teaches the bear to approach people for food.

• Never try to pet or feed a bear or get close for a picture – that is how most injuries occur.

• Hike in groups during daylight and on established trails.

• Learn proper camping techniques to avoid problems.

• Avoid standing between a female bear and her cubs. If you find yourself in this situation, slowly and calmly walk backwards.

For more information, pick up the brochure Hiking and Camping in Bear Country, at the Welcome Center, Hudson Library, or Town Hall.

B.E.A.R. (Bear Education and Resources) is a task force of MountainTrue, a nonprofit organization. To volunteer, donate or receive more information, call (828) 526-9227.

BRING YOUR APPETITE.

YOUR NEXT GREAT MEAL AWAITS. Whether you’re a certified foodie looking for bright new flavors in a small town or you have a “stick-with-what-I-like” palate, Jackson County, NC’s culinary scene has you covered.

With organic farm-to-table and locally grown options to bold, belly-filling dishes, the only thing you’ll have to do is come hungry.

CASHIERS CHEROKEE DILLSBORO SYLVA

Visit DiscoverJacksonNC.com to plan your next great getaway.

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Our Natural

HERITAGE

W

e take our natural heritage seriously in Highlands. One of the first ordinances passed by our Town Board made it a misdemeanor to damage a tree by tying your horse to it. And one of our oldest civic organizations is The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, which has been preserving our wild places since 1909. That translates to 3,200 acres of irreplaceable, protected forests, wetlands, and awe-inspiring vistas on the Plateau. We are also surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest and the members of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society spend thousands of hours each year in the fields and forests, cataloging and conserving our winged neighbors. And we can’t forget the Highlands Biological Station who began their research laboratory in 1931. Due to Highlands location in the southern Blue Ridge, we are in one of the few places outside the tropics for empirical work in ecology, evolution, and organism biology. In other words, the Highlands Biological Station provides a research base in the midst of a temperate-zone biodiversity hotspot.

Whether you’re a resident or visitor to Highlands, there are things you can do to help us in this serious work of protecting our home. We ask that you embrace the Principles of Leave No Trace.

LE AVE NO T R ACE

1 2 3 4

PLAN AHEAD and prepare for your outing.

TRAVEL and camp on durable surfaces to preserve the delicate forest floor and prevent soil from being washed into our pristine waterways.

DISPOSE of waste properly, but we really don’t

have to tell you this, right?

LEAVE what you find – this is a notion from the Cherokee first residents, and it was embraced by the first European settlers on the plateau.

5 BE CAREFUL with your fire, whether it’s

a campfire or stove. Though Highlands is technically a rainforest, wildfires are still a possibility.

wildlife, whether it’s a spotted 6 RESPECT salamander or a black bear.

BE CONSIDERATE of others. Again, this is 7 one of the hallmarks of Highlands.

If you can adapt these principles into your outdoor experience, you’ll discover that your time in the Wild is an even richer experience. Oh, and we couldn’t find any evidence that the ordinance preventing tree abuse has ever been rescinded, so be careful where you tie your horse.

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QUALITY CARE

CLOSE TO HOME

A full spectrum of services including: General Surgery, Radiology (including CT, 3D Mammography, and MRI), Comprehensive Therapy Services (PT, OT, and Speech), Cardiac Rehab, Eckerd Living Center: 5 Star Nursing Home, Award-Winning Emergency Department (Recipient of the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award: Top 5% of Emergency Departments Nationwide) 190 Hospital Drive, Highlands, NC 28741 (828) 526-1200 | missionhealth.org/highlands

B L I S S A T 411 8 ’

Since its earliest days, Highlands has promoted itself as a healthy escape from the stresses of the rest of the world.

It’s the chance to disconnect that’s also the best way to reconnect on a deeper level. A place that energizes while it relaxes...a way to experience something so much bigger than yourself and find yourself at the same time.

SEE PAGE 123 FOR A LIST OF LOCAL RECREATION BUSINESSES

Mountain Adventures

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Aquatics, Year Round

After chasing waterfalls and watching the streams flow through the mountain, you can dive in for fitness at the Highlands Pool Complex at the Highlands Recreation Center, 600 North Fourth Street. Since the pool is heated and enclosed, it can be enjoyed year-round. Public swim, lap swim, water aerobics, a monthly dive-in movie, and pool parties are all available. Fees range from daily to annual. www.highlandsnc.org/ recreation

nearby Cashiers, NC. Highlands Yoga www.yogahighlands.com, Yoga in Cashiers www.fusionyogaandwellness.com Fun Factory

Back Country Excursions

For breathtaking views of the Nantahala National Forest, take a backcountry, adventure excursion with Highland Excursion.

Spanning approximately 250,000 acres, complete with waterfalls,rivers and mountain views as well as historic buildings, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau’s natural beauty and history are wellsuited for the avid hiker and the modest explorer alike. We recommend dedicating three to four hours to tour. Your four-legged hiking buddy is welcomed, too!

For more information, call (864) 373-4022 or email justinkingsland@yahoo.com.

Fitness Classes

The Highlands Recreation Park offers an entire suite of fitness classes – Heart Healthy Exercise, Yoga, Personal Training and Martial Arts. www.highlandsnc.org/ recreation You will also find Highlands Yoga in downtown Highlands near Main Street and Cashiers Valley Fusion Yoga and Wellness in 26

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If it’s been raining for a while (Highlands, is a rain forest) and you have a herd of children who’ve been homebound for a bit, you’ll want to remember The Fun Factory in Franklin. It’s loaded with a VR Room, acres of arcade games, mini golf, an indoor carousel, and bumper cars. If the sun’s shining, you and the kids can ride go-karts. For more information, call (828) 349-8888 or visit www. franklinfun.com

lic courses offer nine-hole executive golf courses with traditional par 3 and 4 holes and driving range. If you want to try something a little less traditional, check out Foot Golf.

The game combines two sports, soccer and golf, for the whole family or group of adventurous friends. www.skyvalleycountryclub.com Horseback Riding

The Whitewater Equestrian Center in Sapphire offers guided rides through backwoods logging trails and the historic Cherokee Footpath.

Gem Mining

Macon County is dotted with pockets of rubies and sapphires.

Try your luck panning for gemstones at the family-owned Jackson Hole Trading Post & Gem Mine. Give the tray a shimmy, and watch the sand sift away, leaving an array of enriched and native gems. Experts will help you identify your findings, and, if you happen to be dazzled by one gem in particular, gemstone cutting and jewelry setting services are available onsite. The indoor site makes for the perfect family activity, rain or shine. Call (828) 524-5850 or visit www.jacksonholegemmine.com Golf

The natural setting of our mountains makes golf a grand experience. Tee off with mountain views as a backdrop. Nearby pub-

The horses (some of them the legendary Gypsy Vaner) are gentle and wise. For information, call (828) 966-9646 or visit www.funhorsebackriding.com

Ice Skating, Sledding, Snow Boarding and Skiing

November through March, you can embark on an ice adventure.

As stars glisten in the sky and children’s laughter sings, the ice-skating rink at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park comes alive. If barreling across the rink isn’t your scene, grab

Tubing and Rollercoaster, Year-Round

Run with a vertical drop of 200 feet, complete with a state-of-the art quad-lift, a Learning Center Slope and a multiple lane, 300-foot snow tubing run. Ski / Snowboard call (828) 743-7663 or visit www.skisapphirevalley.com On the Water

a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, and stay toasty as you watch the activity on the ice. It’s like something from a Currier & Ives print, and heaps of fun whether you’re on the ice or just watching. www.highlandsnc.org/ recreation After snowfall, grab your sleds, winter boots and beanies, and head out for a local sledding tradition.

Lined with snow-capped trees, Hickory Street transforms into a slope for sliding, gliding and memory-making with the ones you love.

For a bit of trivia, that stretch of Hickory Street has been known to generations of Highlands School students (and local adults who still maintain a piece of their childhood) as Monkey Hill.

If sledding only whets your appetite for snow, slopes, and speed, visit Ski Sapphire Valley in nearby Sapphire for snow skiing. This resort consists of a 1,600-foot Main

The Chattooga River can be enjoyed for kayaking and whitewater rafting. Of course, some people enjoy swimming in its little pools and sunning on the occasional patches of sandy shore. You can also rent a pontoon on lake Glenville to cruise by some local waterfalls. For boat rentals www.signalridgemarina.com Naturally there’s fly fishing along streams throughout this corner of Macon County. Check with the pros at Brookings and The Highlands Hiker for deep insight. Visit Brookings at www.brookingsonline.com or Highland Hiker at www.highlandhiker.com Skateboard Park

Highlands Recreation Center has a Skateboard Park of half-pipes and ramps. Also, your Mother was right – Wear a Helmet! www.highlandsnc. org/recreation

Got a need for speed? Try tubing or a mountain rollercoaster at Highlands Outpost. Snow is provided by mother nature and on-site equipment during colder months, and the fun continues into warmer weather as well.

Slopes can accommodate young and mature tubers. For information, call (828) 526-3737 or visit www.highlandsoutpost.com Zip Lining

Soar from the top of the mountain across the valley for astounding views at Highlands Aerial Park in Scaly Mountain, rated by TripAdvisor as one of the Top Ten Outdoor Attractions in North Carolina. With eight zip lines to choose from, glide from canopy to canopy with your harness and helmet buckled tight and the Appalachian Trail in sight. Trained guides will accompany you along your journey through the trees.

We recommend calling ahead to schedule a reservation. For more information, call (828) 414-2360 or visit www.highlandsaerialpark.com.

Tennis and Pickleball

If your passion is tennis, visit the Highlands Recreation Center at 600 North Fourth Street and reserve a court. Of course, you can play pickleball there, too – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. www.highlandsnc. org/recreation Train Rides

For a flavor of the Southern Appalachians, you won’t find anywhere else, book an excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, based in Bryson City.

Trips range from three-and-a-half hours to a full day of fun and adventure. For information, call (828) 8724681 or go to www.gsmr.com.

VISITHIGHLANDSNC.COM 27

A Napa-Style Escape for Guests 18 and Older On North Carolina’s Fun and Artsy Highlands Plateau

Indulge in Spas, Resorts, Inns and Lodges

VISITHIGHLANDSNC.COM 29

HALF-MILE FAR M Jack Austin, the general manager of Half-Mile Farm, knows what it’s like for his guests to arrive at his idyllic inn just a half-mile from downtown Highlands.

“They come down the hill to Half-Mile Farm and the road widens and they catch sight of Apple Lake and the inn, and it’s magical,” he says.

The demands of life – all the emails and texts and frantic phone calls – they just drop away.

“

“

A lot of the guests just choose to sit on the porch or the dock and unwind, truly relax. Which begs the question: How does the man in charge of such a sybaritic getaway, where every moment is delineated with attention and care, manage to escape the demands of his own hectic working world?

For Jack, escape is a matter of getting in his car and heading home to a 100-year-old farm that he’s restoring with his husband, Lec Hobbs. They purchased the 10 acres of land with a charming farmhouse as its centerpiece and set about making it a heaven-on-earth gathering-place for friends and family, one faith-filled step at a time. Eventually there’ll be a new barn, a firepit, a potager garden, split-rail fencing, the removal of brush to expose a 100-year-old focal point red maple, and much more.

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When it comes down to only Jack and Lec, the farmhouse is just about perfect as it is…a sweet, simple, cozy haven to call home with a kitchen/dining area, living room, three bedrooms, a Hobbit room (den with a low-slung doorway), and two baths. “It seems like one project reveals another two that must be completed, just peeling back the layers in the house and on the grounds. We’re slowly reclaiming the fields that once grew cabbage. Along the way, we’ve discovered a 100-year-old red maple, flame azaleas, and seven heritage apple trees, which Lec hopes will be the foundation for an orchard.”

If working on a punch list of projects that promise to extend to the far horizon doesn’t seem like a getaway from the stresses of work, Jack relies upon

This deer-powered de-stressing is priceless to a general manager whose Inn is built upon a foundation of marvelously indulgent guest service. (In fact, Half-Mile Farm was honored with Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Award last year.) “Our guests, who vote for us, overwhelmingly make note of the people who work here – they mention Carol and Vivian and Chef Jason and the Jay Henry Tavern bartenders. We all treat our guests like they’re friends and family. I think that makes all the difference and that’s why it’s important for all of us to cultivate a warm, friendly atmosphere. Those deer and turkeys have a role to play in maintaining that atmosphere.”

That reassurance and comfort Jack derives from his farm homestead is vital to maintaining the idyllic setting and service provided by Jack and his staff at Half Mile Farm.

the farm’s wild inhabitants to provide a measure of tranquility. “Every day, we’re visited by turkeys and a herd of deer,” he says. “Those deer are a touchstone for me – they’re so gentle. Deer time makes me still and quiet. I’ve been talking to them and they’re getting used to me.

For more information on Half-Mile Farm, visit www.oldedwardshospitality.com/half-mile-farm

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H A P P Y H OS P I TA L I T Y Highlands has been welcoming visitors since its earliest days.

The notion of Highlands being a welcoming destination for those looking to escape is still part of the town’s operating ethos, and is practiced by every one of our inns and boutique hotels. Each place is unique, and each is staffed by people dedicated to providing the same level of hospitality that was extended 140 years ago.

Consider The Park on Main, located on Highlands’ Main Street and central to all the downtown’s events. When you visit its lobby, you can’t help but notice the elegant dog portraits lining the walls (look closely and you’ll notice a smug-looking fox and a jaunty squirrel amongst the canines – you know how they like to torment and outsmart dogs).

This is your first clue that The Park on Main is dogfriendly. Not simply dog-friendly, but borderline dog-crazy. It’s rooms are decorated with elegant dog motifs based upon its mascot, the coal-black Scottish Terrier Mr. Pickles, and each boasts original dog portraits, designer dog bowls and platform beds to make the pets feel pampered and secure.

But as Hotel Manager John Woods notes, The Park on Main’s staff lavishes as much attention upon its people as their pets. “We make a point of getting to know everyone on a firstname basis,” he says. “Since so many of our guests return to us over and over, we tend to get very close to them – for instance, we like to recognize their birthdays, and we even make a point to recognize their dogs’ birthdays.

It’s all part of the friendly atmosphere that we cultivate here – viewing our guests as friends, or even family, who’ve traveled a long way to see us.”

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That friendliness is echoed by The Wells Hotel’s Zach Matzinger. “This entire hotel is built upon the concept of having a whole group of people – strangers to one another, or those who come in as a group and buy up every room – and giving them free rein to relax and connect or reconnect with one another, and that happens right here at the fire pit (adjoining the office),” he says. “It brings together all of our guests – if we were a large resort community, people would be scattered all over.

I have a background in IT, but I came to Highlands with a friend, and was immediately taken by the warm hospitality of the community. I want to share that spirit with our guests. We act as a gateway to Highlands, but we also recognize that some people want to be left alone to explore what makes this place so enchanting – sometimes that’s as simple as spending some time around the fire pit and unwinding.”

Skyline Lodge, which underwent a complete renovation last year, has drawn generations of guests with its irresistible blend of tranquility and indulgence. Its expansive courtyard, canopied with fairy lights and set with pristine Adirondack furniture, invites conversation and contemplation and serves the same function as Wells Hotel’s fire pit – regardless of the season, people congregate and chat. “For us, the best surprise has been how many of our guests became engaged or honeymooned at the lodge many years ago and have returned to celebrate an anniversary since we renovated and re-opened,” says Guest Relations Manager David Browder. “Also, due to the great views from Oak Steakhouse, we have had a good number of wedding proposals made there…another great surprise.”

Highlands’ natural heritage gives guests of The Inn at Mill Creek a taste of something that’s been lost in the 21st century. Owners Debi and David

Bock have noticed that their guests can’t resist the gentle call of Mill Creek. The Inn at Mill Creek boasts a secluded green space on the banks of the creek, complete with comfy Adirondack chairs and rock work that gives a private garden feel. “We’ve noticed that some of our guests can’t resist stepping into Mill Creek, to rekindle some of that delight that we get from being a part of the natural world,” says Debi. “And for families with children – the kids are naturally drawn to the water. Though we’re only a block and a half from Main Street, they feel like they’re far removed from civilization. That feeling is priceless.”

The recognition of children as part of the Highlands experience is echoed by Sarah Tucker, who visited Old Edwards Inn with her family. “There’s a ton for the kids to do,” she says. “For instance, two gorgeous pools, unlimited Dove bars, golf that’s perfect for playing with your kids, fishing, hiking (there are so many trails leading to waterfalls), and Highlands Outpost – you can do this during the winter with snow, or in the summer.

Both are equally as fun.”

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200Main

mountain chic by old edwards

highlands casual-chic lodging by old edwards Stay in stylish comfort at a value rate with the convenience of Main Street. Relax in a park-like setting with heated pool, fire pit, fitness and game rooms, and access to golf at the private Old Edwards Club seasonally. Head out on the Greenway Trail from your back door.

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Your Year-Round Headquarters for all your Highlands Adventures 2022 Experience Guide

Accommodations

RESORTS, LODGES, INNS & CABINS

Spa and accommodations information is available at Highlands Welcome Center, 108 Main Street or www.highlandschamber.org/indulge

SEE PAGE 120 FOR A LIST OF LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS

Visiting Highlands allows you to indulge in a unique balance of unassuming refinement, warm hospitality and small-town charm. Whether it’s a luxury resort and spa, boutique hotel or a family-owned mountain lodge, you’ll be met with genuine service that characterizes the Highlands experience.

People come to Highlands seeking to get away and end up finding that they can be themselves, surrounded by stunning beauty, serenity, and away from the distractions of everyday life.

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HIGHL ANDS H YGGE It’s probably no coincidence that Highlands served as the quintessence for Hygge 100 years before the Danish concept made its way to America.

Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a nebulous concept that can be refined to its essence: A deep contentment that extends beyond the physical into the realm of the spiritual.

It’s a seduction of the soul that encompasses the spectrum of the senses to deliver a sense of happiness, one that mirrors the Buddhist concept of Nirvana.

Think that opening sentence is empty Chamber of Commerce boilerplate?

Well, consider that this little town was originally envisioned as a getaway from an America that was rapidly changing in the latter half of the 19th century. Kelsey and Hutchinson, the founders of Highlands, were always quick to promote the town’s “pristine air and its pure mountain water.” Their vigorous advertising paid off, and Highlands quickly became a destination for those looking to escape the ravages of tuberculosis and the threat of yellow fever.

Even today, that purity of the water and air is still evident – you can feel the clean air when you inhale a deep breath (and take in the rich scents of spring or fall).

For the crystal-clear water part of the equation, you need look no further than Mill Creek, which flows alongside the aptly-named Inn at Mill Creek.

That gently flowing stream feeds directly into the town’s water supply. And, if you’d like to sample that purity yourself, visit Moses Rock on the way down to Horse Cove and fill a couple of bottles of crystal clear spring water. Highlanders have cherished that sweet water for generations.

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While we’re talking about the concept of hygge here in the mountains, we’d direct your attention to our local accommodations. The Old Edwards Inn and Highlands Inn, two accommodations which date to the town’s founding. Their inclusion on the National Register of Historical Places is testament to their efforts to preserve what’s earned them a cachet that extends far beyond Highlands. You can sample their particular brand of hygge by staying in one of their rooms, each carefully appointed and deep in comforts and indulgences.

Also check out The Park on Main, Flat Mountain Farm, Skyline Lodge, Highlands Mountain House and Wells Hotel who serve up their own forms of seduction of the soul here in Highlands.

Our accommodations will provide experiences guaranteed to smooth your ruffled feathers and deliver on that promise that was built into the town’s architecture. In fact, all of the town’s getaways are established upon the notion that a stay in their care is a recipe for tranquility and a richness of experience. You can chat with the owners and their employees and get the intimate details about Highlands, all the things that we can’t mention here in the Experience Guide or, if you choose, you can be left in blissful isolation.

Speaking of finding your own brand of joy, you might as well let Highlands itself do its part. A happy confluence of geography and weather has given us four vivid seasons, and if you’ve felt that you’re somehow removed from the richness of unsullied nature, find some time to explore each sea-

son. You can hike the Greenway that snakes through the town, or wander into the deep forest that rings Highlands. A walk through the Botanical Gardens is a glorious bouquet of the senses that’ll reward an easy pace. Or, if all that seems like too much trouble, you can simply relax in your choice of accommodations, and allow Highlands’ weather to work its seductive magic on you.

mer and fall. That sweet mountain air is inevitably cool during the day and sometimes positively chilly in the evening. We guarantee that this’ll be a balm for whatever is weighing on your mind, and an irresistible invitation to surrender to the deep delights of hygge.

When it’s raining outside (which it most certainly will if you’re here for more than a few days – we’re technically a rainforest) and you snuggle in, that’s practically the quintessence of hygge. That sensation is even more pronounced in the winter. If your notion of Winter in the Mountains is raging snowstorms, take heart because it’s rare for the town to be disrupted for more than a day. And though this Experience Guide mentions a lot of outdoor winter activities to get your blood pumping and your cheeks rosy, allow us to make the case for staying indoors and enjoying every decadent blessing of relaxing in front of a blazing fire. This is almost certainly the scenario those Danes had in mind when they developed the concept of hygge.

You can extend this sensation during the rest of the year, by opening your windows in the spring, sum-

VISITHIGHLANDSNC.COM 37

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Mother Nature’s arms

Be indulgent in mother nature’s arms. Camping is a great way to not only see the abundance of nature Highlands has to offer but an opportunity to enjoy a personal experience in the forest and water areas on the mountain.

There are many improved and primitive campsites in the National Forests that ring the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. For a complete list contact the Ranger Stations for the Nantahala, Sumter, and Chattahoochee National Forests. In addition, there are also many private campgrounds such Franklin RV Park & Campground and River Vista RV Resort.

AMMONS BRANCH PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA From Highlands, take Main Street east, which becomes Horse Cove Road. Go 4.6 miles to the intersection with Bull Pen Road.

Take right onto Bull Pen Road and proceed 1.3 miles. The campground is on the right. There’s no developed water supply so water from streams should be boiled before drinking. A pit toilet is available. There is no charge. Open year-round.

BLUE VALLEY PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA From Highlands, take Highway 28 south for six miles, turn right onto Blue Valley Road and proceed three miles to this campground on the right. There’s no developed water supply in the area so water from streams should be boiled before drinking.

There are picnic tables and one pit toilet. There is no charge.

Open year-round.

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BURRELS FORD CAMPGROUND From Cashiers, take Highway 107 south for 14 miles to Burrels Ford Road (FS-708). Turn right and proceed 3 miles to the campground on the left. The campground is located close to the wild and scenic Chattooga River and has several campsites with tables and grills. Water and a pit toilet are available. Fishing is available on the river and there is access to the Foothills Trail, Chattooga River Trail, King Creek Falls and Spoon Auger Falls.

ELLICOTT ROCK WILDERNESS Camping is permitted within the wilderness except within 50 feet of the river, tributary stream, or trail, and less than a quarter mile from a road. No groups over 10 people are permitted.

HIGHLANDS HIDDEN CREEK An exquisite five-site RV Park that is nestled 4,118 ft elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains, only 4 blocks from the historic Highlands, NC downtown. Great location to have easy access to world class golfing, shopping and dining as well as hiking and fishing. Each site provides: City water/ sewer, 50 amp service, Cable & WiFi and Access to Outdoor Kitchen and Outdoor Stone Fireplace. Highlands Hidden Creek RV Park provides an intimate, picturesque location with only five sites accommodating Class A motor homes!

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OVERFLOW ROAD PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA Take Highway 28 south from Highlands for 12 miles and turn right onto Warwomen Road. Drive 0.2 of a mile, turn right onto Overflow Road and go 1 mile to the camping area on the left. Once you’ve settled listen for a rich variety of species including the Scarlet Tanager, Worm-eating Warbler and Ovenbird. At the beginning of Rich Gap Road in Horse Cove, don’t miss the Padgett Poplar Tree Trail and the third largest Tulip Poplar in the United States. This is a good place to see the Black-throated Green Warbler.

RALPH J. ANDREWS COUNTY PARK From Cashiers, take Highway 107 north for 6.4 miles to Pine Creek Road (SR 1157). Turn left onto Pine Creek Road and go 1.1 miles to Splendor Cove Road. Look for Ralph J. Andrews County Park sign and turn left. There are RV hookups, showers and a boat ramp. For additional information, call (828) 743-3923.

VAN HOOK GLADE CAMPGROUND From Highlands, take Highway 64 west for 4.3 miles to the entrance. Van Hook Glade is an intimate campground, sloped and wooded for privacy. There are 18 RV-and tent-accessible sites. No hook-ups are available. A Federal Interagency Pass is required and Senior and Access Discounts are accepted. You’ll find modern restrooms with hot showers. Van Hook campers have access to the wonderful facilities and recreational possibilities offered at Cliffside Lake.

It’s open April through October. Reservations are available online at Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.

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2022 Experience Guide

R EL E A S E T H E E V ER Y DAY Renew and heal your body surrounded by the beauty of our mountain forest. Research shows that relaxation methods — from meditation, yoga, massage and other spa-like treatments — can help reduce stress, increase a sense of well-being and improve health.

More information is available at www.highlandschamber.org/indulge/wellness-and-beauty

SEE PAGE 120 FOR A LIST OF LOCAL SPAS

Spas

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Renew and heal your body surrounded by the beauty of our mountain forest. Research shows that relaxation methods — from meditation, yoga, massage and other spa-like treatments — can help reduce stress, increase a sense of well-being and improve health. Indulge in a cozy cup of tea or coffee, and then delight yourself with a soothing skin treatment or restorative massage using locally grown and world-renowned herbs and botanicals. Favorite destinations are Gifted Hands, Zen Spa and Taylor Barnes, all of which have complementary services and seasonal specials. The luxuriant service at the core of The Spa at Old Edwards Inn has earned this Highlands landmark an international following. The Spa invites you to immerse yourself in relaxed European-style luxury, dedicated to nourishing the mind, body and spirit. Relax, revive, rejuvenate, and pamper yourself.

More information is available at www.highlandschamber.org/indulge/ wellness-and-beauty

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Relaxed Elegance at Old Edwards Inn, 445 Main Street, Highlands

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2022 Experience Guide

Savor Inspired Cuisine and Beverages

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2022 Experience Guide

When you ask Andrew Figel what he likes best about living and working in Highlands, he’s quick to answer that it’s an ideal place to raise his daughter. Following that instant reflex, he gives a little more thought to the question and says that a close second is the freedom that he enjoys at the beginning of each year.

Andrew is the owner of On The Verandah, the deeply indulgent restaurant on the shore of Lake Sequoyah that’s won a passionate following over the course of its 40 years.

OTV, as it’s known to locals, was once the only fine dining restaurant that wasn’t located on Main Street. The building itself is rich in history. Joe Webb – the legendary builder known for the log cabins he built without the help of power tools or architectural plans – worked on the building towards the end of his career in the late 1930s. When it was erected in 1937, it was a speakeasy. Later it housed a roller-skating rink and then a coin shop.

dients he tasted in places from Guatemala, Mexico, and Belize to cities across Western Europe. And that’s where that winter freedom comes into play. Andrew uses those two months when the restaurant is closed to treat himself and his hardworking staff to vacations off the mountain. They’re vacations, but they’re also learning experiences.

Andrew and his crew visit destination restaurants that’ve earned national and international reputations, and they sample beguiling dishes offered. “Our guests this year will discover that we have a lot of small plate options on our menu, because that’s a trend we’ve been

ANDREW FIGEL On the Verandah

Andrew was 14 when his Dad Alan started the restaurant, and he started working there during summer vacations. Like his father before him, Andrew cultivated his expertise and was drawn to the business by his travels. He had fallen in love with the flavors, perfumes, and textures of dishes and ingre-

seeing in the places that we’ve visited,” he says. “Naturally, we’ll continue to feature the entrees that have been favorites for years, but we’ll definitely be adding tapas dishes.”

And for the last couple of years, Andrew has been deepening his knowledge of wines to complement his menu. “I’m developing a real passion for exploring the labels that are available in this country,” he says. “We’ll certainly keep all the great French wines that we’ve offered, but I see a lot more domestic labels and I’m certain we’ll add a lot more Spanish wine.

Most recently, he and his staff visited Oregon’s Willamette Valley to sample the astonishingly rich vintages that’re produced there.

“It was so much fun to sample what was available,” he says. “We’re also going to expand our selection of California wines. “And you know, I wouldn’t be able to experience these things if we couldn’t have our winter getaways. That’s a part of life in Highlands that a lot of people don’t recognize. And I’ve got a world-class staff that truly deserves these vacations. That’s another one of the great things about Highlands. The hard-working people who make it all possible.”

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2022 Old Edwards

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2022 Experience Guide

M O U N TA I N M I XO LO G Y If you’ve been ensorcelled by a cocktail served up

by Midpoint’s clever bar or snagged a bottle of Farm2Cocktail Shrub Cocktail Mixer at Cake Bar or Mountain Fresh Grocery or fallen for a Secret Garden Fruit Spread that’s taken center stage upon a charcuterie, you’ve been captured by the relentless creative imagination of Carlton Chamblin.

Carlton’s arrived at the summit of local mixology by a roundabout route, or perhaps every step taken upon his career path has been freighted with an inevitability that brought him here.

Growing up in Alabama, he gravitated to the fields that would hone his creative impulses. “I’ve always enjoyed fine foods, beautiful interior design and art,” he says. “I chose to major in art history at Birmingham Southern College with plans one day to be a curator.” Despite that youthful certainty, Carlton’s career path curved into the field of advertising, yet his passion for art and fine foods found its flowering in his

VISITHIGHLANDSNC.COM 51

Farm2Cocktail’s line of products and its attendant events and parties. “I can honestly say developing products to help people create great cocktails is my favorite undertaking so far.” he says. “I’m really an extroverted introvert – loving the social scene but also enjoying my alone time. And I love researching fun recipes to try.”

I can honestly say developing products to help people create great cocktails is my favorite undertaking so far.

“

“

The mixers he produces are called shrubs and were very popular during the early days of America.

Shrubs are a fusion of fresh fruits, herbs, sugar and vinegars and their well-balanced sweet and tart flavor help create cocktails, mocktails and even salad dressings. Carlton is dedicated to developing mixology-made-easy products using all natural ingredients. His passion is to help bring out the confident mixologist in those who try Farm2Cocktail shrubs.

If you’d like to sample the fruits of his labors, head to Midpoint, take home a shopping bag of his shrubs, book an event through farm2cocktail.com, or enroll in one of his effervescent workshops offered at the Center for Life Enrichment.

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2022 Experience Guide

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Local Culinary Events CELEBR ATIONS THAT GIVE BACK

You can tell Highlanders take our dining seriously. This town maintains a remarkably diverse restaurant ecosystem. Some of these establishments have earned regional recognition, and a couple maintain national reputations (and don’t miss the wine list at all six Wine Spectator Restaurants see more on pages 56-57). Our love of quality food experiences and our warm community spirit have proven to be the foundation for cherished fundraisers that adorn our calendar.

If you’re intrigued, contact the Highlands Welcome Center at (828) 526-2112 or visithighlandsnc.com for more information.

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CU L I N A RY E V EN T S

BEER • WINE • ICE • PRODUCE GROCERY • DELI • FRESH CUT MEATS HOME DECOR • LAWN & GARDEN • FASHION

LOCATED ONE MILE OFF HWY 64 townandcountrygs

tandcgeneralstore

14 RAGGEDY LANE, CASHIERS, NC 828-547-1300 tandcgeneralstore.com 56

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The Low Countr y Shrimp Boil benefits Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. The park is

just one block from Main Street and serves as a venue for concerts, ice skating, arts and crafts, farmers market, nonprofit fundraisers, and festivals. For the last 100 years, Highlands has enjoyed a vibrant set of South Carolinians who join us every summer to escape the heat. These are the people who oversee this event, and they ensure that this is an authentic Low Country culinary event. Join in the celebration on June 25th to support our Park.

Hosted by International Friendship Center to raise funds for their Food Pantry program here in Highlands, Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger and food insecurity. This event pairs potters and other craftspeople with concerned citizens. Typically, after sharing a simple meal of soup and bread, served in handmade bowls, guests are asked to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world.

If every dog has its day, well, it turns out that every local dog (and cat) has its own glorious party. There will be plenty of Wags,Whiskers and Whiskey at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club the evening of Wednesday, June 29, 2022 to benefit the shelter pets at the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.

What started in 2001 has now become a tradition for Highlands families and visitors – the HANDS Christmas Dinner on December 25th. It was originally organized by innkeepers who wanted to provide a place for their guests and local families to have a traditional holiday meal on Christmas Day. HANDS is operated by a dedicated group of community volunteers and they provide a full, traditional Christmas Dinner, complete with a warm festive spirit. All profits from the dinner are shared with local charities. For more information contact the Highlands Welcome Center at 108 Main Street, 828526-5841, or visitor@highlandschamber.org.

They won’t let the proverbial cat-out-ofthe-bag about the details but the dogs told us the evening will include dinner, a live and silent auction, and not only fundraising for the animals but plenty of “fun-raising” for the people who love them! This is an all-new event and the only major fundraiser for CHHS in 2022, and the first in-person event to support the no-kill shelter in three years. It is guaranteed to be sold out.

Seating is limited to 200 guests. Prices for individual tickets and table sponsorships will be announced and go on sale in early 2022. Check our website (chhumanesociety.org) for announcement details or email info@chhumanesociety.org to be on our notification list when tickets go on sale.

Food Pantry Christmas, Saturday, December 3rd, is the date for the annual Highlands Christmas Parade. It’s also the date for A Food Pantries Christmas, which follows the parade. Plan to take the entire family for some scrumptious barbecue and a heaping platter of Christmas Spirit, to support our local food pantries. You’ll enjoy a barbecue lunch with all proceeds benefiting local food banks.

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S OW I N G T H E S E E DS When Samuel Kelsey and Clinton Hutchinson hatched their scheme to establish a town in Western North Carolina, they envisioned a community that would rely upon two streams of commerce: a getaway from the stresses of American life, and an agricultural center that drew upon the Plateau’s abundant rainfall and meadows carved out from the forest.

In Highlands, the seed sowing began with the Cherokee Indians and continued as settlers moved onto the mountain. For these hardy early Highlanders, they relied on growing crops and hunting for survival. To experience a bit of local agriculture history travel west on Main Street until it becomes the serpentine Horse Cove Road. At the bottom of all those curves, the road straightens out and you’re in the midst of rolling pastures. Horse Cove is one of the earliest portions of Highlands used for growing crops – in particular, corn, cabbage, and potatoes. And yes, there are still horses grazing in those pastures.

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If you’d like to know more about those early days in this beautiful corner of Highlands, pick up a copy of Helen Hill Norris’ Historic Tales of Highlands: Looking Backwards. Miss Helen was a faithful chronicler and dogged digger of Highlands history.

You can find her book at Books on Main, Shakespeare & Company, and The Dry Sink. You will also find books about Highlands history by Ran Shaffner and Angie Jenkins available.

Looking around Highlands in the 21st century, you can see evidence of what used to exist and how the community continues to value our local agriculture. To understand the tale of Highlands and its farming heritage today, make a point to visit Highlands Marketplace, staged every Saturday from 8:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Pine Street, from May to the end of October. Local farmers, artisans, and growers gather to offer the freshest and most colorful selections you’ll find anywhere. Whether it’s spring lettuces, organic salves and tinctures, eggs, or

this is probably the most sensually fulfilling.

handmade crafts you’ll not be disappointed. Farmers will be offering the first fruits of their fields and you’ll find fresh eggs from contented chickens, honey, and a full spectrum of fresh flowers harvested locally.

There’s also an irresistible selection of freshbaked pastries and breads. Look for canned goods, jams and jellies, and herbal teas and tisanes. This is also a place to visit if you’re seeking handmade soaps and essential oils, and homemade salves that are crafted using formulas that date back hundreds of years.

And if all this talk of agriculture and eating has whetted your appetite for adventure, make a point to visit The Many Hands Peace Farm at The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center. This is an idyllic farm with vegetable plots, a Food Forest, a Mushroom Laboratory, and a chicken coop.

The Highlands Marketplace is a terrific way to start your weekend, so bring your baskets and your market bags and load e‘ m up!

Here, since 2009, resident sustainable agriculture experts have provided counsel and education in regenerative agriculture through apprenticeship programs, farm training, foraging and wild edibles tours, and an annual summer farm camp.

Just as important as all the foods, all the treats, all the goods, is the sense of community that forms the bedrock of this entry on the town’s social calendar. We Highlanders are a chatty bunch, so don’t hesitate to join the conversation. Stories are told, gossip is exchanged, and jokes are swapped. People of all ages and all social standings stroll through and weigh their purchases. If you don’t spend part of your time talking with the vendors and artisans, well, you’re not getting your money’s worth.

If you’d like to sample the fruits of Highlands’ fields, most of our restaurants make a point of serving up dishes utilizing locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and herbs; and meats, poultry, and trout; even cheeses and dairy products. You can also experience fresh organic food choices, as well as juices and smoothies made to order at Whole Life Market on 4th Street.

Of all the experiences in this Experience Guide,

To register or for more information about all the tours and workshops available, visit www.themountainrlc.org VISITHIGHLANDSNC.COM 59

Immerse in Arts, Shopping and Festivities

HIGHLANDSCHAMBER.ORG VISITHIGHLANDSNC.COM 6161

D A Z Z L I N G D A H L I A F E S T I VA L Highlands Historical Society’s 12th Annual If you’ve been browsing through this Experience Guide, you can’t help but notice the pride that we Highlanders take in our little town’s history and its magnificent natural heritage. That’s why we have to mention Highlands Historical Society’s 12th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival set for Saturday September 10, and Sunday September 11.

And we want to introduce you to the Volunteer that oversees the Festival.

When Kim Daugherty first ambled over a Highlands trail, way back in 1984, it was an experience that etched itself in 62

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her memory. And it wasn’t for the things that you’d normally find in a Visit Highlands, NC publication.

“My first memories here are hiking Chinquapin Mountain to Glen Falls with my husband Richard, in white Keds during a very wet June,” she says.

“It was muddy, and we immediately came upon a very angry copperhead blocking ‘his’ trail. He was striking at everything; it was my first and still one of my most dramatic snake encounters. We encoun-

tered more snakes in that one week than l have ever seen. I was not the least bit inspired by Highlands – it was wet, had lots of snakes, and it was foggy a lot of the time.” But here’s the thing – despite all the negatives that Kim encountered on that hike, Highlands continued to work its seductive magic upon her.

“We came with friends every year after that visit for the next 14 years,” she explains.

During those years Kim and her family fell in love with Highlands, the beauty, the charm, the interesting people, all of it. “I got hiking boots and began to enjoy hiking. We went through all the stages, me hiking in Keds, backpacks with babies, to kids of all ages scattered along trails” Kim remembers. Little Sliding Rock and Secret Falls were favs when their kids were little. And local friends shared Secret Falls with them and their kids spent many happy hours finding salamanders. She reflects, “over the years our children were blessed with lightening bugs, endless streams, picking vegetables, digging potatoes, picking blackberries, tiny wild strawberries, sugar snap peas sweet and crisp, straight off the vine. We spent nights counting shooting stars under the blanket of a sky that was so dark you could see that it was full of billions of stars. The beauty of Highlands, whether covered in wildflowers in spring, draped in fall colors, or snowy white in winter, is so special, so unique, so important. Highlands has awakened a love of the land and its inhabitants that has given me perspective. I have learned that we are ephemeral, and that these great mountains are what will remain to tell future people about what we valued.”

This passion for nature carries over to the endlessly surprising dahlia, which is reaching its crowning glory as the centerpiece of local gardens

in September, and they will be central to lavish floral displays scattered throughout downtown Highlands at the Dahlia Festival. There will be an Individual Bloom Judged Event at The Bascom on Saturday and Sunday, as well as a separate event with a map directing you to dazzling dahlia vignettes all over Highlands.

The Festival, produced by some amazing volunteers working with Kim, will showcase the history, culture, and natural environment of Highlands as you’re invited to follow the Dahlia Trail from The Bascom, to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, to Main Street, the Highlands Performing Arts Center, and the Highlands Historical Village. The Dahlia Trail Displays are built upon the theme of Tell Us A Story. Garden clubs, designers, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals are charged with creating and executing them. This year, look for the addition of storytellers, music and other surprises during the festival. The Bascom will also host the Dahlia Specimen Show, where growers enter their finest dahlia blooms. Judges grade each bloom, award ribbons, and provide valuable critiques. The blooms are then available for the public to view.

Dahlias range in size from dinner plate to pompoms, they come in every color you can imagine and their singular shapes from cactus to orchid (yes dahlias) will delight you. And don’t forget you can purchase flower arrangements at the Highlands Historical Village.

Kim is involved with Highlands Historical Society to be part of what helps keep Highlands unique, and to honor the history of the people who made Highlands what it is today. Kim shared, “I pinch myself all the time that I am here and feel such a responsibility to be a good steward of this place and our precious resources.”

The Highlands Historical Society’s 12th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival is the Historical Society’s gift to the community as attendance is free. Highlands Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are appreciated and support the Historical Village Museum, the Prince House, Kelsey Kids and, of course, the Dazzling Dahlia Festival.

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E L E VAT I N G T H E A R T S AT

4 1 1 8 FT

F O R M O R E D E TA I L S , V I S I T

H I G H L A N D S P L AY H O U S E . O R G

828.526.2695

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|

362 Oak Street, Highlands, NC 28741

|

www.highlandsplayhouse.org

M U S I C , T H E AT R E , V I S U A L A R T S , F I L M Named one of America’s Best Small Town Art Places Highlands attracts arts enthusiasts for all forms of arts. People in Highlands can find a true sense of community through our many cultural arts experiences where the shared value of immersing in various artistic pursuits brings us together.

We place a high priority on all aspects of the visual arts, performing arts and music. Both mainstream and alternative arts venues are covered. A combination of creative thinking and entrepreneurialism has fueled and kept the arts thriving in our small town.

SEE PAGE 120 FOR A LIST OF CULTURAL ART LOCATIONS

Cultural Arts

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MOV I E S I N H I G H L A N DS

If you’re way beyond chillin’ with Netflix, there are still some options in Highlands for experiencing your filmed entertainment on the Big Screen. Highlands Playhouse at 362 Oak Street offers movies in a spacious auditorium with a broad digital screen and a vast suite of sound enhancements. Since Highlands Playhouse is a non-profit, there’s a wide selection of concessions served, with all proceeds going to the Playhouse itself. Their fresh-popped popcorn is really, really good.

Highlands Performing Arts Center, located at 507 Chestnut Street, provides counterpoint programming to the Playhouse. PAC screens live performances of the National Theater of London and the Metropolitan Opera, For up-to-date information, call (828) 526-2965 or visit highlandsplayhouse.org 66

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To keep up with its ever-evolving schedule, visit highlandsperformingarts.com or call (828) 526-9047.

T H E AT R E I N H I G H L A N DS Highlands Playhouse, one of the country’s oldest professional summer stock theaters, is the legacy of Highlands’ early forward-thinking families.

The first troupe, all amateurs, began using the Highlands School auditorium in the mid-1930s. They formally organized in the late 1930s as the Highlands Little Theatre, which was ultimately renamed Highlands Playhouse. The first big production was the Broadway comedy “Dulcy.” Collin Wilcox, a regular on the local stage, went on to play opposite Gregory Peck in the film “To Kill A Mockingbird,” as Mayella.

Today, audiences will be enchanted by multiple shows performed by professionals.

Highlands-Cashiers Players is powered by the local dramatic community. The troupe performs dramas, raucous comedies, musical revues, and an annual dinner theater at the Highlands Performing Arts Center on Chestnut Street.

People in Highlands and Cashiers are invited to participate in the performances, both onstage and behind the scenes. For more information, call (828) 526-8084.

For more information, call (828) 526-8084.

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SOUNDS AROUND TOWN The same magic that’s drawn artists to Highlands since its inception has worked upon musicians as well.

Need proof? Stop in some evening at The Ugly Dog Pub, or The High Dive, or the Hummingbird Lounge and Wine Garden at Old Edwards Inn. These places are famous for their musical guests and their work resonates in hearts and minds long after the venue’s closed for the night.

Bluegrass has its roots in these mountains and for a surprising expression of it, attend the 9:09 A.M. Sunday Service at Highlands United Methodist Church.

The band that accompanies the service is authentic, and banjoist Charles Wood is considered the best in the country. The music is reverent and at the same time irresistible.

Of course, if hearing live music makes you want to dance, make a point to attend the Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s Summer Concert Series – Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine. These free concerts are presented by Visit Highlands, NC and offer the chance to hear some of the finest music our region has to offer.

Highlands is also home to multiple venues that offer world class music experiences you don’t want to miss.

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The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival is presenting it’s 41st season in 2022!

Special events include Beethoven at the Bascom, Mozart at OEI’s Orchard House, Jazz Jam at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers, and the final Gala concert and dinner featuring Mark & Maggie O’Connor and the Vega Quartet – Beethoven & Bluegrass. The regular concert series starts July 1st with a special program, “Three Concertmasters”.

Other concerts include American Salute, Ray Chen & Friends, Champagne & Chopin, and much more.

Free concerts and our annual Feast and Salon program will round out an exceptional season.

Visit our website h-cmusicfestival.org for full information 70

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Bel Canto The Bel Canto Recitals are a September tradition in Highlands. Every year, world-famous opera stars perform classics and Broadway favorites before a select audience. To contact Bel Canto and get on the mailing list, send your contact information to Bel Canto Recital, P.O. Box 2392, Highlands, NC 28741 or call The Bascom at (828) 787-2867.

And the Highlands Performing Arts Center, downtown Highlands, screens live performances of the Metropolitan Opera and Britain’s National Theatre.

For information or reservations, call (828) 526-9047 or visit highlandspac.net. The Performing Arts Center is located 507 Chestnut Street.

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Imaginary Landscapes…

Ralph Burns, “Tent Revival #1, Naples, North Carolina,” 1992. Archival silver gelatin fiber base, selenium toned, limited ed. Courtesy of Blue Spiral 1 gallery.

THE BASCOM:

A CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts creates visual art experiences that inspire and empower individuals and communities through seeing, thinking and doing.

For over 30 years, The Bascom has been a vital cultural resource to the Western North Carolina region. What began in 1983 as a small exhibition space in one room of the Hudson Library now occupies a 6-acre former horse farm near downtown Highlands, NC. The 28,000 square foot main building houses exhibition and event spaces, classrooms, offices, and a retail outlet. The adjacent David Drake Studio contains studio space for pottery and three-dimensional arts instruction and additional retail space. Entrance to the campus is through an early 19th Century, 87-foot-long covered bridge. Along with sizeable terraces, its outdoor spaces include meadows and forest land, streams and trails, unblemished mountain views and sculpture installations.

Visit this year’s exhibitions, themed around Place, and experience Imaginary Landscapes: Stories from the American South, Japanese Prints from the Gibbs Museum of Art, and the Craft to Art series featuring Musical Instruments and their evolutionary role in Southern Appalachia.

HOURS Exhibitions & Shop Tuesday - Saturday; 10am - 5pm Ceramics Studio Monday - Saturday; 10am - 5pm Sunday; 12pm/Noon - 5pm These are only a small sampling from the full Exhibition schedule. For more information visit Visual Arts (highlandschamber.org) or thebascom.org.

Lasting Impressions image, of course…

KATSUSHIKA HOKUSAI (1760–1849) South Wind, Clear Dawn (Red Fuji) from the series Thirty-six Views of Fuji,ca.

1831–33. Color woodblock print, 10 ⅛ x 15 inches.

Image courtesy of Gibbes Museum of Art

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Shop The Bascom The Bascom Shop showcases a wealth of local and regional artistic talent, all throughout the year.

Unique Antiques, Home Décor, Distinctive Home Accessories, Old Edwards’ new Provisions Line of Grab & Go Local Market Goods, Unique Gifts & More!

Year-round | 10 - 5 Daily | 212 South 4th Street, Highlands, NC View 2022 Trunk Shows Online at OldEdwardsHospitality.com/Acorns

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Unique Shopping I N D I V I D U A L LY C U R AT E D F O R Y O U

For a Shopping Map, visit the Welcome Center or www.highlandschamber.org/immerse/ shopping/

SEE PAGE 124 FOR A LIST OF LOCAL RETAILERS

Some people come to Highlands for the pristine natural beauty – an unceasing call that demands a response. Others come for the invitations to golf or attend a concert by the internationally recognized Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, or to be pampered by the spas and boutique hotels. But an awful lot of people visit Highlands simply for the shopping.

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STEP INTO SHOPPING Some people come to Highlands for the pristine natural beauty – an unceasing call that demands a response. Others come for the invitations to golf or attend a concert by the internationally recognized Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, or to be pampered by the spas and boutique hotels.

They’re drawn to its one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty stores.

Because we lack chain stores or Big Box emporiums, our mix of shops are unique, irresistible, and endlessly surprising. And because we’re such a small community, and we’re inextricably linked by a network of sidewalks and greenways, browsing becomes an unhurried affair and a great way to get in all those daily steps. This adds an unexpected benefit to the experience.

tion fortifies the impulse to wander and discover. Without the demands of a relentless clock, you can savor the act of shopping itself and have added health benefits at the same time.

Part of the charm of shopping in Highlands is getting to chat with the people who own and operate these businesses. They can give you remarkable insight into their inventory, which they’ve invariably hand-selected, and add to the richness of your experience.

An awful lot of people visit Highlands simply for the shopping.

There’s a greater incentive to take your time and do more exploring. You’re not feeling the pressure to find the “perfect” parking spot, and this libera76

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You allow yourself the time to consider your purchases and your possibilities. You see how they can fit into your life and weigh their potential for gift-giving. And when you converse with the owners and employees, you get a deeper perspective on the uniqueness of your prospective purchase.

It all adds up to more steps, a richer and more enticing shopping experience than what’s found in the rest of 21st century America. As with most Highlands activities, make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes!

PED E S T R I A N ’ S PA R A D IS E Walking is reported to be one of the healthiest activities for people of all ages and it’s a great way to explore small towns like Highlands. View everything from eye level instead of out a car window by parking the car away from the hustle and bustle. As a pedestrian you can experience hidden details and discover a vibrant sense of place by simply putting one foot in front of another and living in the moment.

The Highlands Greenway is a great way to take a hike right in downtown and you can get in a little forest bathing as you make your way from one downtown destination to another. Below are a few of our favorite themed crawls so step up and give it a try, you won’t be sorry. Your sense of adventure will be elevated as you discover a little piece of our paradise, and...

your heart will thank you!

...

Adventure/Outdoor Shopping Crawl Total Steps 1,370 Bear Mountain Outfitter to Brookings: 300 Brookings to Highland Hiker Shoes: 958 Highland Hiker Shoes, to Highland Hiker Store: 32 to Highland Hiker Cabin: 80 steps

KIDS Shopping/Treat Crawl Total Steps 419

The Toy Store to Highlands Kids: 129 Highlands Kids to SweeTreats main entrance: 80 SweeTreats to S’Mores: 86 S’Mores to Kilwins: 124

Shoe Shopping Crawl Total Steps 1,126

Bear Mountain Outfitters to J. McLaughlin: 45 J. McLaughlin to Lulu Blue: 30 Lulu Blue to Elevation: 20 Elevation - cross the street to Town Square: 55 From there to Rosenthals: 85 Rosenthals to Charleston Shoe: 161 Charleston Shoe to Wish: 180 Wish to Vivace: 72 Vivace to Highland Hiker Shoes: 478

Art Crawl Total Steps 1,855

Highlands Fine Art and Estate Jewelry to Jeanie Edwards: 235 Jeanie Edwards to Corey James: 345 Corey James to Jannie Bean: 380 Jannie Bean Jewelry Design to Main Street and 2nd Street: 150 Main St. and 2nd to The Bascom: 745 VISITHIGHLANDSNC.COM 77

Who Sells Shoes?

Lulu Blue

Allison Diane Clothing

McCulley’s Cashmere

Annawear

Martha Anne’s on the Hill

Bear Mountain Outfitters

Potpourri

C. Orrico

Potpourri 2

Charleston Shoe Company

Rosenthals Boutique

Elena’s Womens Golf and

S’more Kids Klothes

Activewear

Spartina 449

Elevation: High Fashion for

Spoiled Rotten

Women

The Molly Grace

Highland Hiker

The Southern Way

Highland Hiker Shoes

TJ Bailey For Men

Highlands Kids

Unique Elegance II

J. McLaughlin Clothing Store

Vivace

Festivals and Events S O M E T H I N G F O R E V ERYO N E

Small town traditions you won’t find in bustling cities are part of the cherished memory makers experiences like local culinary events, parades down Main Street and holiday community gatherings. And Highlands is no exception! Highlanders cherish their traditions celebrating holidays and supporting our many nonprofits serving the community. These Festivals and events are one-of-a-kind experiences, seasonal flower celebrations, musicians on the street, culinary specialties brought by the various people that call Highlands home.

Plan ahead and experience the fun for yourself.

For a complete listing of events, please visit our website throughout the year, visithighlandsnc.com

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS JA NUARY

vals/winter-events/, call (828) 5262112, or stop by the Highlands Welcome Center at 108 Main Street.

APR I L

Bear Shadow is proud to partner with the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust as we celebrate the union of music and mother nature.For complete event information, please visit www.bearshadownc.com.

Snow Fest January 29-30 If you’re longing for all the frosty sensations that accompany a pristine mountain winter, you’re invited to join us for Highlands’ first Snow Fest at 4118, set for Saturday and Sunday, January 29 and 30, at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

The park will be the focal point for a full slate of wintry fun that’ll include an ice slide, enough snow to build your own snowman or assemble an arsenal of snowballs, snow-ga sessions (cold-weather yoga), a merry go round, and, of course, Highlands Ice Rink. And you can fortify yourself with s’mores, hot chocolate, and coffee served at nearby restaurants.

The park is ringed by trees festooned with lights, which will sparkle during the day, but with the arrival of darkness will take on the appearance of a Tiffany’s holiday window. They’ll frame the memories of this premiere event, which you can pull out and enjoy during the summer days spent off the mountain, and which can form the foundation of your own treasured winter tradition. The Festival will be open Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. and Sunday, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. For up-to-the-date information, visit www.highlandschamber.org/ immerse/annual-events-and-festi80

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lands Food & Wine. Bear Shadow will celebrate the spring season with the best in live music. The weekend will offer performances

by Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Wild Riveres, 49 Winchester, Trampled by Turtles, Jamestown Revival, Kitchen Dwellers and many more. In addition, Bear Shadow will host smaller music and outdoor experiences throughout Highlands.

M AY

Three Rivers Fly Fishing Festival April 21-23 Fly Fishing, Friendships, & Fun all wrapped into one along the 2000+ miles of trout water along the Highlands Plateau! Teams of two compete for great prizes.

Two days on the water, festivities every night, “Guided” and “UnGuided” categories with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Highlands Scholarship Fund.

Mark your calendar for April 21st – 23rd .

Bear Shadow April 29-May 1 Highlands Festivals, Inc. offers a sister festival to the popular High-

Outdoor Concert Series May - October If you’re seeking a different sort of summer sound, consider the Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine Concert Series, both ranging from May to October. These free concerts offer the chance to hear some of the finest music our region has to offer.

Friday Night Live features traditional mountain music, and an opportunity for the audience to participate by singing, clapping, tapping your feet, or dancing if the mood strikes. It’s audience participation at its best and the bands feed off the energy.

Never a dull moment in Highlands Saturdays on Pine continues that sweet Highlands evening sound with a variety of genre including Beach Oldies, Americana Rock, Country, Rock, Jazz, Soul, and Top 40 Cover Hits to name a few. And don’t forget to contact one of our local restaurants for a picnic dinner to enjoy along with the sounds of Highlands. Who can resist a summers eve with live music?

Twilight 5K & 10K May 15 The Race is on May 15th, 2021 starting at 6PM at the Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park. The 5K course is undulating, beginners or walkers will find it friendly, yet the faster runners will be challenged.

The 10K course is challenging and climbs Bear Pen Mountain. Bring your chairs, coolers, refreshments, and blankets to join everyone for an evening of music following the race, around 7:30 P.M. For more information or to register, visit highlandstwilight5k.com.

Meander in May May 14 Throughout downtown. This free, self-guided event, the product of Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands, NC, brings live musical performances, artists and craftspeople, and fun demonstrations to locations across the town. More details on page 81.

JUN E

Motoring Festival June 9-12 The 15th annual Highlands Motoring Festival is about high quality, classic, collector cars that are brought to the mountain by invitation. The eclectic entries always ensure there is something for everyone. This festival is powered by a dedicated volunteer group that are also passionate about our local charities. 2021 charities include Reach of Macon County, Literacy Council of Highlands, and the Community Care Clinic.

Spectator entry is free but contributions for the charities is greatly appreciated.

Mountaintop Arts & Crafts Festival June 25-26 & Aug 27-28 Founded in 2006 to bolster community support for regional artisans, these shows offer two days of art, folk art, crafts, rustic furniture, demonstrations, live music, food and fun--what’s not to love?

The two annual shows are held in beautiful Kelsey-Hutchinson “Founders” Park on Pine Street, a short walk from Main Street.

Highlands Mountaintop Rotary sponsors the show, with proceeds going to charitable causes. Mark your calendars for June 25th and 26th as well as August 27th and 28th for a fun, family event in the heart of downtown Highlands, NC

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JULY

Fourth of July July 4 The Fourth of July is celebrated all day long with games and activities including a rocket launch, Highlands Rotary Hot Dog Cookout, the club’s Annual Duck Derby, and Highlands Men’s Chorus Concert to name a few.

The fun continues into the evening with an outdoor concert beginning at 6pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and a picnic from one of the many fabulous restaurants in town.

And the finale for the day... the night skies will burst in technicolor glory with an immensely enjoyable fireworks display provided by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce. The show begins at the arrival of darkness, usually around 9. Virtually any spot downtown will give you a clear view of the excitement.

OC TOBER

Halloween on Main October 31 Downtown Trick or Treat, which is provided by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, is a safe, fun-filled experience for Trick-or-Treaters of all ages. Everyone will find plenty to celebrate on Main Street, starting at 5:30 P.M. Monday, October 31.

That’s when local kids, decked out in their spookiest, silliest and cutest costumes, gather to collect a teacher’s ransom of candy distributed by local businesses and charities.

There’s live music, dancing, free hot dogs and drinks, and an irresistible excitement built into the celebration.

Virtually the entire community – kids, grown-ups, pets – shows up in costume to celebrate. Visitors are not only invited to this party but encouraged to join the fun. (Please keep all Zombies on a leash at all times!)

NOVEMBER

Highlands Food & Wine is an annual festival in Highlands, NC, celebrating fabulous food, exquisite beverages, and world-class music. With a fan base spanning multiple generations, Highlands Food & Wine will be your favorite tradition at 4118 feet year after year. The 2022 festival is scheduled for November 10-13th.

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Bring your friends and loved ones to partake in one of the Southeast’s most celebrated occasions. Festival information can be found at HighlandsFoodandWine.com.

Lighting the Park November 26 Highlands Chamber of Commerce launches the Christmas Season with the Light Up the Park Celebration and the Arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, on Saturday, November 26, at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. The evening is set amongst the softly-lit trees of the park and the Town Ice Rink, with festivities galore. Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will put in an appearance and Santa will man his sleigh to hear the wishes and dreams of all his fans.

bliss!

On the same day, November 26th the annual Trim Our Town Storefront Contest begins. The contest is a People’s Choice Award and you the voter can win by entering. The stores are decked and full of the most endearing gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Spend the day shopping, lunching with a special holiday drink and end the day with ice skating, holiday

If you don’t get a chance to talk to Santa at Light Up the Park, don’t despair he will be back for Santa in the Park. He’ll return to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park whenever he is in town. Everyone is welcome to speak with the Jolly Old Man, regardless of age or girth, and, if you’ve been good all year, you can gently pull on his beard to ensure that you’re talking to the Real Deal.

Everyone is invited to the Olde Mountain Christmas Parade, slated for 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 3rd, winding down Main Street. With a population around 1000, you may expect a Christmas Parade to last approximately 173 seconds. But if that’s what you’re thinking, you haven’t taken into account the town’s deep pool of community spirit. It’s not uncommon for the parade to boast over 60 entries. There’s a warm, homemade feel to the Highlands parade, since it’s staged entirely by local groups, churches, businesses, fire departments and bands of neighbors. It’s all delivered with pride, sparkle, and more than a little bit of humor. You’ll find handmade floats, marching bands, dancing garden ladies, real camels and (perhaps real) Wise Men, llamas, dogs that amble more or less in formation, fire trucks, bagpipes, Smokey the Bear, classic cars, horses, the Highlands High School Homecoming Court, local politicians, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

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April 29 - May 1, 2022

3 days of music, mountains and revelry

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Friday Night Live May 13 -Johnny Webb Band The Johnny Webb Band, one of Western North Carolina’s premier country bands, offers laid-back yet seasoned and professional performances giving their audiences a truly exceptional musical experience with a down-home flavor and a line-up of country music songs-both old and new-that is hard to beat. Their versatility and song selections span over 50 years of music, and they are constantly updating their repertoire of songs.

May 20 – McIntosh and the Lionhearts Founded in 2019 by songwriter Spalding McIntosh, the LionHearts are a versatile ensemble of musicians, all devoted to presenting McIntosh’s complex compositions on home and love in a tight and rolling groove. “Little Things” is the band’s debut release, recorded at Brighter Shade Studios in Atlanta and produced by John Driskell Hopkins of the Zac Brown Band.

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May 27 – Sycamore Flats Sycamore Flats is best known for performing songs of historical relevance to southern Appalachia with a lively blend of old-time and bluegrass styles.

The band offers an immersive acoustic sound blending traditional country songs with exciting new energy that will have everyone on their feet dancing and asking for more. From heart-pumping dance music to beautiful old country songs, or simply an evening of waltzing, Sycamore Flats has it covered!

June 3 – Will and Lindsey Thompson Will Thompson is a gifted producer and singer/ songwriter whose high-energy performances showcase stadium-ready songs featuring a mix of rock-country-funk and soulful production at every turn. Lindsey Thompson, an equally talented singer/songwriter, captivates listeners with her ethereal vocals, haunting melodies, and honest lyrics.

June 10 – Ol’ Dirty Bathtub Ol’ Dirty Bathtub is Western North Carolina’s premiere acoustic party band. They would like nothing more than to look out in the crowd and see you dancing and singing along there’s always room for one more in the tub!

June 17 – Curtis Blackwell Band The Curtis Blackwell Band, originally formed in 1960, has a home base in Macon County, North Carolina. The Dixie Bluegrass Boys consist of founding members Curtis Blackwell and Sam Cobb, joined by banjo player Charles Wood, fiddler Chuck Nations, and mandolinist Vic Blackwell.

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June 24 – Southern Highland Band The heart of Southern Highland Band are life-long friends and business partners Tom Nixon and Dean English, who are the proprietors of Blue Ridge Music in Clayton, GA. Together with other rotating band members (depending upon the venue), they have performed at countless regional festivals and events, private parties, weddings and receptions. As accomplished musicians, they play a large variety of music spanning across almost any genre, with an emphasis on their Bluegrass roots.

July 1 – Silly Ridge Trio Silly Ridge Trio is a Highlands-based troupe that offers an eclectic blend of americana, bluegrass, folk music, and brings fun, energy, and toe-tapping music to any event throughout the Highlands - Cashiers plateau. The band showcases the talents of Knight Martorell (banjo, harmonica, harmony vocals), Dave Mueller (mandolin and lead vocals) and David Crisp (guitar and lead vocals).

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July 8 – The Foxfire Boys The Foxfire Boys band is a versatile, high-energy band that grew out of the Foxfire Program in northeast Georgia.

The band has been together for over forty years and has performed at venues such as Grand Ole Opry, Norway Tour (94 Olympics), Worlds Fair, Carter Family Fold, Fire On The Mountain Show (TNN), National Trout Unlimited Convention, Atlanta & Athens (96 Olympics), Variety Playhouse (Atlanta), Bijou Theater (Knoxville), Roswell Mill (Roswell, GA) Stone Mountain Park (GA), Chateau Elan (Braselton GA) and many other diverse public and private events. The band performs a mix of traditional and contemporary Bluegrass, Bluegrass Gospel and as well as acoustic folk, country, or Americana blend.

July 29 – Byrds & Crows Byrds and Crows, who live in Transylvania County enjoy playing songs that are deeply rooted in the Appalachian Mountains that consist of bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, folk, and early country music. The band members are: Kenny Byrd-Guitar/Harmonica/Vocals, Sheila Byrd-Mandolin/ Vocals, Will Byrd-Banjo/Guitar, Andy Cole-Fiddle/Harmonica/Vocals, and Joe Alexander- Bass.

July 15 – Leadfoot Lily Leadfoot Lily features an eclectic mix of 70’s pop, R&B, country, folk, rock, and bluegrass. Lifelong friends Dean English and Mike Hamilton, along with their wives Shelli English and Christy Hamilton, have entertained for many private parties, restaurants, public events and truly enjoy performing together!

August 5 – Kettle Kettle is a lively three-piece band that plays an eclectic mix of songs, from Alternative Country, Electrified Americana, Psychedelic Folk, and all points in between. They are rocking enough to play a keg party but have enough finesse to play your dinner party. Kettle uses a unique drum set based around an old suitcase and various percussion instruments to embellish the songs.

Controlled volume makes it a pleasure to listen without overwhelming. Suave and sometimes gritty vocals make for a unique, down-home, rocking good time.

July 22 – Johnny Webb Band

August 12 – Ol’ Dirty Bathtub

August 19 – The Foreign Landers The Foreign Landers is a duo hailing from opposite sides of the Atlantic united by their love of bluegrass and traditional folk music and their love for each other. Together they combine the musical styles of their respective homelands, along with their instrumental prowess and haunting vocals to create something new.

August 26 – Silly Ridge Trio

September 9 - Supper Break Band Supper Break, an Asheville NC based Bluegrass band, formed in 2019. From hard-driving tunes that will make you want to get up and cut a rug, to songs that will leave you in tears, to deep improvised jams that will leave your head spinning, Supper Break has something for everyone. Featuring Cam Williams on upright bass, Jeremy Rilko on banjo, Adam Backman on dobro, Andrew Wakefield on guitar and Zach Dyke on Mandolin, the band performs their own eclectic take on bluegrass/ newgrass/acoustic music.

October 21 – Aubrey Eisenman & The Clydes Aubrey Eisenman and The Clydes are a Bluegrass/Americana act based out of Asheville, NC. They have been alongside international touring artists on the Travianna/Mountain Fever Record Label and have been in the Grassicana top ten charts for over two years. Their music is a sultry blend of bluesy, dark and lively mountain song!

September 16 – Curtis Blackwell September 23 – Sycamore Flats September 30 – The Foxfire Boys October 7 – Byrds & Crows September 2 – Zorki As a young musician Zorki began his journey playing in Washington Square Park in New York City. He soon broke into the music scene on Bleecker Street, where he started performing and recording with some of the finest musicians in the business. He met the love of his life and together they ventured down to Highlands North Carolina...raised two beautiful boys and are living happily ever after!

October 14 – Southern Highland Band

Town Square 343 Main St

October 28 – Ezra & Katie Husband and wife duo, Ezra and Katie have been playing acoustic music together for over 10 years. These Highlands natives recently spent 7 years in Los Angeles pursuing their creative endeavors: writing, acting, and performing small acoustic shows around the city. They are heavily influenced by folk music, country, and traditional Appalachian hymns, looking to Americana artists such as the Avett Brothers, Langhorne Slim, John Prine, and Miranda Lambert as inspirations.

They are excited to be playing in their hometown again!

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Saturdays on Pine May 14 – The Breakfast Club The Breakfast Club® is the longest running, most recognized ’80’s tribute band in the United States. Formed in 1993, the group was the first of its kind. The mission was simple: create an entertainment group that embodied the enigmatic, creative, and buoyant spirit of music and live performances of the original MTV generation of the 1980’s. That mission remains today.

May 21 – Caribbean Cowboys Steve Weams & The Caribbean Cowboys Band have been entertaining audiences for over 30 years. We play primarily in Western North Carolina but have traveled from Key West, Florida to New York City & through the British Virgin Islands. We provide a wide variety of music & complete our shows in a respectable, professional manner.

We are highly respected in the entertainment industry in WNC & beyond.

The CCB will provide you with a wide variety of music from Jimmy Buffett to other troubadours such as Peter Mayer, Scott Kirby, Jesse Winchester, Fingers Taylor & the best of Classic & Southern Rock, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Beach Tunes, Country & last but not least...a few classics such as Frank Sinatra & Elvis along with the Caribbean Cowboys Band originals!

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May 28 – Continental Divide CONTINENTAL DIVIDE HAS BEEN PLAYING IN THE SOUTHEAST FOR OVER 30 YEARS. Their reputation is one of quality, professionalism and above all, entertaining. A CD or video cannot reproduce the energy they deliver at a live performance. From the silky-smooth voice of Gene Pharr (A 2016 Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame Inductee) to the tightness of the rhythm section, to the flowing lines of the horn section, they put on a performance everyone will remember.

June 4 – Hi 5 Their sound incorporates rock, blues, Americana, bluegrass, country, jazz as well as other musical styles and provides a set list that is familiar and eclectic at the same time.

June 11 –Rocksteady@8 Rocksteady@8 was formed in 1999 in

Tampa, FL., with members from various ska and other world music groups from around the area. The band’s first gig was opening for the legendary reggae group Toots and the Maytals. The band soon became a popular act around the Tampa Bay area in the early 2000’s, opening for other reggae and dancehall greats, including Jimmy Cliff, Yellowman, Justin Hinds, and Eek-A-Mouse. The band continued to perform over the last two decades with various lineups around the Tampa Bay area.

June 18 – Firecracker Jazz Band In hundreds of performances since 2003, Firecracker Jazz Band from Asheville, NC has played everywhere from street corners, secret speakeasies, jazz festivals nationwide, swingand-swill dance halls, Bonnaroo, and the Kennedy Center. Speak easy and dance hard!

July 2 – The Swingin’ Richards The mission statement is a simple one: ROCK THE HOUSE! The Swingin Richards came into fruition January 2001.

Their debut show was Feb 2, 2001, in the plaza of the Nations Bank Center in Charlotte, N.C. opening for James Brown. Now you may say that is rather good for a debut, yet there’s good reason the guys were able to float their

Kelsey - Hutchinson Founders Park

boat on something like this. Dues and persistence. The guys have been in some of the Southeast’s most beloved, reveled party bands for over 10 years. MegaPhonics, Daddy Blue, do these ring a bell? If not, either you just moved to the area, or are unaware of what’s been shaking musically in the Southeast.

July 4 – The Business The Business is the real deal. Eight of the best musicians around, including a horn section and powerful vocals and outstanding showmanship, deliver an unbelievable performance for any occasion. We LOVE finding the pulse of an audience and raising that pulse to create an experience far beyond the ordinary. With an old-school flare, featuring the Soul and Rock-nRoll hits from the 50’s and 60’s with choice from the following decades, The Business gives you the goods to help you sing along, dance along and create a memorable experience.

July 9 – Back Porch Orchestra While Back Porch Orchestra started their journey as a modern band, there is no doubt that they’re shaped by their homegrown, traditional roots.

Since releasing their first album in 2009, BPO has been making strides in the both the local and regional music scenes for eleven years together. Capable of performing both original

materials rooted in blues, bluegrass, country, and classic rock, or covering any of your favorite hits from the 1950s to now, BPO’s extensive wedding and corporate experience ensures your event will be the talk of the town.

July 16 – The Wobblers Based in Seneca, SC, The Wobblers play a funky blend of Roots Music, Blues, Hard Bop, Soul, and Country.

July 23 – Russ Wilson Big Band – 12 piece For 38 years Russ has worked as a professional musician and has made a name for himself playing many distinctive styles of music including Jazz, Rock, Country, Gospel, Blues, R&B, pit work for Broadway style shows and Symphonic music. Of all these Jazz remains his first true love.

July 30 – Bill Mattocks Bill Mattocks is a true blues legend.

Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Bill packed up his Harmonica and headed to Western North Carolina where he

brings his authentic delivery of Chicago Style Blues among others to our mountain stages.

Au g u s t 6 – J e s s e B a r r y & T h e Jam“With creative arrangements and soulful grooves, the group is able to put its own stamp on old-school blues and popular party songs. Barry is wildly entertaining onstage alongside blues/rock guitarist Kelly Jones.

Robert Geisler’s funky bass lines, fills, and unique solos are the perfect combination with Micah Thomas’ creative drum grooves and joyous energy.” – Johnson City Press

August 20 – Peggy & Paula Peggy and Paula bring the great singal-long songs from Linda Ronstadt, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt and much more with their groovin’ 4-piece band backing them up.

September 3 – Blaze The City With incredible vocal harmonies, funky dance rhythms and scorching VISITHIGHLANDSNC.COM 89

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Cold-Weather Magic, Twinkly Lights & Winter Fun!

January 29 - 30

First Annual Snow Fest January 29th, 10am – 9pm • January 30th 10am – 5pm

Put on your warmest winter coat and mittens for two adventurous days of snowballs, ice slides, a merry go round, smores, snow-ga, snow sculptures, and more at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

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guitar, Blaze the City captures audiences and sets the “room on fire” with their performance. From Pop, Funk, Top 40 Dance, Rock, Country, Blues, Motown, and everything in between, Blaze the City combines decades of performance, ability, and passion to provide the best entertainment possible.

September 10 – The Rockabillys The Rockabillys are Classic Country, 50’s and 60’s Rock and Roll and Americana.

We play something you can dance to.

September 17 – HC Oakes Band The HC Oakes Band covers songs by Tom Petty, Delbert McClinton, The Rolling Stones, Eagles, Allman Brothers, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers and many more!

September 24 – Will Thompson Band The Will Thompson Band is a talented energetic band from the gulf coast of Florida. It may surprise you to hear is how effortlessly the music moves from genre to genre. Recently winning best band on the Emerald Coast, the Will Thompson Band plays unique covers and head turning originals.

October 1 – Fancy and the Gentlemen Alt country and honky tonk band based out of Asheville, NC, Fancy, and the Gentlemen combines down home roots styleoriginals and pay homage to the greats of country music from the 40s to the 80s. Featuring rich harmonies and family style tele, upright bass, fiddle, keys, pedal steel, and drums, and Fancy Marie on lead vocals and guitar.

October 8 – Thirsty Horses The Thirsty Horses have been making music appearances all over the Southeast for the past 12 years. From private parties, corporate events and outdoor festivals to weddings, college parties, wineries and breweries, the Horses bring a high-energy show and setlist tailor made to the audience and venue. An extensive setlist covering everything from 90s and today, 70s & 80s classic rock, country, Americana and 60s pop/rock can be sculpted to fit almost any event or occasion.

October 15 – Picante Everyone will want to dance to our sixpiece band, PICANTE, comprised of guitar, bass, piano, violin, drums, and Latin percussion! Picante will make everyone “feel like dancing”. Picante performs original and uniquely arranged Latin rhythms, Latin jazz, rock, reggae, and popular music.

October 22 – Vega Band When VEGA’s glitter-crusted platforms hit the stage, you know you are in for a special night. From pet rocks to afros to Star Wars, the 70’s had range. When this Atlanta band takes the stage you’ll groove across the galaxy, from Bill Withers and Al Green to Johnny Cash, Elvis, Blondie, and Grand Funk Railroad.

October 29 – Laney and Friends Colby Laney was born in Marion, NC, and began playing music with his father Bart at an early age. He began writing songs as a teenager and performing with regional bands before attending ETSU. While at ETSU, he performed with many nationally touring bands such as Mountain Heart (on the Opry), Next Best Thing (The Ryman), Alecia Nugent, Larry Stephenson Band, The ETSU Pride Band and others. In his final years at ETSU he began touring with Volume Five and wrote a handful of popular songs for the band including the #1 “Rich Man’s Daughter”. In 2017 he was awarded with “Emerging Artist of the Year” and “Song of the Year” for performances with the band. Since leaving the band in 2019, he has mostly freelanced with other acts including Balsam Range, Charles Wood, Don Rigsby and Appalachian Roadshow.

Laney also performs in East Tennessee weekly at several locations with the newly formed project, Laney, and Friends, otherwise known as LAF Band.

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Meander in May THE ART OF HIGHLANDS, NC

With its small downtown and neighborhoods linked by its beautiful Greenways system, Highlands itself is an irresistible invitation to stroll.

Now the pace of this undertaking is entirely up to the individual. Some people opt for vigorous stride-stretching gaits that involve filling their lungs with great gulps of clear mountain air. Others go for a gentler experience, savoring the sensations along the way and relishing in a state that’s both meditative and aware.

You can indulge both modes of walking when you attend Meander in May, set for 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Saturday, May 14, throughout downtown. This free, self-guided event, the product of Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands, NC, brings live musical performances, artists and craftspeople, and fun demonstrations to locations across the town.

That means you’ll discover music from bluegrass to jazz, and artists displaying their talents in jewelry making, painting, woodworking, metallurgy, photography and plein air painting. These musicians and artists will be situated all over town. Residents and visitors are encouraged to watch, listen, engage, and indulge in other offerings along the way. Participants will be provided with an event map to go and seek out their favorite artist/musician.

The day is capped by a concert at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park at 6:00 P.M. And in keeping with the theme of walking, make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes!

For a complete listing of events, visithighlandsnc.com

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FOR P OT T ERY LOV ER S North Carolina’s internationally renowned pottery tradition reaches back centuries-to the time.

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Native inhabitants formed local clay into functional pots and ceremonial vessels. Archaeologists have documented nearly complete pots crafted by Cherokee and other native makers that date from the early 1500s. Later, as Europeans settled the region in the eighteenth century, folk potters satisfied the demand of local people who could not

afford or had no access to imported ceramics. Adapting techniques from their native England, Germany, and elsewhere, these potters took local clay, glazed their pieces with lead, wood ash, or salt, and fired them in wood fired kilns to produce functional vessels for daily use. Today the long tradition of NC pottery making still exist here in Highlands.

The Three Potter’s Symposium: Tradition and Culture, Past and Present July 29-30, 2022 Celebrating the 12th anniversary of the Three Potters Symposium, “Tradition and Place, Past and Present” will highlight Seagrove, NC Pottery. We are so excited to present David Steumpfle, Pam Owens, and Chad Brown as our 2022 Potters. Each artist will share their stories, inspirations, and techniques they have learned through the years.

This not to miss event will take place July 29th and 30th. Friday, potters will be participating in an artist talk that will be followed by an opening reception of their work. Saturday, potters will be demonstrating simultaneously and engaging with the audience as they share their techniques, philosophies, and a plethora of stories.

David’s work is at the intersection of traditional art and contemporary studio pottery. He shared, “I have been influenced by extensive travel in Europe and Asia and by studying historical and contemporary American pottery in order to create work that is unique to me. Using local clays connects me to the geology and ceramic culture of the area.

Two of the kilns are cross-draft kilns and are approximately 30 feet long and are fired twice a year.

Each firing lasts about five days to build up natural ash glazed surfaces on the work. Most of the pottery does not have any applied glaze so the surface markings are entirely the result of the clay and firing.”

“Pam will be working on table ware pieces, including mugs with decoration and with differences in shape for being held by small and big hands. She will make serving pieces and will make an animal figural. Pam, in addition to making pots and animals, develops glazes and firing techniques. Having

come from New England and with potter Daniel Goodale, circa 1840 in her family lineage, Pam is influenced by early American, northern and southern wares as well as the classical forms from long traditions that Jugtown became known for.”

Chad commented “Using high fired, locally sourced stoneware, I turn forms inspired by traditional pots made by my grandpa and great-great grandpa. I then finish by firing a large wood burning kiln using either one day and salted or 5 day and minimal salt techniques. From the firing, the pot’s surfaces are either completely raw or covered in an ash glaze made with local materials gathered from my kiln site. I see pots in two ways: shape and surface. The shapes are designed by me and the surfaces are decorated by fire. Occasionally the best shape and the best surface find each other; this is my forever pursuit.”

Don’t miss this opportunity! Learn more today Visual Arts (highlandschamber.org)

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The Bascom’s Pottery Studio Show & Sale Summer: July 22-23, 22 Fall: October 14-15, 22 Potters at the Dave Drake Pottery Studio on The Bascom campus is home to many local potters carrying out the tradition of making pottery in NC. When we purchase these works of art, we are ensuring the continuation of traditional creative making skills and the demand for education in these historical traditions.

And who doesn’t want to own one-of-a-kind pottery!

If you are a pottery enthusiast, or just curious, be sure to mark your calendar for five pottery experiences you don’t want to miss. The 11th annual pottery shows will be held in the historic Dave Drake Studio, formerly known as Crane’s riding stable here in Highlands. On July 22nd, 23rd; October 14th and 15th from 10am to 5pm you will have the opportunity to purchase hand crafted pottery and meet many of the potters that make both functional wares and sculpture. All work in the show is made by studio members in the Dave Drake Studio.

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Insider’s Guide Find out what the Locals Know

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A BRIEF HISTORY of Highlands, North Carolina

By Randolph P. Shaffner

If you’re the curious type and love to meet new people strike up a conversation with a local. Highlands is rich in local culture and customs, and you will probably make a new friend. Highlanders are truly your best local resource for an immersion into hidden gems on the mountain. Try to adopt the attitude of “we’re here, what’s the rush” and you’ll trade in the noise and bright lights of everyday life for the soundtrack of the mountains and a sky full of stars.

The village of Highlands was founded in 1875 by two developers who, according to legend, took a map and drew a line from New York to New Orleans. Then they passed another line between Chicago and Savannah. These lines, they predicted, would be the great trade routes of the future, and where they crossed would someday be a great population center.

Main Street 1890

What evolved was a health and summer resort on the highest crest of the western North Carolina plateau in the Southern Appalachian

Bug Hill 1910

Mountains. This paradisiacal settlement provided common ground for both Northern and Southern pioneers.

By 1883 nearly 300 immigrants from the Eastern states were calling Highlands home.

Very little changed in the town until the late 1920s, when the Cullasaja River was d a m me d t o f or m Lake Sequoyah, providing hydroelectric power. By the time the Chamber of Commerce was established in 1931, the town’s population had increased to 500 with 2,500 -3,000 summer guests.

Again, very little changed from the 30s through the 60s. Highlands missed the Great Depression because most of its residents were accustomed to surviving hard times, growing their

own meat and vegetables so that no one went hungry. The mid-1970s saw the sudden influx of multifamily homes and shopping centers that spawned land use plans and zoning laws intended to protect Highlands’ natural assets. The town’s population today stands at 958 year- round residents with 15,000-20,000 summer guests and 387 businesses.

Since its creation in 1875, the demographic mixture of Highlands has been remarkably unique.

Founded by pioneers, industrious tradesmen from the North, ScotchIrish laborers and craftsmen from the surrounding area, and wealthy aristocratic planters and professionals from the South, the town has served as a cultural center for well-known artists, musicians, actors, authors, photographers, scholars, and scientists who have thrived in its natural setting.

For more information about the history of Highlands, please visit the Highlands Historical Society’s website at highlandshistory.com.

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HIGHL ANDS for KIDS

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The mountains are not only paradise for the young at heart but for the young in age as well.

Hear from local Moms kid-friendly ideas for visiting families The mountains are not only paradise for the young at heart but for the young in age as well. Some local Moms got together and compiled this list for visiting families.

KID-FRIENDLY HIKES Highland Hiker store- good book of day hikes Highlands Biological Station/Nature Center—walk around the lake, trails, nature center Sunset Rock- Great Kid hike across from Nature Center Glenn Falls- kid friendly, don’t have to do the whole thing Dry Falls- Walking underneath waterfall Kelsey-Hutchison Trail- easy, close to town Highlands Greenway Trail- easy, in town and can link different in-town destinations

Inside Activities for Rainy Days Bascom Art Center, exhibits, private group pottery classes Hudson Library- Kids’ room (closed Sunday/Monday)

Winter Activities

Ice Skating- Kelsey Hutchison Park Highlands Outpost- snow tubing, mountain roller coaster, etc. In summer they have trout Fishing, tubing, and coaster.

Sapphire Valley Ski ResortSkiing, snowboarding, and tubing

Highlands Historical Village Highlands Recreation Park- Swimming Reeves Hardware- Finding “Ace the Cat” (no joke!)

Highlands Playhouse- Theatre and movies June through December Highlands Performing Art Center- Year-round concerts, theatre, live stream entertainment

Highlands Recreation Park- Swimming

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Playgrounds/Green Spaces Highlands Recreation Park-Skate Park (bring scooters) Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park- Farmer’s Market, Saturdays /Free Live Music, Saturday, 6pm, May through October

Shopping Highlands Toy Store Highland Kids CK Swan- great kids’ section Highland Hiker S’Mores Kids- make your own bath bombs

Kid-Friendly Places to Eat Four 65 (pizzas, kid friendly menu, good cocktails too!).

Highlands Burritos The Secret Garden Market Fresser’s Restaurant Mountain Fresh Market- order ahead online or grab a take n’ bake pizza Ugly Dog Pub- kid friendly menu and they love the pics of dogs. Live Bluegrass, Wednesday nights Kilwin’s or Sweet Treats- ice cream and chocolates 102

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DON ’ T MISS WINTER

Winter has always been something of a Mystery Season for those contemplating a Highlands getaway. Part of that’s due to a basic understanding of the

season itself. When contemplating our town in the winter, a lot of people imagine that we’re a blizzard-locked landscape, inhabited by hardy pioneer types huddling around our fireplaces and heaters and praying for springtime.

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lands winters were long and cold.

In fact, if you ask a local about the momentous Blizzard of 1993, you’re in for an epic tale of survival. But in the 21st century, our

Word spread through the Southeast that this was a slice of pure winter nostalgia, a simple occasion of unalloyed joy that was a callback to a simpler age.

Those people who assume that Highlands is a frozen wasteland are falling prey to popular misconceptions that’ve piled up over the decades. At one time, High-

winters have moderated, and though there’ll probably be one or two snows per season, and within those storms there may be a day or two when we simply choose to stay home and play in our winter wonderland. That other imagined scenario, that the town shuts down in a long winter’s nap, is an-

other relic from the last century.

With the advent of the 21st century, the town’s ice-locked calendar began to change. The town of Highlands opened an ice rink at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. This was a natural progression from the cold days in the past when Highlanders would gather at Harris Lake or Mirror Lake for impromptu ice-skating parties. Word spread through the Southeast that this was a slice of pure winter nostalgia, a simple occasion of unalloyed joy that was a callback to a simpler age.

At the same time, Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain and Sapphire Valley Ski Resort offers a full range of winter activities – snow tubing, ice skating, and even careening through the forest on a mountain coaster in Scaly Mountain. You can even zipline or adventure into the Challenge Course at Highlands Aerial Park.

Looking to fortify the winter calendar, Highlands Chamber of Commerce welcomes all to local favorites like Light Up the Park Trim Our Town, Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas Parade, and new events like Snow Fest at 4118.

Shops, restaurants, and accommodations are open, catering to those who’d like to sample these winter experiences. In fact, the winter months are a wonderful time to sample Highlands at its finest, without the summer crowds.

And if this story about winter fun

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has whetted your appetite for cold-weather activities, here’s a bit of insider information you can use if you’re in the midst of one of our snows: The Town of Highlands Road Crew usually allow Hickory Street to remain unplowed. This gives local kids (and more than a few courageous adults) a chance to test the street’s main physical feature, a massive slope named Monkey Hill. Since the 1930s, people have sledded and snowboarded on this local landmark.

You’re invited to join the winter fun!

For up to date winter activities, please visit our website, visithighlandsnc.org

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SUNRISE SUNSET

No matter where you travel in Highlands you’re bound to come across magnificent vistas that demand you stop and gaze.

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At trail’s end, you’ll come to a cul-de-sac and you’ll be wondering what all the hype was about. But if you look carefully, you’ll find a partially hidden path to your right. Take it and travel for about 20 feet and you’ll be treated to a gently sloping rocky proscenium that overlooks Highlands and offers a stunning view of mountains rolling far into the distance.

This is the perfect setting for witnessing a sunset that’s truly transcendent. This scene will almost certainly be archived in your memory as the quintessential “Sunset” and you’ll pull it out for mind-viewing for years to come.

If you’re one of those people who prefers sunrises and the burgeoning possibilities that they represent, leave Sunset Rock and, at that cul-de-sac, look for a little path on the other side, heading east.

No matter where you travel in Highlands you’re bound to come across magnificent vistas that demand you stop and gaze. (This is probably a good place to state that if you discover these panoramic sites while you’re driving, don’t slam on your brakes to take in the scenery. There’s usually a pull-off area that’ll allow you to view without endangerment.) And of course, if you’re taken by a spectacular mountainscape, it’s natural to imagine what a Highlands sunset must be like.

That path, approximately 50 feet, brings you to Sunrise Rock(!) and a sweeping view of Horse Cove. Viewing the sun coming up over the pastures of the cove is a languid experience that invites contemplation and may be just the thing to put your upcoming day in perspective.

Fortunately, there’s the aptly-named Sunset Rock, just a block-and-a-half from downtown Highlands, and it’ll satisfy your imagination in breathtaking fashion.

Just head east on Main Street and travel approximately 0.4 mile until you arrive at Highlands Nature Center.

This is an easy stroll that’ll reward you abundantly for choosing to walk. If you take a car, there’s a little parking area across from the Nature Center.

The trailhead is clearly marked with a sign at the edge of the parking area. It’s about 0.7 mile to the top, an easy hike for most folks. Now some people, seeing the signs and thinking that the trail looks perfect for an off-roading experience, are tempted to take their truck or SUV or, heaven help us, their car, up the little halfmile path to the summit. Please, to avoid an axle-cracking incident and for the safety of your fellow adventurers, leave your vehicle behind and enjoy the hike. Darkness falls quickly on Sunset Rock, so make sure you bring along a flashlight or have a flashlight app on your phone.

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15 MAGICAL FACTS Like most relationships, your appreciation grows even richer when you know a bit more about background. Highlands is a small town of just a little over six square miles, but it’s vast in the stories that it readily reveals to its guests. If you’re one of those curious people who’d like to learn more about her secrets, here are some facts to keep in mind.

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MILLION YEARS This landscape is old.

Really old. Highlands sits upon a Plateau on the far southern end of the Appalachian Mountains, some of the oldest in the world. They’re the remnants of a geological sequence of events that began with the formation of the supercontinent of Pangaea 480 million years ago.

That’s long before the time of the dinosaurs, and they once rivaled the Alps and the Rockies for awe-inspiring spectacle.

The gentle waves of rolling mountains, so evident when you view them from vistas like Whiteside Mountain or the Blue Valley Overlook, are the remnants of those sharp and foreboding mountains. What you’re witnessing are upthrusts of gneiss, which once resided within these massive volcanoes.

That’s right, if there’s a bit of poetry in your soul, you can tell yourself that you’re strolling over the cold heart of a volcano.

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Those millions of years of volcanic activity and the titanic forces of tectonic pressure have delivered a jeweler’s dream of gemstones and gold. Stroll carefully over unpaved roads after a rainstorm and keep your eyes open you may discover a sapphire, garnet, or emerald. Or wade into the cold, cold waters of the Cullasaja River, it’s possible to discover flakes of gold. Until the California Gold Rush of 1849, this part of North Carolina was the largest gold-producing territory in the United States.

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Highlands is at the center of one of two temperate rainforests INCHES in the United States (the other is the rich woodlands of Oregon and Washington). “Temperate” means we enjoy four distinct seasons. “Rainforest” means that we get lots of rain. In 2020, we totaled 133 inches of rain, which, when you think about it, is more than 10 inches a month and a very wet year.

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500

5 00 species of mosses, ferns, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees flourish in natural forest, wetlands and SPECIES old-growth plant communities connected by a series of trails and boardwalks at the Highlands Biological Station.

Highlands’ unusual climate and the fact that glaciers made this their southernmost point during the last Ice Age (delivering seeds and soil), we enjoy a diversity of plant life that’s unmatched anywhere else in the world.

8

You may find all of our rainfall a bit off-putting, let us share some advantages: It’s given us an unparalleled collection of waterfalls. Of course, there are the Big Four of the Cullasaja Gorge, but there are so many other waterfalls to discover and enjoy, some thundering, some beguiling in their gentle presence.

5

All that rain also means that everyone can enjoy the little miracle of Moses Rock on the road leading into Horse Cove. This little spring, shooting from a rock face on the right side of the road, has been comforting thirsty travelers for the last 150 years.

That’s when Jim Henry, who was helping to transform what had been a Cherokee trail into a road that would connect Horse Cove to Highlands, struck his maddock against a rock and a steady stream of water burst forth. It’s been flowing steadily and pooling in a little granite basin ever since. Over the years, someone added two feet of white PVC to extend the fountain and a ceramic angel to serve as a silent witness to this quiet miracle.

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A small population of North American River Otters can be seen at Lake Ravenel. This is special, because there haven’t been otters in this part of Western North Carolina since 1939. Then, late last year, there they were! These are creatures whose behavioral state is always set to “Frolic.” We’re ecstatic to have them in the neighborhood once more.

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Highlands is the Salamander Capital of the World. In fact, biologists come from all over the world to study our remarkably rich pool of these shy amphibians. Lift away a bit of the leaves and plant matter and loamy earth along our waterways and you’re almost certain to glimpse them as they wiggle away (the salamanders, not the biologists).

And there’s another reason we take an inordinate amount of pride in these little creatures – they serve the same function as canaries in a coal mine, and their presence certifies the purity of our air and water and soil.

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The forest, mountains and meadows that ring Highlands are home to a thriving population of birds. The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society’s 2020 Christmas Bird Count tallied 56 species. We’re one of North Carolina’s most important sites for species such as the Blackburnian Warbler, Golden-crowned Kinglet and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The endangered Peregrine Falcon was reintroduced to the area and falcons are now nesting on the cliffs of Whiteside Mountain. Look up and listen carefully.

You’ll understand what we’re talking about.

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4,118

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Highlands is one of the highest towns east of Mississippi River at 4,118 feet on the highest crest of the Western North Carolina plateau in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and was established in 1920.

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Highlands is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. That means you’ll discover shadowed stands of trees and rhododendron thickets that are unchanged since the days when the Cherokee lived here. There are trails and paths for every level of hiker to explore these forested mountains.

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The rain that falls here in Highlands will eventually make its way to the Gulf of Mexico (via the Cullasaja River) and to the Atlantic, as we straddle the Continental Divide - you can pass over it on US-28 heading towards Walhalla.

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We have bogs in our mountains, and they contain pitcher plants. Few people realize we have our own carnivorous plants here in Highlands. These bogs are also home to a number of rare and threatened species, including Gray’s Lily, Cuthbert’s Turtlehead, Swamp Pink, and the bog turtle, meaning these small, special places need our protection.

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Our forests are constantly changing due to human influences. One major example is the chestnut blight, an introduced fungus that wiped out mature (reproductive) American Chestnut over a hundred years ago. However, you can still see American Chestnuts in our forests - the roots of those ancient trees are still alive, and send up new sprouts when the existing ones are killed by the blight. This may be how Yellow Mountain got its name. When the trees were mature the mountain would have looked yellow in the spring because of the American Chestnut flowers, and yellow in the fall because of their leaves.

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Journey to 4118’

M APS & DRIVING DIREC TIONS

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Driving Directions If you’re the curious type and love to meet new people strike up a conversation with a local. Highlands is rich in local culture and customs, and you will probably make a new friend. Highlanders are truly your best local resource for an immersion into hidden gems on the mountain. Try to adopt the attitude of “we’re here, what’s the rush” and you’ll trade in the noise and bright lights of everyday life for the soundtrack of the mountains and a sky full of stars.

FROM ATL ANTA, GA Driving time approximately 2.5 hours Take I-85 North (toward Greenville, SC) to I-985 toward Gainesville, GA where it becomes GA 365, continue on GA 365 as it changes to 441 North. Go through Tallulah Falls, Clayton and Mountain City to Dillard, GA. At the traffic light in Dillard take a right onto GA 246 that becomes NC 106 (At this point you are about a beautiful 20 minute drive to Highlands). Proceed up GA 246/NC 106 until you enter Highlands. At Main Street you will see the first traffic light by the Exxon Station-take a right and proceed to next traffic light.

FROM GREENVILLE, SC Driving time approximately 2 hours Take 276 North to Scenic Highway 11. About four miles from the bridge over Lake Keowee turn right onto Rt. 130 towards Cashiers & Whitewater Falls. Follow 130 to Wiggington Rd. (Scenic Byway) and turn left. Continue for 3 miles and turn right on Route 107 N. and proceed to traffic light at the intersection of 107 & 64 in Cashiers. Turn left onto 64 West and travel about 12 miles on 64 into Highlands. If you are comfortable with reading maps and back roads, a shorter way from downtown Greenville. Take roads to Pickens on Route 183. From 183 turn right on Hwy 133 past Pickens and proceed to Scenic Hwy 11. Take left hand turn, cross Lake Keowee bridge and proceed to Route 130 about four miles ahead on your right. Follow 130 toward Cashiers to NC 107. Take right on 107 to intersection at crossroads in Cashiers.

Take left onto 64 West to Highlands.

FROM ASHEVILLE, NC Driving time approximately 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic From Asheville Scenic Route via Brevard and Cashiers on Highway 64. Take I-26 toward Greenville, get off at Airport Exit. At Exit take right turn onto 280 South, pass airport on right, continue on 280 South to Brevard, continue to 64 West through Brevard. Follow 64 West through Cashiers to Highlands.

FASTER ROUTE FROM ASHEVILLE Driving time approximately 1.5 hours Take I- 40 West to Route 23/74 W towards Waynesville. Take 23/74W to 23/441 towards Dillsboro, Sylva and Franklin. At Franklin stay on the by-pass, look for Highlands exit 64E towards Highlands. Turn left and follow 64 East through the Cullasaja Gorge, a curvy but beautiful road through the mountains.

SCENIC ROUTE FROM KNOX VILLE, TN Driving time approximately 3.5 hours via route 411 Arriving from Knoxville through Smoky Mtn. National Park and Gatlinburg, I-40 East to 66 South, 66 South will turn into 321/441. In Gatlinburg, take 441 S (toward and through Cherokee) to 74 E, from 74 E take 23/441 towards Dillsboro and into Franklin- stay on bypass.

Just past Holly Springs Shopping Center on left look for exit ramp to 64 E to Highlands.

QUICKEST ROUTE FROM KNOX VILLE, TN Driving time approximately 2.5 hours Take I-40 East into North Carolina towards Waynesville. Take 23/441 towards Dillsboro, Sylva and Franklin. Stay on by-pass in Franklin. Just past Holly Springs Shopping Center on left, look for right hand side exit ramp to 64 E to Highlands. Take a left on 64 E.

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a e

L UR L The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

Art + Automobile The Bascom’s FreeWheeling pg. 18

Botanical Meets Mechanical May 2021

Our cover artist, Sue Steele Thomas

Telling the Story

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of the Plateau for

YEARS

The Heart of the Plateau for 20 Years

2002 -2022

HIKING TRAIL MAP

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WHITESIDE MOUNTAIN

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NSON FOUNDERS' PARK OOM LO W ER OAD LA K E R

1 Highlands Welcome Center & Public Restroom 2 Highlands Biological Station 3 Nature Center 4 Historical Society 5 Performing Arts Center 6 Public Safety 7 The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts

SU NS ET

ROAD

MONROE ROAD

LEGEND

SUNSET ROCK

828.526.2112 visitor@highlandschamber.org visithighlandsnc.com

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY AC CO M M O DAT I O N S & S PA S

200 Main Highlands, NC 28741 200main.com _______________________ Gifted Hands Highlands, NC 28741 gifted-hands.com

HALF-MILE FARM A Luxury Country Inn by Old Edwards

Half-Mile Farm at Old Edwards Highlands, NC 28741 halfmilefarm.com _______________________

Long Transfer, Inc Highlands, NC 28741 longtransferbusiness.site Skyline Lodge Highlands, NC 28741 skyline-lodge.com _______________________ Taylor Barnes Spa and Salon Highlands, NC 28741 taylorspa.com The Lofts on Main Highlands, NC 28741 theloftsonmain.com

Hampton Inn and Suites Sapphire, NC 28774 hamptoninn3.hilton.com Highlander Mountain House Highlands, NC 28741 highlandermountainhouse.com Highlands Inn Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsinn-nc.com Highlands Inn Lodge Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsinnlodge.com Inn at Mill Creek Highlands, NC 28741 millcreekhighlandsnc.com

AU T O M O T I V E & T R A N S P O R AT I O N CO N T I N U E D

Rhodes Auto Repair Highlands, NC 28741 The Car Butler Highlands, NC 28741 Top Shelf Transportation Services Highlands, NC 28741

C A MPGROUNDS Cliffside Lake Recreation Area & VanHook Glade Highlands, NC 28741 cfaia.org

The Park on Main Hotel Highlands, NC 28741 theparkonmain.com _______________________ The Wells Hotel Highlands, NC 28741 thewellshotel.com Tranquility Cove Massage Highlands, NC 28741 tranquilitycovemassage.com

Franklin RV Park & Campground Franklin, NC 28734 franklinrvpark.com Highlands Hidden Creek Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandshiddencreek.com River Vista Mountain Village 20 River Vista Drive Dillard, GA 30537 706-746-2722 rvmountainvillage.com

Whiteside Cove Cabins Highlands, NC 28741 logcabinrentalsinhighlandsnc.com

Old Edwards Inn and Spa Highlands, NC 28741 oldedwardsinn.com

Zen Spa Highlands, NC 28741 zenspabyangeljoy.com

CHURCHES Community Bible Church 3645 Cashiers Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4685 cbchighlands.com

Highlandsmethodist.org Lutheran Church of the Holy Family Highlands, NC 28741

First Baptist Church of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 fbchighlands.org

Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church Highlands, NC 28741 olmhighlands.com

First Presbyterian Church Highlands, NC 28741 fpchighlands.com Highlands United Methodist Church 315 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3376

CO M M U N I T I E S & CO U N T R Y C L U B S Burlingame Country Club Sapphire, NC 28774 burlingameccwnc.com

Highlands Falls Country Club Highlands, NC 28741 clubhfcc.com Mountain Laurel Tennis Club mountainlaureltennisclub.com

Chestnut Hill of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 chestnuthillofhighlands.com Cullasaja Club Highlands, NC 28741 cullasajaclub.org

Glen Cove

by Old Edwards

Glen Cove Highlands, NC 28741 glencovelifestyle.com _______________________ Highlands Country Club Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandscountryclub.com

C U LT U R A L A R T S

The Church of The Incarnation Highlands, NC 28741 incarnationwnc.org

Old Edwards Club Highlands, NC 28741 oldedwardsclub.com/golf Shelby Place Highlands, NC 28741 shelbyplacehighlands.com Sky Valley Country Club Sky Valley, GA skyvalleycountryclub.com Wildcat Cliffs Country Club Highlands, NC 28741 wildcatcliffscountryclub.com

Highlands Fairway Villas Association Highlands, NC 28741

Art League of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 artleagueofhighlands.com The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts Highlands, NC 28741 thebascom.org

Rockwood Lodge 828.526.8919 info@rockwoodlodgenc.com

AU T O M O T I V E & T R A N S P O R AT I O N Car Spa of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 thecarspaofhighlands.com

Highlands Taxi Highlands, NC 28741 highlandstaxiandshuttle.com

Highlands Automotive Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandsautomotive.com

Highlands Transportation Company Highlands, NC 28741 specialoccasionslimo.com

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Center for Life Enrichment Highlands, NC 28741 clehighlands.com

Highlands Playhouse Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandsplayhouse.org _______________________ Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival Highlands, NC 28741 h-cmusicfestival.org _______________________

Corey James Gallery Highlands, NC 28741 Highlands Community Players Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandscashiersplayers.org Highlands Performing Arts Center Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsperformingarts.com

Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts greatmountainmusic.com Studio 106 / Photography Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/Studio106NC

D E S I G N & CO N S T R U C T I O N Bertone Tile Design and Flooring Highlands, NC 28741 mbdesign16@yahoo.com

Dornbush Design Studio Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0031 dnb.com

Bespoke Design & Consulting Highlands, NC 28741 behance.net/ BespokeDesign

Edgens Herzog Architects Highlands, NC 28741 edgensherzog.com

Black Rock Granite and Cabinetry Highlands, NC 28741 blackrockgraniteandcabinetry.com

David Bock Builders Highlands, NC 28741 bockbuilders.com

Highlands Doors and Windows Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandsdoorsandwindows.com

Highlands Decorating Center Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandsdecorating.com

Romans Roofing Highlands, NC 28741 romansroofingnc.com Ross Landscape Architecture, PLLC Highlands, NC 28741 rosslandarch.com

Futral Construction Highlands, NC 28741 futralconstruction.com Green Mountain Builders Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-2297 greenmountainbuilders.com

Palillos Stone Masonry Highlands, NC 28741 palillosstonemasonry.net

Lupoli Construction & Real Estate Highlands, NC 28741 lupoliconstruction.com _______________________ MHK Highlands Architecture and Planning Highlands, NC 28741 thecarolinasarchitect.com

Spruce Interiors N Fourth St Highlands, NC 28741 Spruceinteriors.com Summit Architecture Highlands, NC 28741 summitarchitecturepa.com Warth Construction Highlands, NC 28741 warthconstruction.com

F O O D, B E V E R AG E S & C AT E R I N G 4118 Kitchen & Bar, LLC Highlands, NC 28741 4118kitchen-bar.com

Calders Coffee Café Highlands, NC 28741 calderscoffeecafe.com

4th Street Market Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/4thStMarket

Colonel Mustards Highlands, NC 28741 colonelmustardshighlands.com

Asia House Highlands, NC 28741 asiahouse-highlands.letseat.at

Don Leon’s Highlands, NC 28741

August Produce Highlands, NC 28741 augustproduce.com Black Bear Café Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/Black-bear Blue Bike Café 423 N. 4th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9922 chownow.com Bridge at Mill Creek Highlands, NC 28741 thebridgeatmillcreek.com Bryson’s Food Store Highlands, NC 28741 brysonsfoodstore.com Cake Bar & Chocolate Heaven Highlands, NC 28741 cakebarhighlands.com

Dusty Rhodes Superette Highlands, NC 28741 El Azteca Rainforest Cafe Highlands, NC 28741 aztecahighlands.com

Highlands Burritos Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandsburriotos.com _______________________ Highlands Smokehouse Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandssmokehouse.com Highlands Wine Shoppe Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandswineshoppe.com

cyprushighlands.com Mountain Fresh Grocery Highlands, NC 28741 mfgro.com Oak Steakhouse Highlands, NC 28741 oaksteakhouserestaurant.com _______________________

Kelsey Place Restaurant Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandsinn-nc.com/kelsey-place

Four 65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar Highlands, NC 28741 four65.com _______________________ Fresser’s Courtyard Café & Catering Highlands, NC 28741 wecaterHighlands.com Highlands ABC Store Highlands, NC 28741 abc.nc.gov/Districts/Board/101

Bold entries denote Chamber membership

Midpoint Restaurant Highlands, NC 28741 cyprushighlands.com

Kilwins of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 kilwins.com/stores/ kilwins-highlands Lakeside Restaurant Highlands, NC 28741 lakesiderestaurant.info Los Vaqueros Restaurant Highlands, NC 28741

Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden Highlands, NC 28741 oldedwardsinn.com/dining/madison-

On the Verandah Highlands, NC 28741 ontheverandah.com _______________________ Pizza Place of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/ thepizzaplaceofhighlands Ristorante Paoletti Highlands, NC 28741 paolettis.com Rosewood Market Highlands, NC 28741 rosewoodmarket.com

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F O O D, B E V E R AG E S & C AT E R I N G CO N T I N U E D Satulah Mountain Brewery Co. Highlands, NC 28741 satulahmountainbrewing.weebly.com Subway Highlands, NC 28741 order.subway.com SweeTreats Highlands, NC 28741 sweetreatshighlands.com The High Dive Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/highlandsdive The Kitchen Carry Away and Catering Highlands, NC 28741 thekitchenofhighlands.com

N O N - P R O F I T S & CO M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E Big Brothers Big Sisters Highlands, NC 28741 bbbswnc.org Carpe Diem Farms Highlands, NC 28741 carpediemfarms.org Dogwood Health Trust Highlands, NC 28741 Dogwoodhealthtrust.org Friends of Panthertown Cashiers, NC 28741 Panthertown.org Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandscashiershealthfoundation.org Highlands Cashiers Land Trust Highlands, NC 28741 hicashlt.org

The Pizza Place Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/thepizzaplaceofhighlands The Secret Garden Market Highlands, NC 28741 thesecretgardenmarket.com

Highlands Community Child Development Center Highlands, NC 28741 highlandscommunitychildcare.org

Literacy Council of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandsliteracy.com Mountain Retreat and Learning Highlands, NC 28741 mountaincenters.org

Highlands Historic Village Highlands, NC 28741 highlandshistory.com Highlands Plateau Audubon Society Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsaudubonsociety.org

Peggy Crosby Community Service Center, Inc. Highlands, NC 28741 peggycrosbycenter.org

Highlands Plateau Greenway Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsgreenway.com

Rotary Club of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandsrotary.org Rotary Club of Highlands-Mountaintop Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/RotaryClub-of-Highlands-MountainTop

Highlands Welcome Center Highlands, NC 28741 visithighlandsnc.com _______________________ Hudson Library Highlands, NC 28734 fontanalib.org/highlands

Highlands Chamber of Commerce Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandschamber.org

International Friendship Center / Food Pantry Highlands, NC 28741 internationalfriendshipcenter.org

PRINTING & MEDIA The Ugly Dog Public House Highlands, NC 28741 theuglydogpub.com _______________________ Tug’s Proper Highlands, NC 28741 tugsproper.com Whole Life Market & Nectar Juice Bar Highlands, NC 28741 wholelifehighlands.com Wild Thyme Gourmet Highlands, NC 28741 wildthymegourmet.com

Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro Highlands, NC 28741 wolfgangs.net

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Dauntless Printing Highlands, NC 28741 dauntlessprinting.com

Highlander Newspaper Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsnews.com __________________ Highlands Newspaper Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsinfo.com

Laurel Magazine Highlands, NC 28741 thelaurelmagazine.com

The Business Spot Highlands, NC 28741 biz-spot.com

Macon Printing Franklin, NC 28734 maconprinting.com Plateau Daily News Highlands, NC Plateaudailynews.com

WHLC FM 104.5 Highlands, NC 28741 whlc.com Bold entries denote Chamber membership

R E A L E S TAT E & VAC AT I O N R E N TA L S

R E C R E AT I O N Arrowmont Stables & Cabins Highlands, NC 28741 arrowmont.com

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty Highlands, NC 28741 meadowsmtnrealty.com _______________________ Betty Holt, Realtor Highlands, NC 28741 berkshirehathawayhs.com/ betty-holt-real-estate-agent Blair Realty Highlands, NC 28741 blair-realty.com Bowery Road Chateau, LLC Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsncchateau.com Chambers Agency & Vacation Rentals Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsiscalling.com Cleaveland Realty Highlands, NC 28741 jcrealty.info

Jackson Hole Gem Mine Highlands, NC 28741 jacksonholegemmine.com

Highlands Vacation Rentals Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsmountainrentals.com _______________________ Kangee Graham Rentals Highlands, NC 28741 airbnb.com/rooms/18878569

Brookings Anglers Highlands, NC 28741 brookingsonline.com _______________________

Landmark Realty Group Highlands, NC 28741 landmarkrg.com _______________________ Oxford Properties LLC Highlands, NC 28741 oxfordprop.com _______________________

Highlands Aerial Park Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 highlandsaerialpark.com _______________________ Highlands Biological Station and Garden Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsbiological.org

Palmer House Properties- Elevated Highlands, NC 28741 palmerhouseproperties.com/ featured-properties/highlands-nc/ _______________________

Highland Excursion Highlands, NC 28741 highlandexcursion.com

Highlands Outpost Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 highlandsoutpost.com

Highlands Cashiers Board of Realtors Cashiers, NC 28717 hcbor.net

Highlands Recreation Park and Civic Center Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsnc.org

Highlands Cashiers Concierge & Management Highlands, NC 28741 hccmhome.com Highlands Concierge & Management Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsconcierge.com Highlands Cove Realty at Old Edwards Club Highlands, NC 28741 highlandscoverealty.com

Preferred Properties of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 ppoh.com The Real Estate Buyers Guide Franklin, NC 28734 therebg.com

Silver Creek Real Estate Cashiers, NC 28717 ncliving.com

Highlands Properties Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsproperties.com

Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty Highlands, NC 28741 highlandssir.com _______________________

Bold entries denote Chamber membership

Sapphire Valley Resort Sapphire, NC 28774 sapphirevalley.com Signal Ridge Marina Glenville, NC 28736 signalridgemarina.com Wildwater Long Creek, SC 29658 wildwaterrafting.com

SERVICES #1 Nails Highlands, NC 28741 nailsalonbeauty.com

Bryson’s Enterprises, Inc Highlands, NC 28741 brysonsgrading.com

altaCloud Solutions Cullowhee, NC 28723 altacloudsolutions.com

C.A. Wilson Electric and Gas Highlands, NC 28741 wilsongas.com

Animal Wellness Hospital Highlands, NC 28741 awhhighlands.com Balsom West FiberNET Sylva, NC 28779 balsamwest.net

White Oak Realty Group Highlands, NC 28741 whiteoakrg.com ______________________

Killer Bees Honey Lake Toxaway, NC killerbeeshoney.com _______________________

Highlands Motoring Festival Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsmotoringfestival.com

Country Club Properties Highlands, NC 28741 ccphighlands.com _______________________

Pat Allen Realty Group Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsncrealestatepatallen.com _______________________

Mountain Laurel Tennis Club Highlands, NC 28741 mountainlaureltennisclub.com

Bartlett Tree Expert Highlands, NC 28741 jbrown@bartlett.com Beautiful Tidy Highlands, NC 28741 Benjamin F. Edwards and Company Highlands, NC 28741 benjaminfedwardsco.com

Carlson Financial Solutions Sapphire, NC 28774 carlsonfs.com Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society Sapphire, NC 28774 chhumanesociety.org Computer Biz Highlands, NC 28741 Computer Man Electronics Highlands, NC 28741 the computerman.org

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S E R V I C E S CO N T I N U E D

Creation Music and Arts Highlands, NC 28741 Creationcbc.com _______________________ Creative Concepts Salon Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com /creativeconceptssalon Curtis Matthews, CPA Highlands, NC 28741 curtis-mathews.com Duke Energy Franklin, NC 28734 duke-energy.com Edward Jones Investments Highlands, NC 28741 edwardjones.com Edwards Electrical Service Highlands, NC 28741 edwardselectricalservice.com Farmer’s Market Exxon Highlands, NC 28741 exxon.com/en/find-station /200311928 First Citizens Bank Highlands, NC 28741 firstcitizens.com Freeman Gas Highlands, NC 28741 freemangas.com Gillette Law Franklin, NC 28744 gillettelawnc.com Happy Family Cleaners Highlands, NC 28741 Head Innovations Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/Head-Innovations-Inc Highlands Cashiers Veterinary Clinic Highlands,NC 28741 highlands-cashiers animalclinic.com Highlands Express Mobil Highlands, NC 28741 exxon.com/en/find-station/ 200323669 Highlands Fire Department Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsfire.com

K Anderson Salon Highlands, NC 28741 Facebook.com/KAndersonSalon

Sanctuary Developers Highlands, NC 28741 Sanctuarydevelopers.com

Long Transfer Highlands, NC facebook.com/LongTransfer

Shear Elevations Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/Shear-Elevations-Salon

Main Street Payments Highlands, NC 28741 mainstreetpayments.org McAllister Family Insurance Highlands, NC 28741 mcallisterfamilyinsurance.com

Men on the Move Young Harris, GA 30582 Mountain-movers.com _______________________ Michael’s for Hair Highlands, NC 28741 michaelsforhair.com Mountain Magic Beauty Highlands, NC 28741 mountain-magic-beauty.business.site Mountain Construction Engineering Saphire, NC 28774 Mountain-ce.com Mountain Springs Spas and Pools Franklin, NC 28734 mountainhotspring.com Neumann Law Office Highlands, NC 28741 neumannlawoffice.com Peak Home Management Highlands, NC 28741 peakhomemgmt.com Pisgah Legal Services Highlands, NC 28741 pisgahlegal.org Planters, Inc. Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 plantersgarden.com Posh Paws Highlands, NC 28741 Pro Nails Highlands, NC 28741 Regions Bank Highlands, NC 28741 regions.com

Highlands Police Department Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsnc.org JMR Weddings and Events Highlands, NC 28741 Jmrwedding.com John Hamlin State Farm Franklin, NC 28734 johnhamlininsurance.com

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Select Bank & Trust Highlands, NC 28741 Selectbank.com _______________________ Spinx Cashiers, NC 28717 myspinx.com Stanberry Insurance Highlands, NC 28741 stanberry-ins.com Stephen Lucas CPA Highlands, NC 28741 lucascpa.com Swift Accounting Highlands, NC 28741 Tampa Bay Trust Company Cashiers, NC 28717 tampabaytrustcompany.com Tate Landscaping Services Highlands, NC 28741 tatelandscapingservices.com The Firewood Company Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 Firewoodcompany.net TNT Recycle Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/pages/category/ Waste-Management-Company/ TNT-Recycle Town of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsnc.org United States Post Office Highlands, NC 28741 usps.com

SHOPPING & R E TA I L ACP Home Interiors Highlands, NC 28741 acphomeinteriors.com

Acorn’s Designer Fashions and Home Interiors Highlands, NC 28741 acornshighlandsnc.com _______________________ Allison Diane Clothing Highlands, NC 28741 allisondianeclothing.com Annawear Highlands, NC 28741 annawearnc.com Appalachian Harvest Highlands, NC 28741 jamsnjelly.com Art Glass Creations Highlands, NC 28741 Facebook.com/ artglasscreationsllc Bags on Main Highlands, NC 28741 Bardo Highlands, NC 28741 bardo49nc.mycloveronline.com

Bear Mountain Outfitters Highlands, NC 28717 facebook.com/bmo97 _______________________ Blue Elephant Consignment Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/TheBlueElephantConsignmentStudio/

Wayah Insurance Highlands, NC 28741 wayah.com Bobby Grace Putters Highlands, NC 28741 bobbygraceputters.com _______________________ Bookworm Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/ bookwormhighlands C. Orrico Highlands, NC 28741 corrico.com Cabin Couture Highlands, NC 28741 cabincouturehighlands.com

Celebrity Collections Highlands, NC 28741 celebritycollectionsjewelry.com

Highlands Gem Shop Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsgemshop.com

Charleston Shoe Company Highlands, NC 28741 charlestonshoeco.com

Highlands Kids Highlands, NC 28741 highlandskids.com

Christmas Tree Highlands, NC 28741

Highlands Mountain Paws Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/mountainpawsnc

Citizen Wilder Highlands, NC 28741 stickcandles.com ckSWAN Highlands, NC 28741 ckswan.com

Honeysuckle Farm Highlands, NC 28741 honeysucklefarm.com

Summer House Highlands, NC 28741 summerhousehighlands.com

Oak Leaf Flower and Garden Highlands, NC 28741 oakleafstyle.com _______________________ Potpourri Town Square Highlands, NC 28741 potpourrihighlands.com Potpourri 2 Highlands, NC 28741 potpourrihighlands.com

Crown Heritage Flowers Highlands, NC 28741 crownheritageflowers.com

Potpourri Eyewear Highlands, NC 28741 potpourrihighlands.com

Dry Sink Highlands, NC 28741 thedrysink.com

Reclamations Highlands, NC 28741 globalreclamations.com

Dutchmans Designs Highlands, NC 28741 dutchmansdesigns.com Elena’s Womens Golf and Activewear Highlands, NC elenagolf.com Elevation: High Fashion for Women Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/ElevationofHighlands Fibber Magee’s Closet Thrift Shop Highlands, NC 298741 Full House Gallery Highlands, NC 28741 Fullhousegallery.com Gold-n-Clipper Highlands, NC 28741 gold-n-clipper.com

J. Elliott Style Highlands, NC 28741 jelliottstyle.com _______________________ J. McLaughlin Clothing Store Highlands, NC 28741 jmclaughlin.com/stores/index/store/ id/68 Jaenie Edwards Fine Art Highlands. NC 28741 jedwardsfineart.com Jannie Bean Fine Custom Jewelry Highlands, NC 28741 JannieBeandesigns.com Lulu Blue Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/LuluBleuNC Main Street Gifts Highlands, NC 28741 366mainstreet.com Main Street Nursery Highlands, NC 28741 Martha Anne’s on the Hill Highlands, NC 28741 marthaannes.com

Highland Hiker Highlands, NC 28741 highlandhiker.com _______________________ Highland Hiker Shoes Highlands, NC 28741 highlandhiker.com

Highlands Fine Art and Estate Jewelry and Wine Shop Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsfineart.com

McCulley’s Cashmere Highlands, NC 28741 mcculleys.com Mirror Lake Antiques Highlands, NC 28741 mirrorlakeantiques.com Mountain Findings Thrift Shop Highlands, NC 28741 mountain-findings.edan.io

Mountain Heritage Highlands, NC 28741 heritagehighlands.com

Bold entries denote Chamber membership

Reeves Hardware Highlands, NC 28741 reevesacehardware.com _______________________ Rosenthals Boutique Highlands, NC 28741 rosenthalsboutique.com Scaly Mountain Crafters Scaly Mountain. NC 28775 Scalymountaincrafters.com Shakespeare & Co. Books Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/ ShakespeareAndCompanyBookseller Shiraz Oriental Rug Gallery Highlands, NC 28741 shirazrugs.com Silver Eagle Gallery Highlands, NC 28741 silvereaglegallery.com S’more Kids Klothes Highlands, NC 28741 smorekidsklothes.biz

T.A. Anderson Goldsmith Highlands, NC 28741 taagold.com The Molly Grace Highlands, NC 28741 themollygrapcecorp.com The Southern Way Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/ TheSouthernWayofHighlands The Spice & Tea Exchange Highlands, NC 28741 spiceandtea.com The Toy Store Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/The-Toy-Store-of-Highlands-131398656995856

TJ Bailey For Men Highlands, NC 28741 tjbmens.com _______________________ Tom Sawyer Christmas Tree Farm Glenville, NC 28736 tomsawyerchristmastreefarm.com Town and Country General Store Cashiers, NC 28717 facebook.com/ tandcgeneralstore Unique Elegance II Highlands, NC 28741 uniqueelegance.net Vivace Highlands, NC 28741 vivacenc.com Wish & Shoes Highlands, NC 28741 wishandshoes.com Wits End Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/pages/wits-end

Smitten Highlands, NC 28741 smittenofhighlands.com Spartina 449 Highlands, NC 28741 spartina449.com/highlands Spoiled Rotten Highlands, NC 28741 spoiledrottenhighlands.com

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WEDDINGS & EVENTS

W E L L N E S S & H E A LT H Acupuncture & Healing Arts Highlands, NC 28741 acupunturehighlands.com

Four Seasons Compassion For Life Highlands, NC 28741 fourseasonscfl.org

Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture Highlands, NC 28741 aerychiropractic.com

Altaterra Events Highlands, NC 28741 altaterraevents.com

Just About Love Smyrna, GA 30082 justaboutloveweddings.com

Archbishop John Stuart Erbelding Dillard, GA 30537 skyvalleychapel.com

New Mountain Events Franklin, NC 28734 newmountainevents.com

Double R Wedding Vows and Events Franklin, NC 28734 eventective.com Flat Mountain Farm Highlands, NC Flatmountainfarm.com

Sawyer Family Farmstead Glenville, NC 28736 sawyerfamilyfarmstead.com Silly Ridge Trio Highlands, NC 28741 sillyridge.com

Growing Studio Highlands, NC Thegrowingstudio.com Hott Acts Highlands, NC 28741

hottacts.com

JMR Weddings Highlands, NC jmrweddings.com

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The Farm at Old Edwards Inn Highlands, NC 28741 oldedwardsinn.com/ weddings _______________________ The Vineyard at 37 High Holly Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 thevineyardat37highholly.com Weddings at Old Edwards Inn and Spa Highlands, NC 28741 oldedwardsinn.com/ weddings

Blue Ridge Medical Higlands, NC 28741 brchs.com/directory/blueridge-health-highlands-cashiers/ Center for Plastic Surgery Highlands, NC 28741 plasticsurgerytoday.com Counseling Center of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 counseling-center.org Dyer & Ricke, PLLC Highlands, NC 28741 Earthstar Herbals and Massage Therapy Franklin, NC 28734 Facebook.com/earthstar

Highlands Cashiers Hospital Highlands, NC 28741 mission-health.org/ about-highlands-cashiers-hospital.php _______________________ Highlands Pharmacy Highlands, NC 28741 highlandspharmacy.com Highlands Psychotherapy Highlands, NC 28741 highlandspsychotherapy.com Innovation & Creativity Institute Highlands, NC 28741 innovationandcreativityinstitute.com Mountain Lakes Phsycians Group Highlands, NC 28741 mlmedgroup.com

My Choice Home Care Highlands, NC 28741 mychoicehome.care Natural Selection Apothecary Highlands, NC 28741 Naturalselectionapothecary.com Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center Franklin, NC 28734 SMPCC.org The Skin Lab Higlands, NC 28741 theskinlabnc.com Tranquility Cove Massage Highlands, NC 28741 tranquilitycovemassage.com Yoga Highlands & Structural Integration Highlands, NC 28741 yogahighlands.com Zen Spa Highlands, NC 28741 zenspabyangeljoy.com

Second Only to Nature

Pat Allen

Broker in Charge pat.allen@allentate.com 828.200.9179

Emerald mountains. Azure skies.

Go ahead, unplug and unwind in the tranquility only crispy mountain air can provide.

When you partner with Pat Allen Realty and Allen Tate, whether you’re looking for your home away from home or a rental investment opportunity, you’ll experience unrivaled customer service. As the leading real estate company in the Carolinas, our full-service boutique real estate firm is at your service.

#1 in the Carolinas!

Main Office

295 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741

828.526.8784

Julie Osborn

Broker in Charge julie.osborn@allentate.com 828.200.6165

Wildcat Cliffs Office

5121 Cashiers Road Highlands, NC 28741

Highlands-Downtown | Main Office

828.526.4525

Wildcat Cliffs Office

patallenrealtygroup.com

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It’s Going to be a Great Season at the

THE HEIGHT OF ENTER TAINMENT

Get ready for the new PAC!

We’re taking performance to great new heights with a lineup of the best talent in music, performance, and comedy. We’re elevating our image and excited to welcome our patrons to their new building.

Sunday, June 19, 2022 Retro Rock: Sherma Andrews: Legendary Ladies: Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, & Diana Ross Saturday, June 25, 2022 Country/Folk: Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon: John Denver Tribute

Saturday, September 17, 2022 Broadway: Bravo Amici

Saturday, October 29, 2022 Blue Grass: Sideline

Sunday, October 2, 2022 Retro Rock: A Brother’s Revival (Allman Bros Tribute)

Friday, November 25, 2022 Friday after Thanksgiving Masters of Soul: Christmas in Motown

Saturday, August 13, 2022 Comedy: Tales of a Weary Waiter

Live via Satellite Series – October through May

For Tickets and Information: HighlandsPerformingArts.com

Highlands Performing Arts Center 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC

THE HEIGHT OF ENTER TAINMENT VISITHIGHLANDSNC.COM 130

Considering a real estate move?

We have brokers with decades of knowledge and experience.

Your move.

LIST WITH

CASHIERS • HIGHLANDS • SAPPHIRE 828-743-0510 • WWW.LANDMARKRG.COM