We treat every patient like family. Our heart badges symbolize our commitment to providing expert care with uncommon compassion. We understand that every patient is someone’s parent, friend, or loved one, and we care for them with that in mind. Every day, AdventHealth ER nurse, Taylor, wears her commitment to caring for patients like she would her daughter, with love and expertise. We’re here to deliver personalized, lifesaving care when every minute counts.
Mark Levin, Writer and Photographer
Mark is retired from a career in education, both in and outside of the classroom. He enjoys traveling in his campervan and finding stories about the people and places encountered along the way. You can follow his blog at FoothillsFaces.com as well as at youtube.com/ TheCountryLifeWithColumbusMark.
Linda List, Writer and Photographer
Linda List’s career was spent in the food industry, often surrounded by chocolate and candy. Retirement and the Tryon Daily Bulletin have provided the opportunity for her to share her writing. Growing up in New York on the Canadian border, she lived most of her adult life at the foot of the Rockies in Golden, Colo. And is now enjoying life in Landrum the foot of the Smokies.
Kirk Gollwitzer, Writer and Photographer
Kirk Gollwitzer is a freelance writer, musician, photographer, videographer, and real estate broker specializing in buying and selling homes and horse properties. A former key figure and co-founder of the Tryon International Film Festival, he has done several documentaries and has written two novels.
Emily Williams, Writer and Photographer
Emily Williams is a recent graduate of North Greenville University with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing while working as a substitute teacher. In her free time, Emily loves to explore Western North Carolina, try out new coffee shops, and write fiction and nonfiction alike.
Storme Smith, Writer and Photographer
Storme Smith is a writer who lives in the Foothills of North Carolina. He is the co-founder and publisher of Buno Books, and has a passion for the arts. He also enjoys writing about the history, sports and unique people and places of our area.
Pebbles, Writer
Pebbles is the “spokespony” for HERD, or Helping Equines Regain Dignity, a local nonprofit that saves equines from dire conditions and in many cases slaughter. She dictates her monthly columns about her adventures, and what a rescue organization does, to Heather Freeman. Pebbles and Heather can be reached through HerdRescue.org
Jeff Allison Publisher
As autumn begins to make its gentle entrance here in the Foothills, the air grows a little crisper, the days a touch shorter, and the perfect season for celebrating our community’s favorite local spots arrives. This month, we’re excited to present the “Favorites of the Foothills,” chosen entirely by you, our readers!
Each year, we invite you to cast your votes for the businesses and individuals who make Tryon, Columbus, Landrum, and Saluda such special places to live and visit. This year, your response was nothing short of remarkable.
Thousands of ballots poured in, filled with enthusiasm and appreciation for the people and places that make our Foothills shine. It’s our pleasure to showcase those winners in this edition.
Congratulations to every nominee and winner—your hard work and dedication have clearly made an impact.
We hope this feature inspires you to explore or revisit these outstanding local establishments. They are more than simply places to shop, dine, or enjoy entertainment—they are cornerstones of our community, where neighbors greet each other by name, friendships grow stronger, and memories are created. Supporting them helps our towns remain vibrant and preserve the character that makes the Foothills so unique.
This month, we also spend time with the friendly team at Crossroads Ice Cream & Coffee in Mill Spring. Known for serving sweet treats seven days a week, this community favorite also offers hearty breakfasts and satisfying lunches. In addition, we spotlight Moonchild Flower Farm, where owner Samantha Arledge is lovingly cultivating family farmland that has been worked for five generations.
We also catch up with Tim Morris, a Landrum resident who was part of the undefeated 1971 TC Williams High School football team—the very team that inspired Disney’s film Remember the Titans. And, of course, we hear from our beloved resident spokespony, Pebbles.
You’ll find all of this and more in this month’s edition—we hope you enjoy what we’ve put together for you! As always, I welcome your stories, ideas, and thoughts; email me at jeff. allison@tryondailybulletin.com anytime. Thanks for reading, and for being part of what makes our community so special.
Jeff Allison Editor
Publisher and General Manager
Jeff Allison
Graphic Design
Zeal Kadhikhaye
Marketing
Lynn Cromer
Stacey Cullen
Distribution
Jamie Lewis
Alex Greene
Administration
Carolyn Christopher
Life in Our Foothills is published monthly by Tryon Newsmedia LLC. Life in Our Foothills is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Tryon Newsmedia LLC. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Please address all correspondence (including, but not limited to, letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to Manager, Life in Our Foothills, 16. N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, or email to jeff.allison@ tryondailybulletin.com. Life in Our Foothills is available free of charge at locations throughout Polk County and Upstate South Carolina, and online at www.tryondailybulletin.com. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year by calling 828-859-9151. To advertise, call 828-859-9151.
I’m dealing with a lot of stress, which increases my neck pain. Can acupuncture help? :
If you’re experiencing neck pain that seems to worsen with stress, you’re not alone. Many people hold tension in their neck and shoulders, especially during times of emotional or mental strain. Fortunately, acupuncture can be a highly effective way to relieve both the physical discomfort and the underlying stress that contributes to it.
Acupuncture works by encouraging the body to release natural painkillers like endorphins while also calming the nervous system. This dual effect makes it especially helpful for conditions where pain and stress are closely connected.
Here’s how acupuncture can support you:
• Releases muscle tension: Thin, gentle needles help relax tight muscles in the neck and shoulders, often providing immediate relief.
• Reduces inflammation and improves circulation: By increasing blood flow to affected areas, acupuncture supports healing and reduces stiffness or inflammation.
• Lowers stress levels: Acupuncture is known to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), helping your
body shift from a “fight or flight” state to a more relaxed, restorative mode.
• Enhances sleep and emotional balance: Many patients report improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of calm after treatments.
• Addresses root causes: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture doesn’t just treat the symptoms—it helps restore balance in the body by targeting both the physical and emotional imbalances that contribute to chronic tension and pain.
If your neck pain is tied to stress, acupuncture offers a safe, natural way to treat both—so you can feel better in body and mind.
From Memory to Archive: Preserving Stories Through Oral History
September 4, 3 – 5 pm
Landrum Library
111 E. Asbury Dr., Landrum
Mentors & Makers: Balancing Art Practice and Teaching Through September 5 Upstairs Artspace
49 S. Trade St., Tryon UpstairsArtspace.org
Saluda Tailgate Market
September 5, 12, 19, 26 from 4-6 pm
214 E. Main St., Saluda
After-Hours Mixer at Missi & Co.
September 5, 5 pm
75 S. Trade St., Tryon
Westside Mixer
September 5, 6 pm
Tryon Arts & Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon Tryonartsandcrafts.org
Columbus Farmers Market
September 6, 13, 20, 27 from 8 am – 12 pm Courthouse St., Columbus
Landrum Farmers Market
September 6, 13, 20, 27 from 8 am – 12 pm
221 W. Rutherford St., Landrum Landrumfarmersmarket.com
Walks in the Woods
September 7 and 21 from 2-3:30 pm
Saluda Library 44 W. Main St., Saluda
Concert Series: Seraph Brass
September 30, 7:30 – 9 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon Tryonconcerts.org
Movement Mondays at McCreery Park
September 8, 9-10:30 am McCreery Park, Main St., Saluda
Yoga @ Your Library
September 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 6 pm
Landrum Library 111 E. Asbury Dr., Landrum
Speaker Series: Freshwater Mussels of the Western Carolinas
September 9, 2-3 pm
Saluda Library
44 W. Main St., Saluda ConservingCarolina.org
Foothills Humane Society Pet Adoption Event
September 11, 5:30 – 7 pm
Tryon International Equestrian Center
Foothillshumanesociety.org
2025 Shrimpfest
September 12, 6-9 pm
Landrum Farmers Market
221 W. Rutherford St., Landrum RotaryClubofTryon.com
Moore Junction
September 12, 6 – 9 pm
Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery
501 N. Howard Ave., Landrum
Top of the Grade Concert: The Wilder Flower
September 12, 7-9 pm
Ella Grace Mintz Stage, McCreery Park, Main St., Saluda
Freddie Mercury: Stories & Songs of Queen’s Legendary Singer
September 12, 7:30-9 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org
Hogback Mountain Day
September 13, 10 am – 3 pm N. Trade St., Downtown Landrum
Reserve Wines Around the World: Dinner at Dusk
September 14, 6 pm
Mountain Brook Vineyards 731 Phillips Dairy Rd., Tryon Mountainbrookvineyards.com
Chamber Business After Hours
At Keller Williams Prestige Properties
September 18, 5:30-6:30 pm
Register: CarolinaFoothillsChamber.com
September 1, 10 am – 1 pm
Tryon Painters & Sculptors
78 N. Trade St., Tryon Tryonpaintersandsculptors.com
A Taste of Hungary Dinner
September 18, 6-8 pm
Tryon Arts & Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Rd. Tryonartsandcrafts.org
The Marvelous Wonderettes
September 18-20 and 25-27 at 7:30 pm
September 21 and 28 at 3 pm
Tryon Little Theater
516 S. Trade St., Tryon Tltinfo.org
Speaker Series: Spotted Skunks in North Carolina
September 20, 10:30 am – 12 pm
Walnut Creek Preserve 179 Wood Thrush Lane, Mill Spring ConservingCarolina.org
2025 Farm Tours
September 20-21 from 12-5 pm
Passes online: asapconnections. org/find-local-food/asaps-farmtour/
Tours include Caitlyn Farms, Overmountain Vineyards, Looking Glass Creamery, TK Family Farm, Melvin Hill Meats
Yacht Rock! A Captain and Caftan Party
September 20, 4 pm
Mirrorball Gallery 84 Pacolet St., Tryon
“Everything Must Change” Benefit Concert
Jackie Marston and Friends
September 20, 7:30 – 8:30 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org
Chimney Rock State Park
Wildlife Presentation
September 23, 4 pm
Polk County Public Library
1289 W. Mills St., Columbus
Speaker Series: Welcome Back to the Bluebirds
September 23, 6-7:15 pm
Landrum Library 111 East Asbury Dr., Landrum ConservingCarolina.org
An Evening with Carl Sandburg – In His Own Words
September 25 and 26, 6 pm
The Orchard Inn
100 Orchard Inn Lane, Saluda Orchardinn.com
4th Fridays in Downtown Tryon
September 26, 5-7 pm
Downtown Tryon, Trade St. & Pacolet
The Power of Color All Member Exhibit Through September 27
Tryon Painters & Sculptors
78 N. Trade St., Tryon Tryonpaintersandsculptors.com
Community Benefit Concert
Featuring Avery Roberson
September 27, 10 am – 5 pm
Polk County Middle School
321 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring
Morris Art Pop-Up Fundraiser and Karaoke
September 27, 12-4 pm
Tryon Depot Plaza
10 Depot St., Tryon
Photos by Mark Levin
It was a festive occasion as representatives of the various trail conservancies and the future trail towns gathered by the Tryon Depot on July 31 to celebrate the future of the Saluda Grade Trail. A coalition of area non-profits worked together to purchase the rail line right-of-way, including Conserving Carolina, PAL (Play, Advocate, Live Well), and Upstate Forever.
Over two hundred guests were on hand to help usher in the future new rail trail that will stretch 31 miles from Inman, SC to Zirconia, NC, passing right through its namesake, the town of Saluda – known by railfans everywhere for the Saluda Grade.
An
and
and
Story and Photography by Kirk Gollwitzer
Ididn’t expect to walk into an ice cream shop and walk out with a story, but that’s exactly what happened one afternoon in Mill Spring. My beloved partner and I have been regulars at Crossroads Ice Cream & Coffee for a while—she swears by their pistachio—and every time we drop in, I notice something rare: they’re open. Seven days a week. At a time when so many businesses limit their hours or close entirely on odd days, that alone caught my attention. So, I stopped in for a proper conversation and met two of the warm and capable women behind the counter: Faith Levkulic and Barbara Sane. Faith is 24 and originally from Phoenix, Arizona. Barbara, 61, who lives nearby, manages the shop. Most everyone calls her “Momma.”
“Pretty much everyone works five-to-six-hour shifts,” Faith told me. “Except me and Barbara—we’re the troopers. I work 10.”
Barbara smiled. “I put in about 40 hours. I keep things flowing and make sure everybody’s taken care of—staff and customers.”
Their teamwork is seamless. Between orders and conversation, they move in rhythm—Faith greeting guests with ease, Barbara overseeing it all with calm authority.
They serve around 32 ice cream flavors, including
no-sugar-added options. Pistachio and lemon sorbet— favorites in our household— are kept in the back. But Crossroads is far more than a dessert shop.
“We do pizza (including gluten-free) and wings through Hunt Brothers,” Barbara said. “We also serve cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken and barbecue sandwiches— and we now make our own chili and slaw.”
Breakfast is another draw.
“We open at 6 a.m. on weekdays,” she said. “We serve scrambled eggs, grits, biscuits, pancakes, and seven types of breakfast meats—including livermush.”
“Livermush?” I asked.
“You’ve never had it?” she
grinned. “It’s a Southern thing. You gotta try it.”
Faith added, “The pancakes are a hit. But those liver mush sandwiches? Some people come just for that.”
Hours are steady: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 to 9 p.m. on Sundays. “We don’t serve breakfast on Sundays,” Faith added, “but we’re still open all day.”
That consistency is rare in this area. “That’s why people come here,” Barbara said.
“They know we’ll be open.” Crossroads sits in a modest strip of storefronts across from Deb’s, part of a block revitalized by local builder Steven Pruette. He owns the complex and built out the
shop from the ground up. “He’s not just the owner,” Barbara said. “He’s in here working right alongside us.”
Faith nodded. “Someone called out yesterday and Steven stepped in and ran the shift. That’s just who he is.”
One Saturday, a church group ordered 40 pizzas. “Steven came in early and handled the whole thing,” Barbara said. “Didn’t even flinch.”
I asked how he came up with the idea of opening an ice cream shop. “He told me his daughter always wanted one,” Faith said. “She runs our Face-
book and marketing. She lives in Charlotte but still helps out.”
As for the name “Crossroads,” no one was entirely sure. “Maybe because we’re right at a junction,” Faith guessed. “Or like that blues song,” I added. Barbara laughed. “Could be something spiritual. Whatever it is—it fits.” While Faith and Barbara were open to chatting, I also met Taylor Russell—a soft-spoken, camera-shy team member who worked quietly in the kitchen. Though she stayed out of the spotlight, it was clear she was proud of her role and loved being
part of the crew.
All three women agreed on one thing: the people who walk through the door are what make it worth it. “It always makes our day,” Faith said. “You can be tired, then someone walks in smiling—and it lifts you.”
Faith added, “We’re kind of a feel-good stop. Whether you're in uniform or just off a long day, ice cream fixes things.”
The shop has weathered real storms, too. During Hurricane Helene, they lost power and had to throw out all their ice cream. “It was heartbreaking,” Faith said. “We deep-cleaned everything—
floors, machines. The health department had to re-inspect us.”
Steven responded quickly. “He had a commercial generator installed,” Barbara said. “Now we’re covered.”
When I asked about their best-sellers, they both laughed. “It changes every day,” Faith said. “Barbecue sandwiches one day, hot dogs the next. One day we made 20 milkshakes in two hours.”
Barbara added, “Then it’s pizza all day. Or nothing but chili dogs. It’s like the customers are in sync.”
Another thing stood out to me. As someone who has lived in Mill Spring for years, I’ve noticed an
increase in visitors from Tryon coming here. That didn’t used to happen. In what might be a quiet sign of modern urban sprawl, it’s the first time I can recall people regularly leaving downtown Tryon just to get ice cream. That says a lot about the magnetism of this little place. And now the wider community agrees. Crossroads Ice Cream & Coffee was recently named Favorite Place for Ice Cream in Polk County in the Tryon Daily Bulletin’s Favorites of the Foothills Readers’ Choice Awards.
“We didn’t even know until someone showed us the article,” Barbara said. “We were shocked. But proud.” Faith smiled. “It felt good to be recognized. We work hard to make this place special.”
As I headed for the door, I turned to Barbara. “So, what’s today? Pizza day? Milkshake day?” She laughed. “Depends on who walks through the door.”
And that might be the best part of Crossroads—it’s not trying to be trendy or over-polished. It just shows up every day, serving something real, and making people feel welcome. Around here, that means everything.
We offer high quality cabinets at an affordable price, designed specifically for your project by our cabinet specialists. Cabinets will be shipped to you in as little as 4 ~ 5 weeks.
the
a
“It’s not just about flowers. It’s about an experience. I want people to connect to the land.”
Story and Photography by Emily Williams
Nestled in the sprawling countryside of the Foothills is a new farm ready to bring smiles to many faces: Moonchild Flower Farm.
Few things are more lovely to look at than beautiful, bright buds that scream happiness with their vibrancy. Samantha Arledge, the owner of the farm, had exactly that in mind when she decided to buy back her fami-
ly’s land in March 2024. Samantha shares her family’s farming legacy, her passion for flowers, and the exciting plans she has to positively impact the community through Moonchild Farm.
The land Samantha currently owns has been farming land cultivated by her family for five generations over the course of one hundred years. Previously a farm for livestock and cash crops, Samantha knew she wanted to do something different when she bought this land back. Having already sold wholesale fresh stems grown in
her yard for three years, she decided to expand her business by growing flowers on this land.
Samantha studied agronomy, or the science of crops and farming, and received her master’s in plant pathology, so she was well-prepared to continue her family’s farming legacy. “I feel like I’ve known for a long time that I was going to be a farmer. Making it all come to fruition was a big deal. It took a lot of family help,” shares Samantha. She is deeply grateful for the support she has received, which has helped her keep her family legacy
alive and ensure the family land remains in the family.
“Something like 1% of people farm these days,” she says. “And it’s 1% of 1% whose kids farm.” Samantha is happy to be part of that one percent, knowing she'll pass this land on to a new generation of farmers someday.
The path to opening Moonchild Farm, which officially opened on August 16th, was a long and arduous process, especially when facing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. They were originally set to open up a pumpkin patch in October of last year, but the Hurricane diverted their plans and left them with months of rebuilding to make this space healthy enough to farm again.
“Helene was definitely like a kick in the teeth,” Samantha laments. “We had a lot of trees down. I’m pretty sure we had a tornado hit our back sheep pastures. We still haven’t brought our livestock back. It just left a sour taste in the mouth. Unfortunately, we lost so much of our topsoil, and as a farmer, that is our lifeline. So,
This year’s Homecoming marks the 150th anniversary of our “Church in the Wildwood”.
Please join us for a commemorative service, fellowship and lunch on the lawn. The worship service will start later than usual beginning at 10:30am, with lunch to follow.
we’re still working to replenish our soil and nutrients.”
Samantha and her family are counting their blessings for the ways the land and their buildings were preserved, though, and are continuing to build morale after facing the storm’s devastation.
Living in this community has helped quite a bit with Samantha’s morale. She has experienced support from Lake Lure, Rutherford and Polk counties, and even her neighbors.
The Baptist church behind the farm has offered help as she has been planning the grand opening, her neighbors have helped her clear out trees and pull weeds, and so many people have already shown interest in buying wholesale stems.
“I think this community is already very rural, and it highlights how important rural communities are and the importance of keeping the community small enough where you can speak to your neighbors,” she states. “It’s really good to have all these farmers around who under-
stand. It’s hard work. It’s no joke, so it’s so good to have that support.”
Samantha is very ready to share her love for flowers with her community and help educate the locals about their value.
“Flower aromatherapy was a thing up until about 1880,” she shares. “It really helps you boost your mood. It boosts the joy in the space. I just grew up wanting flowers, and I always heard men say, ‘Oh, they’re going to die in a couple of days.’ But that's the point—to enjoy the beauty while they’re here.”
She celebrates the joy ephemeral beauty brings to any event or occasion and how important healthy flowers are to the natural world and the food chain. Her goal with this farm is to help people see the value in flowers and feel their joy firsthand. “It’s not just about flowers. It’s about an experience. I want people to connect to the land.”
One of Samantha’s goals is to truly celebrate sustainability through her farm and show how following seasonal cycles allows farmers to become in tune with their land. The farm is 100% sustainable with no overhead, and they use organic farming practices. They also listen to the seasons and plant and harvest with the moon cycles to ensure the best flower production.
“If it’s dry and hot, we listen. If it’s cold in the winters, we listen, and we change our crop based on how the seasons are predicted,” Samantha claims.
Another long-term goal Samantha has is to bring her humanitarian efforts to the farm. She currently coaches children’s sports teams and kids’ yoga to give back to the next generation, and her mission is to do the same with the farm. “Our ten-year plan is to be a healing farm and have veterans, people with PTSD, and
at-risk youth come and work on the farm,” Samantha shares.
Her current approach to grow this farm is to curate opportunities that invite the community in. On August 2nd, Moonchild Farm had a soft opening with a flower festival that lasted from 3 pm to sunset. They had local
vendors and artists come to celebrate with the community, and they set up a DIY flower station where customers could design their own bouquets with Moonchild’s wholesale stems.
The dahlias grown for the festival were donated by a farm in Illinois after Hurricane Helene,
and the farm also had sunflowers and zinnias ready for harvest. Samantha shares she decided to plan this festival after their spring tulip crop for their rescheduled grand opening was eaten by deer.
“I felt like I should have included the community the first
time, and I wanted to— it already feels like this farm is for the community anyway, so why not invite the community to come?”
The community certainly came; despite the rain, many people stopped by to enjoy a popsicle, shop from vendors, pick flowers, and get to know this farm owner and her aspirations.
Moonchild Farm will be open until the end of the Fall harvest season from 9 am to sunset on Fridays, Saturdays,
and Sundays. In 2026, they plan to start adding seasonal produce with a pumpkin patch, Christmas tree farm, and a mushroom foraging path.
Samantha is excited for what the future holds, and she is proud to have this slice of land to continue her family legacy. “This is my living love letter to the land,” she claims.
What a lovely letter it is. To keep up with the farm’s plans, visit www. moonchildfarm.com.
After thousands of ballots were cast in our annual Favorites of the Foothills Reader’s Choice Awards, in which you, the readers, chose your favorite local businesses, individuals, and organizations, the results are in! Please join us in congratulating and celebrating the winners of Favorites of the Foothills!
First
Second
Runner
Favorite Elementary Teacher
First Place: Wendi Owens - Tryon Elementary
Second Place: Kristy Cox - Polk Central Elementary
Runner Up: Kellie Bradley - Sunny View Elementary
Favorite High School Teacher
First Place: Chauncey Barber - Polk County High School
Second Place: Brandy Alm - Polk County High School
Runner Up: Jessie Hyder - Landrum High School
Favorite Middle School Teacher
First Place: Lennox Charles - Polk County Middle School
Second Place: Michelle Ballentine - Landrum Middle School
Runner Up: Jerry Cox - Polk County Middle School
Favorite Asian Food First Place: Soulisa's Fine Thai Dining Second Place: Naruto Sushi Bar and Ramen Runner Up: Fuji Express
Favorite Bakery/Sweets
First Place: All Good Things Bakery
Second Place: Martha's Amish Bakery
Runner Up: Openroad Coffee Roastery
Favorite Coffee Shop
First Place: Openroad Coffee Roastery
Second Place: Wakey Monkey
Runner Up: All Good Things Bakery
Favorite Fast Food
First Place: Buck’s Pizza
Second Place: Taco Bell
Runner Up: Wendy's
Favorite Fine Dining
First Place: Newman's Restaurant at Orchard Inn
Second Place: Caro-Mi Dining Room
Runner Up: Purple Onion
Favorite Kids Menu
First Place: Calvert's Kitchen
Second Place: Trade Street Diner
Runner Up: Sully’s Place
Favorite Mexican Food
First Place: El Campesino
Second Place: Cocula's Mexican Grill
Runner Up: Guerrero’s
Favorite Place for a Burger
First Place: Green River Barbecue
Second Place: Southside Smokehouse
Runner Up: Calvert's Kitchen
Favorite Place for a Chicken Sandwich
First Place: Southern Manners
Second Place: Southside Smokehouse
Runner Up: Calvert's Kitchen
Favorite Place for Steak
First Place: Southside Smokehouse
Second Place: Bowen's Landing
Runner Up: Brooks Tavern
Favorite Place for an Appetizer
First Place: Southside Smokehouse
Second Place: The Brick Runner Up: Relish
Favorite Place for Breakfast
First Place: Southern Manners
Second Place: Trade Street Diner
Runner Up: Waffle House
Favorite Place for French Fries
First Place: Iron Key Brewing Company
Second Place: Mountain View BBQ Runner Up: Calvert's Kitchen
Favorite Place for Hot Dogs
First Place: Calvert's Kitchen
Second Place: Trade Street Diner
Runner Up: Kirk's Kitchen
Favorite Place for Ice Cream
First Place: Crossroads Ice Cream & Coffee
Second Place: Trade Street Diner
Runner Up: Looking Glass Creamery
Favorite Place for Lunch
First Place: Southside Smokehouse
Second Place: Calvert's Kitchen
Runner Up: Mountain View BBQ
Favorite Place for Mixed Drinks
First Place: Southside Smokehouse
Second Place: Sidestreet Pizza
Runner Up: Hare and Hound
Favorite Place for Pizza
First Place: Sidestreet Pizza
Second Place: The Brick Runner Up: Wolverine Pizza
Favorite Place for Seafood
First Place: Caro-Mi Dining Room
Second Place: Southside Smokehouse
Runner Up: Calvert's Kitchen
Favorite Place for Wings
First Place: Sidestreet Pizza
Second Place: Southside Smokehouse
Runner Up: Mountain View BBQ
Favorite Restaurant In Columbus
First Place: Iron Key Brewing Company
Second Place: Calvert's Kitchen
Runner Up: Mountain View BBQ
Favorite Restaurant In Landrum
First Place: Southside Smokehouse
Second Place: Caro-Mi Dining Room
Runner Up: Southern Manners
Favorite Restaurant in Saluda
First Place: Green River BBQ
Second Place: Purple Onion
Runner Up: Ward's Grill
Favorite Restaurant In Tryon
First Place: Side Street Pizza
Second Place: Nana's Kitchen
Runner Up: Trade Street Diner
Favorite Vineyard/Winery
First Place: Parker-Binns Vineyard
Second Place: Overmountain Vineyards
Runner Up: Mountain Brook Vineyards
Favorite Farmers Market
First Place: Landrum Farmers Market
Second Place: Columbus Farmer's Market
Runner Up: Eubanks Farm Store
Favorite Golf Course
First Place: Tryon Country Club
Second Place: Links O' Tryon
Runner Up: Meadowbrook Golf Course
Favorite House of Worship
First Place: The Well
Second Place: West Point Baptist Church
Runner Up: Big Level Baptist
Favorite Live Music Venue
First Place: Tryon International Equestrian Center
Second Place: Roger's Park
Runner Up: Tryon Fine Arts Center
Favorite Local Festival or Event
First Place: Tryon Beer Fest
Second Place: Fabulous 4th
Runner Up: Coon Dog Day
Favorite Place to Hike
First Place: FENCE
Second Place: Bradley Falls
Runner Up: Adawehi Trails
Favorite Acupuncture / Wellness Office
First Place: Clover Acupuncture and Wellness
Second Place: To the Point Healthcare
Runner Up: Adawehi Wellness
Favorite Chiropractic Office
First Place: AlignLife of Tryon
Second Place: Radix Family Chiropractic
Runner Up: Carolina Chiropractic Plus
Favorite Dental Office
First Place: Wood Creek Dental
Second Place: Parkside Dental
Runner Up: Columbus Family Dental
Favorite Doctor's Office
First Place: Family Physicians of Landrum
Second Place: Advent Internal Medicine
Runner Up: Blue Ridge Health
Favorite Massage / Spa Center
First Place: Vibes Massage and Spa
Second Place: Wildflower Wellness
Runner Up: Adawehi Wellness
Favorite Pharmacy
First Place: Landrum Drug Co.
Second Place: Foothills Pharmacy
Runner Up: CVS-Columbus
Favorite Retirement Community or Assisted Living
First Place: Tryon Estates
Second Place: White Oak
Runner Up: Autumn Care of Saluda
Favorite Veterinary Office
First Place: Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital
Second Place: All God's Creatures Animal Hospital
Runner Up: All Seasons Veterinary Hospital
Adam Giles
Named Favorite Principal of the Foothills! Polk County High School
Wendi Owens
Named Favorite Elementary School Teacher of the Foothills! Tryon Elementary
Chauncey Barber
Named Favorite High School Teacher of the Foothills! Polk County High School
Lennox Charles
Named Favorite Middle School Teacher of the Foothills! Polk County Middle School
Polk County Schools
Named Favorite Place to Work in the Foothills with 51 or more employees Polk
We would like to thank everyone who has shown so much support to us over the years, and has now helped us become the region’s “Favorite Hair Salon”!
We love our clients, and wouldn’t have the business we have without you all! We are full of gratitude for God’s blessings on us all, and for the success of our Salon.
A special thank you to each of our ladies who are a part of our Salon 3:15 family for all of their hard work and dedication to this Salon and each other!
Valerie Davis: Nail Technician
Carla Sain: Hair Stylist (Voted Favorite Hair Stylist!)
Kelsey Hoots: Hair Stylist
Olivia Dimsdale: Nail Technician
Rachel Griffin: Hair Stylist
Madolyn Hoots: Esthetician & Nail Technician
Chloe Davis: Nail Technician
Emily Eubanks: Hair Stylist
Taylor Sams: Hair Stylist
Alana Price: Esthetician
Natalee Valentine: Aesthetic Registered Nurse
Phoebe Sain: Support Staff
Favorite Place to Work (1-10 Employees)
First Place: Salon 3:15
Second Place: Alignlife of Tryon
Runner Up: Vibes Massage and Spa
Favorite Place to Work (11-25 Employees)
First Place: Green River BBQ
Second Place: Parker-Binns Vineyard
Runner Up: Price Services Heating and Air
Favorite Place to Work (26-50 Employees)
First Place: Stott's Ford
Second Place: Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital
Runner Up: Town of Tryon
Favorite Place to Work (51+ Employees)
First Place: Polk County Schools
Second Place: Polk County Sheriff's Office
Runner Up: Polk County Local Government
Favorite Chiropractor
First Place: Dr. Clay Baker
Second Place: Dr. Bob Lilly Runner Up: Dr. Lealand Fagan
Favorite Dentist
First Place: Dr. Levi Hunt
Second Place: Dr. John Moneyhun Runner Up: Dr. David Krishingner
Favorite Doctor
First Place: Dr. Jeffrey Viar
Second Place: Dr. George Kim Runner Up: Dr. John Kornmayer
Favorite Electrician
First Place: Becker Electric
Second Place: Danny Willis Electric Runner Up: Family Electrical Services
Being a good neighbor means being there for my community. As your local State Farm® agent, I’m ready to help whenever you need me. Give me a call.
Thank you to our community for choosing us to be your 2025 Favorite Insurance Agency & Favorite Insurance Agent in the Foothills!
We are proud to serve both SC & NC.
Tiffany Freel Agent
702 E Rutherford St., Landrum, SC 29356-1721 Bus: 864-457-2021 • www.tiffanyfreel.com
Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® State Farm Bloomington, IL
2025 Favorite Antique Mall in our area!
To all the voters, we are eternally grateful. We are so thankful for our incredible staff and dealers for their help and making our business worthy of such an award.
The 1st of April marked our 10th year in business. This recognition shows these years of hard work have been recognized by our community.
We have been blessed beyond measure by our loyal customers and are looking forward to many more years serving our community.
Favorite Hairstylist
First Place: Carla Sain
Second Place: Tristin Hyder
Runner Up: Savannah Hartsell
Favorite Home Builder or Contractor
First Place: Highland Construction and Design
Second Place: Paul Yoder
Runner Up: Junge Construction
Favorite Insurance Agent
First Place: Tiffany Freel
Second Place: Cathy Stott
Runner Up: Renae Dusenbury
Waldmen
Favorite Law Enforcement Officer
First Place: Amy Ferguson
Second Place: Caleb Edwards
Runner Up: Daryll Bailey
Favorite Mechanic
First Place: Ben Dimsdale
Second Place: Brandon Searcy
Runner Up: Nick Kniffin
Favorite Minister
First Place: Brannon Poore
Second Place: Jeff Harris
Runner Up: Mark Bishop
Favorite Photographer
First Place: Carri Bass
Second Place: Rebecca Blanton
Runner Up: Kelli Duncan
Favorite Real Estate Agent
First Place: Jeremy Wood
Second Place: Stewart Cameron
Runner Up: Bonnie Lingerfelt
Favorite Server
First Place: Amanda Belue - Southside
Smokehouse
Second Place: Pam Owensby - Calvert's Kitchen
Runner Up: Myra Padgett - Caro-Mi Dining Room
Favorite Veterinarian
First Place: Dr. Stephen Etter
Second Place: Dr. Iain Fitch
Runner Up: Dr. Christina Chumbler
Favorite Antique Store
First Place: Tryon Antique Mall
Second Place: Shops of LAM
Runner Up: Old Mill Market Square
Favorite Art Gallery
First Place: Mirrorball Gallery
Second Place: Tryon Arts & Crafts
Runner Up: Tryon Painters & Sculptors
Favorite Auto Parts Store
First Place: Advance Auto Parts
Second Place: CarQuest
Runner Up: O'Reilly Auto Parts
Favorite Bank / Credit Union
First Place: Hometrust Bank
Second Place: SECU
Runner Up: First Citizens Bank
Favorite Feed Store
First Place: Tim Edwards Landscape & Feed Store
Second Place: The Hay Rack
Runner Up: Tractor Supply
Favorite Financial Planner
First Place: Mike Ashworth - Ashworth Financial
Second Place: Jay Geddings - Edward Jones
Runner Up: Beth Head - Edward Jones
Favorite Floral Shop
First Place: Four Winds Florist
Second Place: Bodega Noir
Runner Up: Brett Auston Floral & Gift Boutique
Favorite Funeral Home
First Place: Petty's Funeral Home
Second Place: McFarland Funeral Chapel and Crematory
Runner Up: Sander’s Funeral Home
Favorite Garden Center / Nursery
First Place: Avery Creek Nursery
Second Place: Tim Edwards Landscaping
Runner Up: Down to Earth
Favorite Gift Shop
First Place: Wild Petunias
Second Place: Gunner's Haven
Runner Up: Mountain Trail Soap Co.
Favorite Gym / Fitness Center
First Place: Tryon Health and Fitness Club
Second Place: Burn 31 Fitness
Runner Up: Foothills Movement
Favorite Hair Salon
First Place: Salon 3:15
Second Place: Haven Salon
Runner Up: Main Street Salon
Favorite HVAC Service Provider
First Place: Price Services Heating and Air
Second Place: All Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning
Runner Up: Barton Brothers
Favorite Insurance Agency
First Place: State Farm - Tiffany Freel
Second Place: Main Street Insurance
Runner Up: Farm Bureau
Favorite Landscaping Company
First Place: JB Trees and Scapes
Second Place: Kropp’s Land Management
Runner Up: Barber Landscaping
Favorite Non-Profit
First Place: Steps to Hope
Second Place: Hope Chest
Runner Up: FENCE
Favorite Outdoor Recreation Company
First Place: Green River Adventures
Second Place: The Gorge Zipline
Runner Up: Adairs Rod and Gun Supply
Favorite Pest Control Service Provider
First Place: Nelon-Cole Termite and Pest Control
Second Place: Justice & Son Exterminating Runner Up: Recon Pest Control
Favorite Place for an Oil Change
First Place: Stott's Ford
Second Place: Landrum Lube
Runner Up: Daniel’s Auto Service
Favorite Place for Tires
First Place: Dills Tire
Second Place: Stotts Ford
Runner Up: Pierce Tire
Favorite Real Estate Agency
First Place: Tryon Foothills Realty
Second Place: Coldwell Banker Advantage
Runner Up: Walker, Wallace & Emerson Realty
Favorite Self Storage Company
First Place: Keystone Storage
Second Place: Searcy Automotive and Storage
Runner Up: Rowe Storage
Favorite Service Organization
First Place: Steps to Hope
Second Place: Outreach
Runner Up: Share Thy Bread
Favorite Tree Service
First Place: JB Trees
Second Place: Expert Tree Solutions
Runner Up: Epperson Tree Service
By Storme Smith
Although Tim Morris isn't originally from the Foothills, he and his wife, Susan, have happily settled in Landrum. And with him, Tim has brought a piece of a special football legacy from the undefeated 1971 TC Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia. Morris proudly wore the blue, white, and red uniform on the Titans' state championship team, famously depicted in Disney's Remember the Titans. His journey from Alexandria to Landrum is part of a story that began on those football fields over fifty years ago.
Born and raised in Alexandria, Tim Morris entered his senior year in 1971. This was a pivotal moment in the town, when three historically separate high schools were consolidated into TC Williams High School, creating a massive institution with nearly 2,000 students and a football team that would forge unity from diversity.
"Football was a passion for us," Tim reflects, his eyes lighting up with the same enthusiasm that most likely once drove him in practice. "But it was more than just a game. It was our way of proving ourselves, of finding our place in a world that was changing faster than any of us could comprehend." At seventeen, standing 5'7" and weighing 150 pounds, Tim was hardly the most imposing figure on a team filled with towering athletes. Yet what he lacked in physical stature, he made up for in determination and heart.
The consolidation created challenges beyond typical growing pains. Students who had been rivals months before were now expected to work together, share hallways, classrooms, and the football field.
"Competing at TC Williams was somewhat daunting," Tim recalls. "Going from three separate high schools to one massive team with around 2,000 students was a whole new ballgame. I remember looking at the rosters and thinking, 'Wow, these guys are huge!'"
The intimidation factor was real, but so was the opportunity. Tim's journey to that moment hadn't been without obstacles. A broken leg during his junior year had sidelined him for a significant period.
In fact, he had to be coaxed to return to the field in his senior year. He was also on the rowing team, and after the injury, almost opted out of football.
When Coach Herman Boone called him into the office and showed him his place on the depth chart as a backup linebacker and key member of the special teams. Tim soon found himself both a veteran with experience and a newcomer who had to prove himself again. The dynamics of the newly consolidated team meant everyone was starting fresh in some sense.
The coaching staff, led by Coach Boone, understood the magnitude of their challenge. Coach Boone, brought in to lead the newly integrated program, carried the weight of history on his shoulders. As
a Black coach who’d taken over a program during one of the most racially charged periods in American history, he faced pressures extending far beyond wins and losses.
"Coach Boone was a strong leader who understood the weight of this moment in history," Tim explains.
"There was a lot of pressure on him, but he embraced it with poise, and we followed his lead."
Tim's memories reveal a more nuanced picture than the dramatic tensions portrayed in the movie.
"In those days, the kids didn't seem to have much animosity. It was the par-
ents and administration that were more concerned about race," he explains. "On the field, we were just players. The athletic field has an incredible way of equalizing differences.
"You develop a certain toughness through competition, and during that time, we all had a common goal: to win."
As the team hit mid-season, there was a palpable shift in their confidence.
"You could feel it in the locker room, the way we started to rally around one another, regardless of whether we were black, white, or Latino. The camaraderie growing among us began to show on the field."
The defensive unit, in particular, became a symbol of the team's transformation.
Defense requires perhaps the highest level of trust and communication. When the defense began to gel, it served as proof that the experiment was not just working, but thriving. Tim's role on defense suited his personality and physical attributes perfectly. While he may not have possessed the size and strength of some teammates, he brought intelligence, quickness, and intuitive understanding. In pictures, he can be seen on the bench and field next to TC Williams' legendary linebackers Gary Bertier and Julius Campbell. One pivotal moment for the Titans came mid-season when they faced a particularly formidable opponent, a perennial powerhouse known for its physical style
and ability to intimidate opponents that played the same offense and defense as the Titans. The game represented an opportunity for their biggest challenge and their closest game of the season, coming from behind to win 21-16.
"We knew this was our chance to prove ourselves, not only to others but to ourselves," Tim remembers.
"The energy in the stadium was electric, and as we took the field, you could sense that everyone on our team believed we could win."
Coach Boone had a profound influence during that time.
“Coach Boone’s approach
was demanding, yet he had a way of nurturing talent and discipline. He respected our capabilities and constantly encouraged us to elevate our game. While he was tough, he balanced it with moments of humor and warmth, teaching us that discipline was about more than just football. It was about accountability, respect, and commitment to one another.”
Despite the dramatic liberties taken by the filmmakers, Tim maintains a sense of pride in having the story told, even in its simplified form. The core message, that people of different backgrounds can come to-
gether and achieve great things, remains valid and important. The Remember the Titans film introduced the story of the TC Williams Titans to millions of people who might never have heard of it otherwise, and in doing so, it helped spread a message of hope and possibility that continues to resonate today. After graduating from TC Williams, Tim's journey continued at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, where he initially considered pursuing a degree in engineering before ultimately pivoting to business finance and insurance.
After Blacksburg, Tim was in the solid
waste recycling industry working in Charlotte when he met Susan, the woman who would become his wife and the mother of his children. Their meeting was one of those serendipitous moments that seem to happen when people are ready for the next chapter of their lives. Susan brought her strengths and perspectives to their relationship, complementing Tim's experiences and helping to shape the family they would build together. However, she’s not a football fan.
"We got married in 1982 and raised two boys," Tim says with the kind of
laugh that comes from someone who has experienced both the joys and challenges of parenthood.
When the time to retire came and enjoy time with their grandchildren, Landrum was their choice to prioritize quality of life over convenience. For Tim and Susan, who had spent their formative years learning about the importance of community and shared values, this move felt like a return to something fundamental. And with their move, they brought a little piece of the 1971 TC Williams Titans' legacy to the foothills, not a bad bargain for an area that loves football.
By Pebbles
To be extremely loving and loyal to someone or something is devotion. I know this firsthand. There are so many ardent fans who are devoted to me. Barn cat Giza rubs back and forth on my stall guard, trying to solicit my affections. Sable and Madison, the sweet Australian Shepherds, sleep just outside my stable doorway, keeping watchful eyes on me. I feel their steadfast admiration.
This ranch, which I proudly call home, is run by volunteers who demonstrate unwavering devotion to helping the rescue horses that come to stay with us. Some equines are here for months, others for several years. This all depends on their age and how quickly they can be transformed into healthy, willing partners. It takes patience, steadfast commitment, and a love of horses.
In addition to caring for the many rescue equines, my mistress, Heather Freeman, has owned a beautiful pair of matched Oldenburg pinto mares for years. Sired by the famous Sempatico, Promise is currently 17, and Sophie, her full sister, turned 15 in May 2025.
When Heather first saw Promise posted on Equinenow.com as a two-year-old, she knew she had to own this incredible horse. On the day
Heather and her husband, Scott Homstead, drove with their horse trailer to pick up Promise, they saw a beautiful newborn foal, Sophie. She was napping by her mother, Valentine’s April, in the front field at Teri and John Vincent’s Shiloh Sports Horses. Heather inquired about the little filly before loading Promise to take her home. Teri said the gorgeous foal was going to be one they kept for their breeding program. However, she would let Heather know if this ever changed.
Heather and Scott invested time, love, and energy into training Promise. Their goal was to prepare her for the working hunter show world. The glorious mare was a natural star. She was the high point champion at her very first show in Tryon at FENCE. Heather shared the good news
about Promise’s championship with the Vincents. Next, Terri surprised Heather with the news that they would indeed sell Sophie to join Promise in the Carolinas. Promise had never known Sophie while they were both at the Vincent farm. However, the two became inseparable in Heather’s care in Campobello. Sophie arrived as a two-year-old, so she stayed home a few years with me while Promise went off to horse shows. In the blink of an eye, Sophie grew up to be as stunning as Promise. She began participating in horse shows and bringing home blue ribbons, like her big sister. The two mares received countless compliments regarding their beauty and flawless performances.
While Promise’s nature has always
Member Exhibits seven times a year 2nd Saturday artdemonstrations
4th Friday open until 7 p.m.
Tuesdays at TPS
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PAINTERS AND SCULPTORS come visit our art gallery & gallery store participate in classes and workshops
PAINTING, SCULPTURE AND MANY OTHERS ORIGINAL ART AND GIFTS gallery hours
Wednesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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been reserved and stoic, Sophie is just the opposite. She is gregarious and affectionate, seeking out praise and attention. Sophie has also been the more accident-prone of the two, with a delicate constitution. Sophie has required veterinary attention and stitches a few times, resulting from freak mishaps. She managed to inflict injury on her face in her stall one night. A year later, she sliced her shoulder while out in her pasture playing. Then there was the emergency trip to Tryon Equine Hospital when veterinarian Bibi Freer felt that Sophie’s colic case was too serious for home care.
So last month, when Sophie came in limping, following Promise to the barn, we held our breath. Maybe it was a hoof abscess. She had had them previously when the weather switched from very dry to wet conditions. We kept her up with Promise in their stalls and called the vet immediately. X-rays were
taken, and the news was not good. Sophie had a 14 percent rotation on both her front feet, and she was diagnosed with laminitis. It was a metabolic case of founder, probably caused by a higher concentration of sugar in the grass, and her inability to process this influx. No horse owner wants to hear this news. The condition is exceedingly painful. Horses rock back, putting extra weight on their hind legs to relieve some of the weight off their front hooves. Some equines recover fully; others do not. A treatment plan was created. Cloud medical boots were ordered. Sophie had to stay confined to her stall and a small walkout paddock with soft footing. Heather was to walk her short distances three times a day to keep blood circulating. Sophie preferred to lie down in her deep shavings to get
off her painful feet.
Promise was tasked with being her constant companion all day. Sedona and I took the night shift, staying in the barn with her to keep her calm. Unlike me, sweet Sophie does not tolerate being alone. The veterinarian and Heather scheduled a second visit to assess Sophie’s progress. Only X-rays could confirm if the rotation of the coffin bones in her front feet had ceased. For one month, we had all tried our best to help Sophie. Heather kept her stall spotless and full of pine shavings. Promise never complained about having to stand up waiting for the outcome. It was an emotionally charged time for us. We watched Sophie suffer one day, seemingly improve the next, and then go down with teeth showing, biting out in pain.
The new set of X-rays showed more degeneration of her front hooves, with the walls separating. The coffin bones were
Start
advancing towards her soles, causing her so much pain that the medications we gave did little to help her. It was time to make a hard decision. We had to let Sophie go.
Heather led Sophie, who was
well sedated for pain management, to a spot we picked to be her resting place. The veterinarian administered the drugs to stop her heart and put her out of misery. She was gone in an instant. Scott buried her quick-
ly as rain was forecast for the late afternoon. The grief hung on us like old, worn blankets. Through it all, we were there.
My dear Sophie, we are hopelessly devoted to you.
Morning mealtime can be frenetic, as multiple people in a home get ready for work or school at the same time. Stocking the refrigerator with ready-to-go offerings that are healthy and delicious ensures that everyone can grab breakfast even if they’re in a rush. This recipe for Crunchy Honey-Yogurt Breakfast Parfait, courtesy of the National Honey Board, seems like a dessert but actually can be enjoyed first thing in the morning. With nutrient-dense ingredients like whole fruits, honey, and yogurt, it provides the boost of energy necessary to start one’s day.
Crunchy Honey-Yogurt
Breakfast Parfait
Makes 2 servings
1 large banana, sliced, divided
⅓ cup honey, divided
½ cup plain yogurt, divided
½ cup crunchy granola, divided
½ cup blueberries, divided
Reserve several slices of banana and a few blueberries for garnish.
Layer 1 tablespoon, 1/4 of the pre-sliced banana, 2 tablespoons blueberries, 2 tablespoons yogurt, 2 tablespoons granola, 1/4 of the sliced banana, 2 tablespoons blueberries, 1 tablespoon honey, and 2 tablespoons granola in a parfait glass.
Repeat for a second parfait.
Garnish with reserved banana, blueberries and a drizzle of honey.
Waffles can be enjoyed any time of the day. While traditionally breakfast fare, waffles can be a sweet or savory dessert as well. When waffles are paired with the flavors of a traditional Banana Foster dessert, they can be a decadent breakfast or impressive evening treat. Enjoy this recipe for Kentucky ‘Nanners Foster Waffles from ‘Lord Honey Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist’ (Pelican Publishing) by Chef Jason Smith.
Kentucky ‘Nanners
Foster Waffles
Serves 4 to 6
Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 ½ cups milk, any variety
½ cup butter, melted and cooled
2 teaspoons vanilla
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping: ¼ cup butter
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 bananas, sliced thick
3 teaspoons bourbon
Favorite vanilla ice cream
Preheat a waffle iron, and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 170°F.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and milk. Add the butter, vanilla, and cinnamon, and whisk. Add the wet mixture to the dry, and whisk until there are no lumps.
Scoop 1/2 cup batter onto the waffle iron, close the lid, and let cook until golden brown and crispy. Repeat until all the batter is gone.
Put the waffles on a sheet pan and place in preheated oven.
To make the topping, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stir to combine, and cook for about 1 minute.
Add the sliced bananas and cook for a few seconds. Add the bourbon (or apple juice, instead), and cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often with a light hand so the bananas do not break up. Meanwhile, place 1 to 2 waffles on a plate and top with a scoop of ice cream. Once banana sauce has thickened, spoon over ice cream and waffles. Repeat with remaining waffles.
Bill the painter for all your painting needs! Also do drywall repair and wood repair! 32 years experience. Like Bill the Pinter on Facebook 828-8992647
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Specializing in small repairs, Water Heaters, Well Pumps. Serving Polk County for 34 Years Licensed and Insured NC & SC 828817-1327
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• Your HVAC Service & Repair Expert • Serving the Tryon area for 30+ years. Call (828)8630555
Epperson’s Tree Service • Complete Tree Service
•Dangerous removals
•View Cutting
•Lot Clearing •Tree
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Lake Pointe Landing, A Century Park Community. Lake Pointe Landing is not just a great place to live, but a great place
to work as well! We are currently looking for nursing staff including CNAs, RNs and LPNs, offering competitive pay and benefits. Visit www.centurypa. com today to explore available positions and apply online! Or stop by out facility to fill out a paper application.
Laura Bass, MSW LCSW
Individual and Couples Therapy for Adults. The Healing Cottage Holistic Psychotherapist 148 E Mills Street, Columbus NC 28722 laura@ laurabasscounseling. com laurabasscounseling. com 0: 704.706.3264 F: 704.936.0854
Residential Painting •Interior & Exterior •Ceiling Texturing •Light Carpentry Free Estimates Please Call: 864-494-3397
Manuel Flores
Construction •Stucco •Block •Brick •Tile •Concrete •Stone Work 864-361-1794
Nice Guys Yard Clean Up Serving Foothill Mountain Area: Tree Trimming, Brush Pile Burning, Hauling, Shrubbery, Weed-eating, Weed and Brush Spraying, Garage/Shed/Barn Clean Out. Competitive Prices Hourly or By the Job! Call The Nice Guys Today! Ask for Charles 864-285-8486
Philco’s Pressure Washing Get all the Mold, Mildew, & Oxidation off your house! •Clean Vinyl Siding •Driveways •Sidewalks •Stain & Seal Decks & More! Liability & Workers Comp 31 years
Experience Call To Clean Today! Phil Tolleson 864-599-1978 or 864-304-8463
POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS Visit https:// polkschools.org/ personnel/ to apply Or Call:828-894-1001
$10 Off Fall
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Maintenance (Reg $75) Rutherford Heating and Air 828287-2240
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