(484)
Sharon Simpson
Advertising Director sharon@lncurrents.com (704) 677-9159
(828) 455-4200
Welcome to the
June Issue
By Lori Helms
elcome to summer! Okay, so the summer solstice doesn’t actually occur until Friday, June 20, at precisely 10:41 p.m., but that doesn’t mean we can’t leap into summer with both feet now. And for some of us, the end of the school year and the start of summer can often mean the best timing to make that necessary leap toward selling or buying a home for work, family reasons or just a refresh of the walls and roof that surround you.
Luckily for you, the folks at RE/MAX Legendary in Hickory are ready to assist. Their years of successfully serving the region and the power behind the RE/MAX brand mean franchise owners Trae and Amanda Stokes stand ready to find the buyer
you need, the home you want or both –regardless of market conditions. On Page 10 of this month’s issue, you’ll learn more about everything they offer to buyers and sellers, as well as agents looking to join a growing and supportive firm that will let them keep more of the commissions they work so hard to earn.
This month’s issue also offers a few new features. You’ll learn about a very gifted craftsman, who in early retirement has found success as an inspirational woodworker. Expanding from his garage to the shop he is now building in Maiden, he specializes in all manner of wood pieces such as charcuterie and cutting boards as well as custom wood signage or other designs.
And here’s a bit of good news to read about in our Weekend Getaway section – Little Switzerland is back! Last fall’s Hurricane Helene cut off this tiny town
perched high in Mitchell County about an hour north of Asheville, but access is back and much of the area is open for business and waiting to welcome you. We offer a three-day activity, dining and lodging itinerary for those ready to get back to the beauty of the western North Carolina mountains.
Add to all of that a delicious Lemon Artichoke Chicken recipe, and we’ve got lots of things for you to learn about in a small package. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. Whether you’re shopping for a new home, a new career in real estate, a thoughtfully handcrafted gift, a weekend road trip or a new dinner dish, we’ve got you covered.
— LH Lori Helms Editor lori@lncurrents.com
on the cover
A recognized and trusted name
By Lori Helms | Photos by Shane Greene Photography
To hear Trae Stokes tell it, the real estate market these days can best be described as a bit of a stand-off. Not necessarily a buyer’s market but also not necessarily a seller’s market due to several interesting variables, it couldn’t be a better time to drive home how important it is to have the best team possible behind you when it comes to making that leap out of or into a home.
Trae and his wife, Amanda Stokes, are the power couple behind the RE/MAX Legendary real estate franchise in Hickory, and they are firm believers in the strength of the RE/ MAX brand and all that it brings to the table for its clients. Name
recognition can mean everything in this industry and RE/MAX Legendary can definitely deliver that, thanks to a global presence in more than 110 countries and a proven reputation for reliability and professionalism.
The RE/MAX brand has been at it for more than 50 years, in every market condition imaginable, and it shows. Not only does it remain number one in brand awareness, in the recently released 2025 RealTrends Verified Best Brokerages rankings, RE/MAX agents outperformed their competitors at participating large brokerages by a two-to-one ratio for the 17th
Left to right: Josh Ritchie, Michelle Galloway, Lindsay Philyaw, Ashley Carmichael, Amanda Stokes, Trae Stokes, Claudia Vargas, Cory Klassett, April Tyner, Erin Horton, Sandi Dingler. Not pictured: Amy Harline, Dale Sharpe, Jim Sharpe, Kristen Knox, Mark Ritchie
year in a row. RE/MAX agents also closed 68% more in sales volume among all brokerages qualifying by sales volume.
“There’s a trust factor with RE/MAX,” Trae says. “In a market where it’s harder to sell homes and harder to negotiate purchases, people trust a name brand.” And it’s the reliability and trust in that name brand that eventually attracted the couple.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the real estate industry and six years as the face of RE/MAX Legendary, Amanda has made a career of what she initially just dabbled in while also working full time for a medical practice.
“For me, real estate started as a hobby,” she says. But as she ended up taking more and more personal time off to show homes and her client base steadily increased, she decided to jump in with both feet. “I ended up loving helping people. I had the desire to help people and to be with them in a very important decision in their life – it’s a very big investment.”
And to help her manage her burgeoning real estate career, Trae came on board as her partner as he transitioned out of an executive role in his recently sold family-owned business. The
Hickory natives worked with a real estate brand other than RE/MAX for the first several years, but as they became more successful, they realized they needed the backing of a firm that not only brought great results for their clients, but that would allow them to grow their business financially beyond the commission split restrictions of their brokerage at the time.
“The reason that Trae wanted to open a firm of our own is because he wanted to have a place where agents could keep more of their money,” Amanda says. “You maximize your money at RE/MAX,” she says, adding that the name comes from “real estate maximums.” Instead of a traditional 50-50 split, or splits that top out at about 80-20 if you’re lucky, the brand offers nearly endless options for how agents can be compensated. And it’s that compensation flexibility and opportunity that RE/MAX Legendary hopes to attract.
“That’s what this office is really designed for,” Trae says. “It’s for the high-producing agents to save a ton of money. ... We have programs where you can keep 100% of your commissions by paying just a 5% franchise fee. At other firms, you can’t get that high of a split, and you still may have to pay a franchise fee on top of that.”
Left to right: Claudia Vargas, Cory Klassett, Sandi Dingler, Michelle Galloway, Amanda Stokes, Trae Stokes, April Tyner, Josh Ritchie Erin Horton, Ashley Carmichael
Left to right: Michelle Galloway, Claudia Vargas, Dale Sharpe, Ashley Carmichael
Left to right: Ashley Carmichael, Claudia Vargas, Michelle Galloway, Josh Ritchie, Erin Horton, Amanda Stokes, April Tyner, Sandi Dingler
Left to right: Sandi Dingler, April Tyner, Josh Ritchie, Erin Horton
Beyond an attractive compensation package, RE/MAX Legendary provides extensive agent support through its marketing and technology tools. In addition to the global brand’s solid online presence that receives millions of visits each month, agents receive advanced lead generation and CRM (customer relationship management) assistance as well as customizable marketing materials, mobile apps and digital platforms.
The franchise also offers agents nearly endless training and continuous learning and development opportunities through its RE/MAX University, including free courses for every stage of their career.
“Right now, a lot of agents are floundering because they don’t have that support or guidance in a more difficult market,” Trae says. “Having the RE/MAX Legendary brand name that is so recognizable and having that support, education and technology, it’s a shelter in slower times because it’s a recognized, trusted name.”
‘Legendary’ Givers
The RE/MAX Legendary franchise is a strong supporter of local charities and organizations, including:
• Catawba Valley Association of Realtors backpack program
• Pregnancy Care Center of Burke County
• Hickory Christian Academy
• Top Notch All Stars competitive cheer team
• Athletes Lab 9U baseball team
& Amanda Stokes
Left to right: Ashley Carmichael, Michelle Galloway in the back-April Tyner
Left to right: Josh Ritchie, April Tyner, Erin Horton, Cory Klassett, Lindsay Philyaw, Trae Stokes, Ashley Carmichael
Cory Klassett with clients
Where the Alps Meet appalachia
Cozy cottages and Swiss vibes in Little Switzerland
by Vanessa Infanzon
Sometimes people come across Little Switzerland by accident; they’re driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 334 and suddenly see Switzerland Inn, a chalet with a Swiss Alps vibe overlooking the mountains. The adventurous travelers pull over and explore the area to find a welcoming (and small) community preserving history, honoring its artists and delighting in its peaceful views. Here’s a recommended guide to your stay in this charming part of our state.
Friday
On the way to Little Switzerland, make a stop in Spruce Pine, a neighboring town just 30 minutes away. Before you reach Spruce Pine’s downtown, stop for lunch at the City Drive-In Restaurant. Try the curb service, offered since 1950 under a wavy blue metal structure, or sit inside 670 on Oak, an extension of the drive-in. The grill serves burgers, daily specials, milkshakes, salads and sandwiches along with local beer from Appalachian Mountain Brewery. Come back for live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
Across the street, staff at the Fox and the Fig pride themselves on homemade bagels, breads and pastries. Visitors with special diets will appreciate the vegan and gluten-free treats. Wander around the Lakeview Mercantile and Gardens, a third-generation family-owned nursery and gift shop – ask about the 70-year-old jade plant. Find treasures such as clothing, dishes, furniture, glassware and jewelry in French Broad Vintage’s many rooms.
Although Locust Street in Spruce Pine’s downtown was wiped out by Tropical Storm Helene, the cafés and shops are rebuilding. The downtown’s upper street, Oak Avenue, is open for business. Tour Toe River Arts’ gift shop and exhibition area and meander through Treasure in the Pines for new, used and repurposed items.
By late-afternoon, head to your overnight accommodations at Switzerland Inn. Reservations are recommended for the inn’s cottages, rooms, suites and houses. Walk around the property before dinner; venture past the A-frame cottages for an impromptu home and garden tour – a quiet refuge for the residents of Little Switzerland. Dine at the inn’s Fowl Play Pub, a casual lodge atmosphere with a
The Switzerland Inn, courtesy Todd Bush Photography.
fireplace. The Giant Bavarian Pretzel, served with spicy mustard and beer cheese, or the Baked Brie En Croute, finished with a balsamic reduction and thyme honey drizzle, are perfect appetizers for sharing. The menu features chicken, filet mignon, flat iron steak, shrimp, salads and sides. The Switzerland Inn restaurants are open to the public. Bring a cocktail to the firepit to view the sunset, stars and mountain ridges.
Saturday
The picture windows at the Chalet Restaurant open to the mountains –a worthy view served with bacon, eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, French toast and more. After fueling up, head to the inn’s boutiques for clothing, gifts and specialty foods: The Copper Maran Whimsical Gifts, Little
Switzerland Trading Co., Provision Haus and Spruced Boutique. Little Switzerland’s shops are a quick walk from the inn. Little Switzerland Books & Beans carries old and new books, coffee and pastries, and local art in its upstairs gallery. Switzerland Café is open for lunch and Switzerland General Store stocks mountain souvenirs and necessities including beer, cheese and wine.
Next stop is the Historic Orchard at Altapass, a nonprofit preserving the history of this more than 100-year-old orchard off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visit the store for apple pie and ice cream, local products and an education center. On Saturdays and Sundays in June through October, the orchard hosts live music. Hike the grassy trails throughout the orchards – Number 9 is an easy path and starts near The Apple Core Grill.
Clockwise from top: An A-frame cottage on the Switzerland Inn property, courtesy Todd Bush Photography; stroll through nearby Burnsville’s art shops, courtesy Toe River Arts; relax in the Switzerland Inn’s cozy reception area, courtesy Todd Bush Photography.
Head back to Switzerland Inn for dinner and drinks at the Chalet Restaurant, indoors or on the terrace. Enjoy the outdoor pool, lawn games and pickleball courts.
Sunday
Enjoy breakfast at the Chalet Restaurant before checking out. Emerald Village, a family-owned museum preserving the history of North Carolina mining, is the final destination on the itinerary. On Sundays, it opens by 10 a.m., and visitors need two hours to tour the mine, museum and store, and pan for gold at the gemstone mine. Learn about the history of the mine through interactive exhibits, a miniature replica of a mining company store and artifacts from the time the mine operated. Grab some fudge for the road; they sell it in the visitor center.
GETTING THERE: A two-and-a-half-hour drive northwest from the Lake Norman area, mostly on highways, gets you to Little Switzerland. Watch for closed roads as crews continue collecting debris, and fixing bridges and pavement destroyed by Tropical Storm Helene. Plan extra time for travel and verify directions before heading out.
know before you go
Check out these resources before you head out to Mitchell County. Discover Mitchell County, NC — www.discovermitchellnc.com/ Emerald Village — www.emeraldvillage.com Historic Orchard at Altapass — www.altapassorchard.org Switzerland Inn — www.switzerlandinn.com
Clockwise from top left: Pan for gold and gems at Emerald Village, or grab a coffee and a quick bite at Fox and the Fig in nearby Spruce Pine (both courtesy Discover Mitchell County); more local arts fun in Burnsville, courtesy Toe River Arts; the breathtaking scenery at Switzerland Inn, courtesy Todd Bush Photography.
What’s Cooking?
Mediterranean Deliciousness
By Kathy Dicken
Photograph courtesy Kathy Dicken
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
This wonderful dish has a tangy, buttery sauce that is just so elegant. Reminiscent of Italian Chicken Piccata, this dish adds tangy artichoke hearts and capers to the simple lemon butter sauce to elevate everyday chicken breasts to new heights of Mediterranean deliciousness. The rich buttery sauce paired with the tangy lemon makes this dish truly memorable. Perfect for entertaining, it makes an ordinary dinner special, with the simple additions of steamed rice and a side salad. And don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping into the lemony, buttery sauce — enjoy!
Kathy Dicken lives in Huntersville and is the author of the food blog, The Tasty Bits. For more meal ideas that are simple and delicious, you can follow her blog at www.thetastybits.com or on Instagram @thetastybits.
INGREDIENTS:
4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
6 Tbsp. flour, divided 1 tsp. black pepper
8 Tbsp. (1 stick) butter, divided
1/2 cup green onions, chopped 2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 jar artichoke hearts, quartered and drained
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup capers, drained
For garnish:
Fresh thyme or chopped flatleaf parsley
Lemon slices
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine 4 tablespoons of flour and the black pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken breast halves in the mixture.
Melt ½ stick of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add green onions; sauté over medium heat until softened, about 2 minutes. Add chicken to the pan. Cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the pan and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
Add chicken stock, wine and lemon juice to the pan, stirring to scrape bits off the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until reduced by half, about 6 minutes.
In a small bowl, knead together the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour and the remaining 1/2 stick of butter. Whisk into the sauce and stir until thickened. Stir in salt and artichoke hearts.
Add chicken back to the pan, cover and cook until heated through, about 7 minutes. Just before serving, top with capers and chopped parsley.
CreativeCutting
Retirement leads to thriving woodworking business
by Allison Futterman • photography courtesy EB Designs in Wood
Emil Bonadies always liked to figure out how things worked and enjoyed building things, even at an early age. He recalls one Christmas as a young boy, when he and his brothers received bicycles as presents. While their father was helping his brothers assemble theirs, Bonadies put his together himself. It came naturally.
In 2020, he and his life partner, Shari, bought a home in Sherill’s Ford, where they planned to move (from New Jersey) after retirement. The COVID pandemic led them to spend more time here, which they enjoyed. Bonadies decided on early retirement, and in 2021, they made the permanent move. With his newly found free time, Bonadies decided to focus on woodworking, a longtime interest of his.
“Sometimes it’s hard for me to relax,” he says, “but when I’m building something with my hands, I find it relaxing and therapeutic.” He made cutting boards that he gave as gifts. People loved them — and encouraged him to sell his work.
Self-taught, Bonadies enjoys the process of handcrafting pieces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This includes cutting boards, charcuterie boards, chess/checker boards, coasters, drink
smokers, custom wood signage and other custom pieces. He can include customized details, such as monograms, logos or dates.
Bonadies’ woodworking endeavor started in his garage, but with the successful growth of the business, he eventually needed more space. He’s currently building a shop in Maiden, where he and Shari have property. Using wood from local mills, including cherry and walnut, his boards are individually made to Bonadies high standards, including making his own handles for the charcuterie boards. Boards are properly sealed and seasoned — and ready for use.
His work is sold at weekend markets and a few local stores. If you’re interested, he can be contacted through his Facebook page. That’s where you can also check out his popular three-dimensional (appearing) boards, for which he’s developed quite a following.
“I want to see how far I can take this,” he says. “I love making projects for people who like my work.” Many are repeat customers. He frequently runs into them again at weekend markets and asks how their piece is holding up. The feedback has been all positive, with his products retaining their quality and function.
Just a few of the intriguing and creative designs by Emil Bonadies.
