Plateau Magazine Apr/May 2020

April / May 2020

On The Fly

In a Land of Rivers and

Streams, the Highlands-

Cashiers Plateau is an

Angler’s Dream

Table With

A View

15

Spots for

Al Fresco

Day Dining

Country

Living

A Closer Look at

Our Mountain

Country Clubs.

$4.50 US

Fashion

At Home

in Cashiers

The Bascom’s

Teresa Osborn

April /May 2020 | 1

2 | ThePlateauMag.com

The Look of

137 N. Highway 107, Cashiers, NC . 828-200-9573

TM

April /May 2020 | 1

Mountain Mist

Gallery

Monday - Saturday, 11-5

Winter Hours Vary

40 Perennial Dr., Cashiers, NC

1 Block South of Hwy 64 on 107 S

828-743-1801

www.mountainmistgallery.com

Essence by Michael Bedoian

The Blue Ridge by David Berger

Mangum Pottery

Skip Kohler Lamps

Cardinal wood sculpture

by Brian Sykes

On The River by Roger Bansemer

Paintings • Pottery • Sculpture

Jewelry • Wood and More!

Pet Portraits by David Berger


Working

with clients

to achieve their

design

aspirations.

LYNN MONDAY HOME

545 Highway 107 S., Cashiers, NC 28717 | 828-743-2094 | lynnmondayhome.com

April /May 2020 | 3

April / May 2020

60

Timeless Fashion

Fresh takes on classic

styles give spring

wardrobes a lasting feel

By Chelsea Cronkrite

66

Fly-Fishing on the

Highlands-Cashiers

Plateau

A meditative dance

between nature and man

By Andrew Renfro

74

Al Fresco Dining

Warmer weather means

the return of outdoor

festivities at some

of the plateau’s

favorite eateries

By Bridget Callahan

88

Membership Has its Perks

Mountain country clubs offer a

variety of activities for all interests

By Judy Royal

PHOTO GARY WOELTJEN


April /May 2020 | 5

April / May 2020

Departments » April / May 2020

13

Buzz

13 Exhibiting Creative

Leadership Teresa Osborn

helps create a blueprint for

the future of the visual arts

4 Calendar Our five musts

from this issue's calendar

of events

16 Events Your guide to

planning your social calendar

8 Entertainment Reviews

of new movies and music

30 Art Seen Rosemary Stiefel

paints nature, textiles,

and the human spirit.

34 Staff Picks New book

titles for some good reading

35 Finance Picking the right

college

36 History Gertrude Dills

McKee

39 Local Chatter Research

proves exercise benefits

pregnant mothers

40 Newsmaker Killer Bees

Honey thrives on the plateau

44 Conservation The

Highlands-Cashiers Land

Trust’s public hiking

destinations

46 Health The complexity

and nuances of Autism

make knowledge all

the more critical

48 Southern Drawl How a

love for the visual arts is

leading The Bascom and

its community forward


51 77

Well Styled Food+Drink

51 Showhouse Part two

of Plateau Magazine’s

three-part series braids

the past and future of the

2020 Designer Showhouse

54 Home Bear Lake Reserve

shares down to earth

excellence with the

community it loves

59 Garden The right botanical

brew will get your garden

off to a healthy start

60 Fashion Fresh takes on

classic styles give spring

wardrobes a lasting feel

66

93 Dining Review 4118

Kitchen + Bar in Highlands

96 In The Kitchen

Elegance Made Easy

102 From the Vine

A vintner’s take on organically

grown wine–Robert &

Maria Sinskey of Robert

Sinskey Vineyards

104 Restaurant Guide The

best spots for eating and

drinking on the plateau

108

Travel

108 Spring Break for Grown-

Ups Our comprehensive

spring travel guide has

something for everyone

Fundamentals

10 Reader Services

12 Editor's Letter

112 The Last Reflection

$4.50 US

On The Fly




Angler’s Dream

Table With

A View

Spots for

15 Al Fresco

Day Dining

Country

Living

A Closer Look at

Our Mountain

Country Clubs.

Fashion

At Home

in Cashiers

The Bascom’s

Teresa Osborn

ON THE COVER »

Angler (Matt Canter) prospects

a run just below a beautiful

waterfall on Middle Creek, just

outside of Scaly, NC.

PHOTO BROOKINGS ANGLERS

NAPLES | PALM BEACH | THE CAROLINAS | ASPEN

The Carolinas Architect TM

MHK ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING

Greenville Offi ce: 816 South Main St. Suite B Greenville, SC 29601 | 864-603-3260

Highlands Offi ce: 537 Main Street Highlands, North Carolina 28741 | 828-482-5280

thecarolinasarchitect.com

April /May 2020 | 7

Come Enjoy the Grandeur of the

Blue Ridge Mountains.

CEO & Publisher

Robert Sweeney

■ ■ ■

Managing Editor

Katherine Ford Richardson

■ ■ ■

Account Executive

Sabrina Smith, (828) 577-1769

Rustic Mountain Settings | Luxury Suites with Italian Linens

Resort Style Villa on Golf Course

Art Director

Carl Turner

Graphic Designers

Kristina Parolla

Shanna Thomson

Carl Turner

Contributing Writers

Carol M. Bryson, Allison Bolt, Kim Byer,

Bridget Callahan, Brittany Conley, Sybil

Fix, Christine Hennessey, Kim Henry,

Buddy Huttanus, Denise K. James, Katie

McElveen, Megan Mathis, Christa Miller,

Kirk Moore, Mandy Murry, Anne Postic,

Andrew Renfro, Judy Royal, Morgan

Ryan, Mahogany Skillings, Justin A.

Souma, Chantal Wilson

Photographers

Kim Byer, Chelsea Cronkrite

■ ■ ■

Customer Service

Local Office: (575) 496-5466

Corporate Office/Subscriptions:

(843) 856-2532

Black Bear Lodge

Sapphire, NC | 828-553-6535 | blackbearlodgeofsapphire.com


Plateau Magazine (Vol. 1, No. 2) is published

6 times per year by DueSouth Publishing, LLC.

The entire contents of this publication are

fully protected and may not be reproduced,

in whole or part, without written permission.

We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited

materials. Copyright © 2020. All rights

reserved. SUBSCRIPTION price is

$24.95 per year.

April /May 2020 | 9

Reader Services

Subscriptions

Subscribing to Plateau magazine is easy,

and you save 30 percent off the newsstand

price. Your subscription includes 6 issues,

delivered right to your door. Subscriptions

and billing are handled in-house, providing

you with the best in customer service. You

can subscribe by clicking on our Subscribe

button at www.theplateaumag.com or calling

Customer Service at (843) 856-2532.

Gift Subscriptions

Plateau magazine makes an excellent gift!

Order online or by phone. We will send out

a complimentary gift card to each recipient

indicating who the gift is from.

Change of Address

If you move or change your address, please

call or email us and provide both the old and

new addresses. The postal service does not

automatically forward magazines, so please

send us your change of address as soon as

you know it.

Letters to the Editor

We welcome your comments and letters.

Send letters via email to our Editor at

editor@theplateaumag.com. Please include

your phone number in case we need to

contact you.

Back Issues

When available, back issues of Plateau

magazine can be purchased for $13.50,

postage included.

Writing Opportunities

We are always interested in receiving article

ideas from our readers as well as considering

freelance writers. Please email your ideas or

writing queries to editor@theplateaumag.com.

Flagship Cabin Store at 601 Main Street, Highlands, NC

(828) 526-5298 | highlandhiker.com


How to Advertise

If you would like advertising information

for promoting your products or services, call

Sabrina Smith at 828-577-1769, or contact

us via the website at theplateaumag.com.

Listen to Your Dreams and We'll Help You Build Them

Creating exceptional homes and providing a professional, enjoyable

building experience for our clients.

Custom Homes

Renovations

12 Canoe Point, Cashiers NC | 828-547-0777 | harriscustombuildersnc.com

April /May 2020 | 11

April / May 2020

On The Fly




Angler’s Dream

Table With

A View

Spots for

15

Al Fresco

Day Dining

Country

Living

A Closer Look at

Our Mountain

Country Clubs.

$4.50 US

Fashion

At Home

in Cashiers

The Bascom’s

Teresa Osborn

Give the gift

that lasts

all year long...

a subscription to

from the editor

Like A Daffodil

Spring has always been one of my favorite

times of the year. I’m an April baby. I love

change and live for the thrill of something

new. With age comes a deepening of understanding,

a widening of perspective. For a

child that loved a beginning, the adult lesson

that sometimes beginnings can only

come after an unwanted end proved to be

an especially painful one. I have navigated

several life changing ends in my 37 years,

but the most drastic came with the unexpected

death of my father in November

of 2019. Staring out the window from my

breakfast table, I watched the foliage drop

from the trees and I thought about endings

as fall changed to winter. A Taurus daughter

mourning her Virgo father, I let nature

teach me things I couldn’t understand. I

thought about how the leaves would decay

and benefit the soil. I was thankful for

brittle fallen tree limbs that would serve

as kindling for my fire. I meditated on the

first rule of thermodynamics as the snow

fell, stating that energy can neither be created

nor destroyed, only transferred from

one form to another.

One day in late February, I walked on

my porch and looked down to find the first

green stalk a of daffodil poking out from

the ground. Winter hadn’t yet released its

grip, another storm came and left. Surrounded

in snow, the flower persevered.

Day after day I would step off my porch and

look down at the daffodil who had stored

enough energy for winter’s end, only to rise

when it was ready. Again, I thought of endings.

I smiled remembering that even in

the dead of winter, there was room planned

for a beginning, a transferring of energy

from one form to another.

All around the plateau, our community

plans for the newness of spring. And like

the daffodil, we learn to both conserve and

change. We excitedly bring out our hiking

gear as we prepare to once again explore

the trails provided to us through the conservation

of the Highlands-Cashiers Land

Trust. We proudly watch as The Bascom:

A Center For The Visual Arts, growing

under the loving care of our community

for decades, unveils its new strategic direction.

We turn a thoughtful eye to our

natural pollinators, prep our gardens, and

fish our rivers. The next two months are a

time to celebrate the nature surrounding

us on Earth Day and those blessed with

delivering new life on Mother’s Day. As a

community that enjoys the gift of nature’s

wisdom by experiencing all four seasons,

we take the lessons of winter’s end with us

into a time of renewal. In both our heart

and our mountains, spring has sprung.

Kat Ford

Managing Editor

editor@theplateaumag.com

We welcome your comments. Please send

us your feedback or story ideas by emailing

us at editor@theplateaumag.com

Find Us Online!

Visit us on our website at

theplateaumag.com

facebook.com/plateaumag

instagram.com/plateaumag

Correction Notice: In the Enlivening Our

Living Spaces story in Feb/Mar issue, the

Designer and Contractor of the opening image

of the outdoor dining area for Cullasaja

Club was not identified. This section of the

renovation was designed by Mountainworks

Custom Home Design and the contractor

was Chinquapin Builders.


Your Local Rundown on News and Culture

Exhibiting

Creative

Leadership

The Bascom and its

Executive Director,

Teresa Osborn, use the

organization’s love for

the visual arts to create a

blueprint for the future.

See page 48

PHOTO BILLY LOVE


calendar

The Reveal:

APRIL–MAY

Our five musts from this issue’s calendar of events.

Easter Weekend at Old

Edwards Inn and Spa

April 11 – 12

Leave routine behind and experience the

splendor of Mother Nature in the relaxed

elegance of Old Edwards Inn and Spa. Enjoy

a leisurely brunch at Madison's Restaurant

and participate in any or all of the fun weekend

activities, including Easter egg decorating

and bonnet making, Easter brunch, a

visit from the Easter Bunny with an Easter

egg hunt, and face painting! (866) 526-8008

www.oldedwardsinn.com/eastercelebration

Fox Brothers Disco Pig Party

at The Farm

May 21

The Farm at Old Edwards presents awardwinning

Atlanta restaurant, Fox Bros.

BBQ. Fort Worth-natives, twin brothers

and co-pitmasters Jonathan and Justin Fox

are known for their unique Southern-style

barbecue infused with Texas flair. They’ve

earned raved reviews from Southern Living,

Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and Sports

Illustrated, and have been featured on The

Travel Channel's "Bizarre Foods with Andrew

Zimmern: Southern Barbecue Trail" and Food

Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives." The

brothers have cooked at the James Beard

House in New York City on three different

occasions and Fox Bros. BBQ is the Official

BBQ of the Atlanta Falcons. Tickets $145 per

person, call for reservations. (828) 787-2635

www.oldedwardsinn.com/foxbrothers

Drew Holcomb &

The Neighbors

May 9

Highlands Festivals, Inc. presents an

evening of live music with Drew Holcomb

& the Neighbors in Kelsey-Hutchinson

Park. From the team that brings you

Highlands Food & Wine, this eighteen and

over concert will offer fabulous live music.

Beer, wine and spirits will be available

for purchase throughout the event. 6 pm.

www.highlandsfestivals.com

Memorial Day Weekend at

Bear Lake Reserve

May 22 - 25

Bear Lake Reserve has a long lineup of

activities and events prepared over Memorial

Day Weekend including a lakefront

beach bonfire, pool party, golf tournament

on their mountaintop Nicklaus Design®

course, axe throwing, and an outdoor festival

and concert featuring Matt Stillwell.

Vacations: (828) 293-3455

www.bearlakereserve.com

38th Annual Plant Sale

May 23

Join the Mountain Garden Club for their

38th Annual Plant Sale, which will start

at 9 am and last until noon. This year’s focus

will be on creating pollinator gardens

using native plants. Pollinators such as

bees, butterflies, and birds are responsible

for one out of every three bites of food we

take each day. More nectar and pollen

sources will help improve the health and

numbers of these pollinators. Proceeds

from the plant sale help fund local projects

as well as awarding renewable scholarships

for students taking their studies to

a higher level in several environmentalbased

academics.

www.highlandsmountaingardenclub.org

EASTER WEEKEND PHOTO OLD EDWARDS; DREW HOLCOMB PHOTO HIGHLANDS FESTIVALS; FOX BROTHERS PHOTO OLD

EDWARDS; MEMORIAL DAY PHOTO MEREDITH WILLIAMS; PLANT SALE PHOTO MOUNTAIN GARDEN CLUB


Highlands 10th Annual

Highlands 8th Annual

Guided & Non-

Guided Guided & Competitions

Non-Guided

Competitions

Limited to

50 Teams

Limited to

50 Teams

April 30 - May 2, 2020

April 26 - April 28, 2018

for Men & Women of All Skill Levels

for Men & Women of All Skill Levels

More than 2,200 Miles of Public Water Available to Fish During the Tournament

More than 2,200 Miles of Public Water Available to Fish During the Tournament

Teams Will Fish One Native, One Hatchery Supported and One Delayed-Harvest Stream

Teams Will Fish One Native, One Hatchery Supported and One Delayed-Harvest Stream

Just $500 Per 2-Person Team

Register by February Just $500 28 Per for 2-Person Early Bird TeamRate of $450

Register by March 15 for Early Bird Rate of $450

This Fun Weekend for the Whole Family Includes Lunch Both Days, Opening Night Reception,

This Fun Weekend Closing for Night the Whole Banquet Family With Includes Food, Prizes Lunch Both and a Days, Fishing Opening Goody Night Bag Reception,

Closing Night Winners’ Dinner With Food, Prizes and a Fishing Goody Bag

Charter Sponsors:

Entry Fees Payable to to the the Town of of Highlands Scholarship Fund are are 100% Tax-Deductible

For More Information, Contact Hilary Wilkes at hilary@highlandhiker.com or 828-526-0441.

(828) 526-8673


April / May 2020

On The Fly




Angler’s Dream

Table With

A View

Spots for

15

Al Fresco

Day Dining

Country

Living

A Closer Look at

Our Mountain

Country Clubs.

$4.50 US

Fashion

At Home

in Cashiers

The Bascom’s

Teresa Osborn

WE’RE HIRING

Media Account Executive

Job Description: Sell and service

the advertising clients of Plateau

Magazine and provide advertising

clients with market-based

advertising solutions which include

print, digital and design.

Job Requirements:

• Meet monthly revenue

expectations through selling and/

or up-selling advertising clients.

• Spend 65% of time in the field,

calling on existing accounts as well

as developing new business.

• Initiate, coordinate and conduct

formal verbal and written

presentations.

• Possess strong written and verbal

communication skills.

The 10th Annual Three River Fly Fishing Festival

April 30 – May 2

Three River Fly Fishing Festival is celebrating their 10th anniversary this year and they

are looking forward to breaking the fundraising record of $20,000 for the Town of Highlands

Scholarship Fund set in 2019. Expecting around 30 teams to participate, the opening night

reception and casting competition will be at Lullwater House in Highlands, NC on Thursday,

April 30. Jason Meador, the Aquatics Manager at Mainspring Conservation Trust, will give

a free lecture on Stream Science at Highlands Nature Center, at 4 pm on May 1. This event

will be followed by an evening fundraising performance of Trout Fishing in America at the

Highlands PAC at 7:30 pm. A free public casting clinic will take place at Harris Lake on May

2 at 10 am followed by the closing night banquet dinner at Midpoint. Contact Hilary Wilkes

at hilary@highlandhiker.com for more information (828) 526-0441 www.highlandhiker.com

Event Calendar

Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the

rundown on what to do and explore..

Qualifications: College degree or

equivalent sales experience required

as well as a proven track record of

excellence in sales and customer

support. Experience in magazine

sales a plus but not a requirement.

Proficiency in the Microsoft Office

suite of products also a plus.

Freelance Writers and

Photographers

Are you an experienced writer

or photographer that lives in or

near Highlands-Cashiers area?

Send us samples of your work

and join our Team!

robert@theplateaumag.com

Or fax 877-505-4432


ONGOING / MONTHLY

Exhibitions

The Bascom: A Center For The

Visual Arts

Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm,

Sunday 1 pm – 4 pm

Current admission free exhibitions

include: Narrative / Abstraction /

Iteration (showcasing works by 19

female artists selected by guest curator

Jean McLaughlin,

former Executive

Director of Penland

School of Crafts);

Three Potters Retrospective

(highlighting

past artists from the

successful decade long

event); Women Artists of the Permanent

Collection (recognizing the 100th

anniversary of the 19th Amendment

through works from The Bascom’s

permanent collection by women artists).

Cashiers Historical Society

Beginning May 8th,

Monday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm

Votes for Women: The Struggle for

Political Equality

Family Experiences

Highlands Biological Station

(828) 526-2602

www.highlandsbiological.org

Fridays, 10 am - 11 am:

Knee High Naturalists

Families with young children

Est. 2018

Town & Country

Est. 2018

Town & Country

Clothing-Decor . Grocery-Produce

Beer-Wine-Ice . Seafood

Fresh Cut Buckhead Meats

Open April 1st

for the Season

Open 9 am to 8 pm

Monday thru Saturday

9 am to 5 pm on Sunday

Follow Us for Sneak Peaks

of New Merchandise Coming In

14 Raggedy Lane, Cashiers, NC Between Cashiers and Highlands, 1 mile off Hwy 64 on Norton Road

828-547-1300 . tandcgeneralstore.com


GOURMET SALE!

April 1 – May 15, 2020

Come see our wonderful assortment of Wusthof knives!

(suggested age 3-5 years) are invited to

combine stories, walks, and activities for

their little ones. Free, adults must attend

with their children.

Hudson Library (Highlands)

(828) 526-3031

1st Wednesday at 3:30 pm: Children’s/

Family Movie

Thursdays at 10:40 am: Family Storytime

- Best for children 3-6, open to all.

Thursdays at 3:30 pm: Kid Zone - Best for

children in grades K-3, open to older and

younger participants.

Albert Carlton-Cashiers Library

(828) 743-0215

Tuesdays at 3:45 pm: A monthly activity for

early elementary age children to encourage

imagination and reading for pleasure.

Wednesdays at 10 am: PreK Storytime -

For children 0-5, featuring books, crafts,

and songs.

Mon-Sat 8am-5pm • 41 Commons Drive, Cashiers, NC • 828-743-9091

AJones Company

Johnny Was Clothing

Barefoot Dreams

April Cornell Linens

Handcrafted Jewelry

Barware

3 Chestnut Square,

Cashiers, NC

828.743.1111

Located directly across

the street from the

Cashiers Farmers Market

Happy Hour

Thursdays

Join Meritage Bistro in Highlands for

wine tastings (5 selected wines weekly)

and complementary tapas, $10 per person.

4 pm – 5:30 pm. (828) 526-1019

APRIL

Great Art on Screen: Leonardo

April 10

The Highlands

P e r f o r m i n g

Art Center and

The Bascom: A

Center For The

Visual Arts present

Great Art On

Screen:

Leonardo–500.

Through the use of decades-long studies

and research by leading international

experts, technicians and engineers, this

film exclusively analyzes the theories and

modern implications behind da Vinci's work,

allowing audiences to witness the genius

of Leonardo with new and insightful

perspectives. Tickets $16. (828) 526-9047

www.highlandsperformingarts.com

Easter Weekend at Old Edwards Inn

and Spa

April 11 – 12

Leave routine behind and experience the


DON'T JOIN A CLUB

DON'T JOIN A CLUB

When you become a part of Cullasaja Club, you become part of a family.

Relationships,

When you become

family and

a part

friends

of Cullasaja

are what

Club,

we are

you

all

become

about...

part

that's

of

the

a family.

real story.

Relationships, family and friends are what we are all about... that's the real story.

Our newly remodeled clubhouse focuses on comfortability for our members.

The

Our

architecture

newly remodeled

celebrates

clubhouse

the beauty

focuses

of the

on

outdoors

comfortability

with diverse

for our

open

members.

air spaces,

The architecture

casual dining

celebrates

areas, take-away

the beauty

market,

of the outdoors

and well-appointed

with diverse

wine

open

room.

air spaces,

casual

Even

dining

more

areas,

reasons

take-away

why we choose

market,

to

and

spend

well-appointed

our best times

wine

here.

room.

Even more reasons why we choose to spend our best times here.

No matter where you live on the Plateau, you will be at home at Cullasaja Club.

No matter where you

We

live

look

on

forward

the Plateau,

to sharing

you will

it

be

with

at

you.

home at Cullasaja Club.

We look forward to sharing it with you.

JOIN A FAMILY.

JOIN A FAMILY.

Give us a call, 828.526.3531

Give Come us see a call, us, 828.526.3531

1371 Cullasaja Club Drive, Highlands, North Carolina

Come see us, 1371 Cullasaja Club Drive, Highlands, North Carolina

Visit us Online, cullasajaclub.org

Visit Club us Membership Online, April /May cullasajaclub.org

is by 2020 invitation | 19only

Club Membership is by invitation only

Monday - Saturday 10-5

Open Sundays in Season

A Highlands tradition

since 1940.

828.526.3160 . 382 Main Street, Highlands NC

Live • Relax • Explore

THE DIVIDE

AT BALD ROCK

Rejuvenate. Relax. Unplug. Escape.

The Divide at Bald Rock is your haven from the demands of daily life. At The

Divide, you will explore the beauty and tranquility of the Blue Ridge Mountains,

hike or bike local trails, discover a waterfall, and free your mind and spirit.

20 Continental Drive | Sapphire NC | Ph: 800.228.0431 | www.dividenc.com

splendor of Mother Nature in the relaxed

elegance of Old Edwards Inn and Spa.

Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Madison's

Restaurant and participate in any or all

of the fun weekend activities, including

Easter egg decorating and bonnet making,

Easter brunch, a visit from the Easter

Bunny with an Easter egg hunt, and face

painting! (866) 526-8008

www.oldedwardsinn.com/eastercelebration

An Evening with Clint Black

April 17

Black surged to superstardom as part

of the fabled Class of '89, reaching #1

with five consecutive singles from his

triple-platinum debut,

“Killin' Time.” Perhaps

most impressively, Clint

wrote or co-wrote every

one of his more than

three dozen chart hits,

including "A Better Man,"

"Where Are You Now,"

"A Good Run of Bad Luck," and "Nothin'

But the Taillights," part of a catalog that

produced 22 #1 singles and made him one

of the most successful singer/songwriters

of the modern era. (828) 524-1598

www.greatmountainmusic.com

Native Stream Banks with Southern

Highlands Reserve

April 19

Protecting our streambanks protects

water quality, wildlife and natural

beauty. This presentation is designed to

help owners of streambank or riparian

properties understand ecological concepts

that will not only enhance their property

but also protect water resources. Learn

about why native plants are vital for

protecting our streambanks, the benefits

of riparian zones, how to assess your own

property, and understand the natural

processes that are occurring in your

water, soil, and plants. 4 pm. (828) 877-

3106 www.headwatersoutfitters.com

EcoTour: Brushy Face to Satulah

Hike

April 20

Join the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

for a guided hike from their newest public

trail at Brushy Face Preserve to their

oldest conserved property at Satulah

Mountain Preserve. You’ll hike from an

old growth forest valley with large white


pines and trickling streams, up through

a ridge-top old growth forest, and end at

the rocky Satulah summit where you’ll

experience breathtaking wide-range views

that can’t be compared. Registration is

required for this hike. (828) 526-1111

www.hicashlt.org

Exhibition Reception

April 24

The Bascom: A Center For The Visual

Arts invites members of the community

to the exhibition reception of Narrative /

Abstraction / Iteration and Women Artists

of the Permanent

Collection. Light

refreshments will

be provided. 5 pm.

(828) 526-4949

www.thebascom.org

Mountain Chic

Home Furnishings

and Accessories

Interior design services are available.

Tasting Great Wines Under $20

April 25

Drop-in the Highlands Wine Shoppe from

1 pm – 4 pm to enjoy this free tasting of

delicious wines at affordable prices.

(828) 526-4080

www.highlandswineshoppe.com

Highlands Bioblitz

April 26

Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and

the Highlands Biological Station will cohost

a Bioblitz in honor of Earth Week.

Community members and visitors of

all ages are invited to work together

with experts to collect and identify the

many kinds of flora and fauna that call

Highlands home. You will explore both the

Highlands Botanical Garden and HCLT’s

Ravenel Park, home to Sunset Rock.

(828) 526-1111 www.hicashlt.org

MAY

Here Comes The Sun Festival

May 1-2

Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. in Franklin,

NC is hosting a two-day music festival

with vendors, food, and giveaways. What

started out as a party

with a few guests has

become a weekend of prime

performances with supreme

musicians from all over the

Southeast! (828) 349-2337

www.lazyhikerbrewing.com

32 Canoe Point, Cashiers NC • 828-743-3172 • rusticks.com


Gifts for All Occasions

Mon-Sat 10 am - 5 pm

Sunday 12-5

Apparel • Canoe bags

Home goods and décor

Baby gifts • Jewelry

207 North 4th Street, Highlands, NC 828 • 526 •8390

252 Hwy. 107 S, Cashiers, NC

828-743-7151 • jgabrielliving@gmail.com • jgabrielliving.com

Yoga by The Lake

May 4

Free to the public, Highlands Biological

Station has partnered with Yoga

Highlands to bring you Yoga by the Lake.

Bring your yoga mat and join Rachel

Kinback (CYT 500) of Yoga Highlands

for yoga at HBS’s newly completed north

campus by Lindenwood Lake. Come

connect with nature and unwind your

mind and body. (828) 526-8880

Great Art on Screen: Hermitage

May 8

The Highlands Performing Art Center and

The Bascom: A Center For The Visual Arts

present Great Art On

Screen: Hermitage –

The Power of Art.

This spectacular

documentary event

tours through St.

Petersburg’s State

Hermitage Museum,

a wonderful complex

of buildings with the

largest collection of

paintings in the world, to retrace two and

a half centuries of art and culture. Tickets

$16. (828) 526-9047


3rd Annual Airing of the Quilts

May 9

After a long winter with families snuggled

under layers of warm handmade quilts,

the warmer weather of springtime gave

mountain women a chance to freshen

up and air-out these essential covers. To

honor this tradition, the Appalachian

Women’s Museum displays up to 65 quilts

on the porch,

clothesline,

and quilt racks

while offering

c h i l d r e n ’ s

activities,

demonstrators,

a raffle and

scavenger hunt, live mountain music,

and a scrap fabric exchange. Individuals

are invited to register their own quilts in

advance which will be displayed along with

those loaned from the Western Carolina

University Mountain Heritage Center and

from the Monteith sisters. (828) 482-5860

www.appwomen.org


The mountain lake community with everything.

2,100 acres of serenity with lake, mountain views, Nicklaus Design® golf, mountaintop tennis, pickleball, hiking, pools,

and stunning Lake Club with premier Chef’s Reserve and more... everything you want from a mountain lake lifestyle!

412 Lake Forest Drive, Tuckasegee NC 28783

828.293.0770 | info@bearlakereserve.com

BLR Realty LLC.


Like us on Facebook at www.fb.com/bearlakereserve

Offer is good for new bookings only, valid on stays during April 1 - May 30, 2020. Offer is subject to availability of participating homes and cannot be combined

with any other offer. Blackout dates apply. Pricing does not include Cleaning Fee, Dining or Activities, or Occupancy, State, and County sales tax.

Book your 3-day/2-night real estate tour and enjoy:

• Free golf or canoe/kayak rental for the duration of your stay

• All Lake Club amenities (pools, fitness center, dining , bar etc)

• All hiking trails throughout the forest preserve

• A free bottle of wine courtesy of the Wine Bar & Cellar

• Seasonal weekly activities and more!


Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

May 9

Highlands Festivals, Inc. presents an

evening of live music with Drew Holcomb

& the Neighbors in Kelsey-Hutchinson

Park. From the team that brings you

Highlands Food & Wine, this eighteen and

over concert will offer fabulous live music.

Beer, wine and spirits will be available

for purchase throughout the event. 6 pm.

www.highlandsfestivals.com

Come Experience the All New

Club Car Onward TM PTV

Sales, Service

and Parts for Club Cars

Serving WNC since 1993!

18029 Rosman Hwy, Sapphire, NC | 828-884-4653

appalachiangolfcars.com

Mother’s Day at Old Edwards

May 10

Arrange for champagne, handmade

chocolates, flowers from Oakleaf and other

surprises for the special mother in your life

when you treat her to brunch or dinner at

Madison's on Mother's Day. Whether upon

arrival or delivered to the table, she will

surely feel cherished by a level of attention

that all mom's deserve. Afterward, she

can browse through a beautiful array

of designer jewelry, home accessories

and apparel at Acorns Boutique. To really

show your appreciation for all she does,

consider treating her to relaxation and

indulgence with an experience at The

Spa. (866) 526-8008

www.oldedwardsinn.com/mothersday

Charity Mountain Run Benefitting

Jackson County Special Olympics

May 16

This is not a 10K race, it’s a 10K

CHALLENGE! With over 1,100 feet of

vertical gain and more than 1,000 feet of

vertical decent, this is truly a mountain

run! You will have to earn your finish

pottery and cold beer! Stick around after

the run to enjoy all the amenities that

make Bear Lake Reserve special, runners

can rent boats and SUP boards to explore

the lake. (828) 293-0770


Annual Upper French Broad River

Clean-Up Day

May 16

The French Broad River Clean up remains

the best volunteer gig in town: a free

canoe ride down the river, along with a

complimentary breakfast, lunch, and all

the garbage bags you can fill. Since the

inception of “The Upper French Broad

River Clean Up Day” in 1992, volunteers

have gathered year after year collecting

tons of trash, old tires, microwaves, and


more! 9 am – 5 pm. Interested volunteers

and sponsors call (828) 877-3106

www.headwatersoutfitters.com

Rain Check: Water on the Highlands

Plateau

May 16

From beautiful waterfalls to the rain

that makes the plateau a temperate

rainforest, water plays a vital role in

our lives and ecosystems. This one-day

educational event will begin with a lecture

from award-winning environmental

journalist, Cynthia Barnett. Following

the lecture, attendees will enjoy lunch

at the Highlands Biological Station’s

new north campus area and then depart

on field trips including waterfall hikes,

stream surveys, and a visit to the Coweeta

Hydrologic Laboratory. (828) 526-2602

www.highlandsbiological.org

Road Scholar Switchbacks and Summits

May 17 – 22

Hosted by The Mountain Retreat and

Learning Center in partnership with

Road Scholar, hike through sections of

the AT with a local guide Brent Martin,

owner/operator of Cowee, NC based Alarka

Institute and Expeditions. Working in

conservation for 25 years and serving for

over a decade as the southern Appalachian

regional director for The Wilderness

Society, he lectures on 18th-century

American naturalist William Bartram and

the cultural and natural history of western

North Carolina's Little Tennessee River

Valley. Top off an incredible week of hiking

with evening programming, including

Appalachian music and farm-to-table feast.

(828) 526-5838 www.themountainrlc.org

Fox Brothers Disco Pig Party at The Farm

May 21

The Farm at Old Edwards presents awardwinning

Atlanta restaurant, Fox Bros.

BBQ. Fort Worth-natives, twin brothers

and co-pitmasters Jonathan and

Justin Fox are known for their unique

Southern-style barbecue infused with

Texas flair. They’ve earned raved

reviews from Southern Living, Travel

+ Leisure, USA Today, and Sports

Illustrated, and have been featured on

The Travel Channel's "Bizarre Foods

with Andrew Zimmern: Southern

Barbecue Trail" and Food Network's

"Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives." The

brothers have cooked at the James

Beard House in New York City on

three different occasions and Fox Bros.

BBQ is the Official BBQ of the Atlanta

Falcons. Tickets $145 per person, call

for reservations. (828) 787-2635

www.oldedwardsinn.com/foxbrothers

NOT A HOME IN THE MOUNTAINS.

A life IN THE MOUNTAINS.

The greeting of songbirds on a morning hike. The

gleeful splash of children plunging in a lake. The

warmth of connection around an evening fire. At

Lonesome Valley, the joys of mountain living are as

abundant as nature’s beauty. You can’t help but feel

connected to this place, and even more importantly,

to the people you’re sharing it with.

Books & Bites

May 20

The Hudson Library kicks off their Books

& Bites author program with the first

event of the season at 12:30 pm. Bestselling

author Susan Meissner will talk

about her latest book, The Last Year of the

War. Books will be available for purchase

and signing at this free event. Books &

Bites programs, including free light lunch

for attendees, is provided by the Hudson

Library Board of Trustees. (828) 526-3031

Visit our community in Cashiers, NC to experience life in the mountains.

LONESOMEVALLEY.COM


The Unexpected Guest

May 21 - 24, 28 – 31

Highlands Cashiers Players’ last play

of the 25th season is the thriller, The

Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie,

directed by Donna Cochran. The play is set

in a foggy estate in Wales when a stranger

walks into a house to find a man murdered.

Nothing is as it seems and suspicion and

intrigue waft like the fog through the night

air. Plan to come and watch the mystery

unfold. The Unexpected Guest will be

performed at the PAC. (828) 526-9047


Opening of Zachary-Tolbert House

May 22

Join the Cashiers Historical Society as they

open the Zachary-Tolbert House for the

season and discover service opportunities

during their Volunteer Brunch. CHS is

known for its community education events

for adults and children and its preservation

effort around Cashiers, tour the campus

and explore all the ways CHS needs your

help! (828) 743-7710

www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org

Come Enjoy a Cozy, Mountain

Inn Getaway in the Blue Ridge

Mountains


Great for Weddings, Trout Fishing and Hiking

19259 Rosman Hwy, Sapphire, NC • 828-273-3700 • brooktroutinnsapphire.com

Memorial Day Weekend at Bear Lake

Reserve

May 22 - 25

Bear Lake Reserve has a long lineup

of activities and events prepared over

Memorial Day Weekend including a

lakefront beach bonfire, pool party,

golf tournament on their mountaintop

Nicklaus Design® course, axe throwing,

and an outdoor festival and concert

featuring Matt Stillwell. Vacations:

(828) 293-3455 www.bearlakereserve.com

38th Annual Plant Sale

May 23

Join the Mountain Garden Club for their

38th Annual Plant Sale, which will start

at 9 am and last until noon. This year’s

focus will be on creating pollinator

gardens using native plants. Pollinators

such as bees, butterflies, and birds are

responsible for one out of every three bites

of food we take each day. More nectar

and pollen sources will help improve the

health and numbers of these pollinators.

Proceeds from the plant sale help fund

local projects as well as awarding

renewable scholarships for students

taking their studies to a higher level in

several environmental-based academics.

www.highlandsmountaingardenclub.org

1 9 0 M I C A C O U R T

BALD ROCK | MLS# 92639 | $2,150,000

This award winning, post-and-beam home

was designed by architect Allen Brown

and built by the Buildersmith. Featuring

180˚ panoramic views of an incredible 100

foot waterfall, Fairfield Lake, and mountain

views. Sitting on over 7 acres, enjoy end

of the cul-de-sac privacy in the exclusive

community of Bald Rock.

4 BEDROOMS

3 FULL, 3 HALF BATHROOMS

7.7 ACRES

DAVID E. JONES B R O K E R

CELL: 864-293-1330

OFFICE: 828-743-0510

DAVIDEJONESGM@AOL.COM


Reviews: Movies & Music

DENISE K. JAMES ON NEW FILMS AND MUSIC

Pearl Jam

Gigaton

I admittedly prepared myself to feel disappointed

at the fruits of Pearl Jam’s latest

effort, Gigaton. After all, how in the world

would Eddie and the gang top my favorite

albums of the 1990s and early 2000s?!

Well, I ended up eating my words. “Dance

of the Clairvoyants” is a surprisingly great

song, and I’m forced to give PJ props for

blending their signature sound with a few

nuances. Looking forward to the rest of

this album, much the way my 14-year-old

self would. But with better hair.

The Gentlemen


3 Stars

Starring Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, Colin Farrell, Hugh

Grant. Directed by Guy Ritchie Rated PG

As I settled into my comfy seat for a matinee showing of The Gentlemen, I was exchanging

a few texts with my movie-buff pal James, who reported it to be “a dude’s movie.” Naturally,

I was a bit frustrated by his remark. What exactly constitutes a dude’s movie? I thought to

myself, smearing Burt’s Bees tinted balm on my lips thoughtfully.

After all, though this flick doesn’t align with my usual tastes, I still had high hopes. No

one can dispute that a star-studded cast, the work of Guy Ritchie and the plot twists common

in any film about drug money would end up as something at least watchable — even

someone girly like me.

Sure enough, at the opening credits I was already captivated by the music and artistic

cinematography. Our hero (and perhaps the reason that a few of my ladies are interested),

McConaughey, started life as a poor kid in the United States, whose lucky break arrived

when he got into Oxford in London. Following an atypical rags-to-riches tale, he is the

wealthy owner of 12 marijuana farms, all secretly located and immaculately kept up by

his own well-paid, impossibly loyal army.

Unlike a romantic comedy, where there is one “ending” (and frankly, we know exactly

what that ending is), I can’t tell you too much about this one, since the entire plot is filled

with mini-endings, each one more unbelievable than the next. I can tell you that the

cast does an amazing job, and, while there’s no real depth to this movie, it’s nevertheless

intelligent and left me mulling over things, even once I was back in my car and picking

up lunch.

I read the critics’ comments, as I always do, and a few of them griped that the structure

of The Gentlemen — the film starts en medias res, and it isn’t crystal clear how the

characters know each other and what their roles are until much later — takes away from

it. But I didn’t feel that way; in fact, as a literary nerd, I rather appreciated the device.

I’m even listening to a few of the gems from the soundtrack as I write this — That’s

Entertainment by The Jam and Cumberland Gap by David Rawlings. So no, I won’t turn

my nose up at the next “dude movie,” at least if it’s directed by Guy Ritchie.

Alicia Keys

Alicia

In my 20s, Alicia Keys rose to fame with

her sultry voice and her self-assured style.

I have great news: none of those qualities

have gone away with her latest release,

Alicia. Download “Underdog” for a catchy

yet thoughtful ballad and “Time Machine”

for a beat that inspires dressing up for a

night out. Overall, the mood of the whole

album lives up to the nostalgia its title

suggests. Alicia, you haven’t changed at

all in the last 15 years. And, as your old

friends, we’re glad.

THE GENTLEMEN/STXFILMS; PEARL JAM COVER IMAGE BY PAUL NICKLEN/PEARL JAM OFFICIAL WEBSITE;

ALICIA KEYS, ALICIA/ALICIA KEYS OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM


art seen

Decades of Details

Rosemary Stiefel paints the threads that weave nature,

textiles, and the human spirit.

By KIM HENRY

A

AN ARTIST’S BODY OF

work can sometimes be a

little bit like reading their

autobiography – except, of

course, words are replaced by

their creations. The expansive collection

of artist Rosemary Stiefel is just like this.

From her early childhood spent sketching in

nature, to abstract exploration during the

60s and 70s, to the maturing of her designer

eye, Stiefel’s work tells of travel, heartbreak,

accomplishments and so much more.

Born in Madison, Florida, Stiefel spent

her childhood summers immersed in nature

and its infinite shapes, colors and forms with

her grandparents. Being an only child until

the age of eight gave Stiefel ample amounts

of time to exercise her artistic inclination

on the family farm, in her grandmother’s

flower garden and by the beach.

“My grandmother was my first teacher

of how to put color and shapes together

and my aunt, who studied art in college,

taught me basic watercolor skills before

I even started school,” remembers Stiefel

fondly. Watercolors eventually became her

preferred medium, and she aptly describes

her technique as having a feeling of “controlled

spontaneity.”

Despite Stiefel’s hometown not having

any formal art training, she was fortunate

enough to have an artistic family. They

took her to galleries at four years old, inspired

her adoration of da Vinci and nurtured

her love of fabric by passing on the

traditional craft of quilting. In 1958, Stiefel

went to college to major in botany as a way

of being able to make a living and continuing

to draw, but once her biology professor

saw her work, he insisted she switch to art.

Stiefel met and married her husband of

60 years while in college and after a stint

in the navy, they settled in Atlanta to raise

their three sons. Among Stiefel’s many mentors

were Joseph Perrin, head of the art

department at Georgia State University

Clockwise from above: The sign outside of

the Hudson Library in Highlands, NC; “Altar

to the Four Seasons” acrylic on canvas;

“Winter Solstice” acrylic on canvas, The

Bascom’s permanent collection.


and artist Ouida Canaday. “Both are gone

now but their voices remain in my mind

and I hear from one or the other, if not both

at the same time, almost daily,” smiles

Stiefel.

It was in Atlanta where Stiefel met the

regionally acclaimed garden designer,

Ryan Gainey. Having been to Italy, where

she studied with a group of artists traveling

with the Georgia Festival of the Arts

in Italy, Stiefel fell in love with the Italian

Renaissance. “Italy restored my faith in

being able to draw a realistic object and

not be ashamed. I was actually in the hills

where da Vinci grew up!” beams Stiefel.

Her vivid collection of flower paintings

from Italy was being displayed in Atlanta

during the annual house and garden tour

when Gainey saw them. He immediately

wanted to know who the artist was, and

on meeting Stiefel, he insisted that she

come and paint in his garden. They soon

became great friends and did many projects

together, including 12 paintings for

Gainey’s book, The Well-Set Table.

Stiefel’s admiration of architecture combines

with a lifelong connection to nature

and is complemented by her designer’s eye.

“I love to compose a painting. The placement

of shapes and colors, the addition of

pattern and textures, perhaps inspired by

a piece of music or a poem, and translating

this to the visual world,” says Stiefel

T h e U l T i m a T e S l e e p w e a r

1473 Hwy 64 W

Cashiers, NC

828-743-5900 • 828-380-0473

dflenz@nctv.com

Classic,

Elegant,

Traditional Luxury

in the Mountains

Lenz

& LuxuryGifts

Linens

Open Fri-Sat, 10-5pm

or by appointment

Personalized Perfection

with Every Detail

This is a place where holistic spa treatments energize mind

and body, a round of croquet ends with a celebratory toast,

and family members connect over culinary masterpieces. The

Chattooga Club is designed for you, from our attentive staff to

our newest club offerings—pickleball, glamping, and stretching.

Come see for yourself. EVERY DAY — ELEVATED.

ChattoogaClub.com | 828-743-3640


art seen

Karen and Tim Chambers

about her process. Her intuitive feeling

for design and the placement of geometric

forms led to Stiefel designing several wellknown

logos in Highlands, including the

book in the front of The Hudson Library

and the logo for the Highlands-Cashiers

Land Trust.

Stiefel’s list of achievements is long

and varied, and not over yet. She was a

chairperson for the Georgia Council of the

Arts, served on a Congressional Citizens

Advisory Committee on the Arts, sat on

the Georgia Panel of Information, and has

collaborated with art festivals, universities

and galleries on a myriad of artistic

ventures, including teaching.

Stiefel is currently working on a series of

paintings based on the theme of Threads,

Clockwise from top: “Temple in the Forest” acrylic on canvas; Highlands-Cashiers Chamber

Music painting; “The Red Sail Time” watercolor; Ryan Gainey’s garden, watercolor;


which brings her back to her quilting

days. This will be a part of the Bascom:

A Center for the Visual Arts’ September

2020 Pop Up Shop Series in the Greehey

Atrium and will celebrate their Craft-to-

Art Series: Fiber exhibition, which will be

on display in the Thompson Gallery at the

same time. The focus of her work will be

the relationship between humans and fabric

“as a vital part of life…in the physical,

decorative, and spiritual sense - the tie

that binds, the thread that goes through

the generations, weaving our own story

into the fabric of those past, and of those

yet to come,” Stiefel describes.

Showing no signs of slowing down,

Stiefel’s life is one long artistic endeavor

and exploration. She combines music,

experiences, poetry, and nature into her

creations – both highly designed and

loosely structured. “All of life is a sketch

to be rendered,” muses this fascinating

woman…and so she returns to her easel. P

Celebrating 32 Years in Highlands

SPOILED ROTTEN

Spoiled Rotten

Unique & Unusual Ladies’ Apparel & Accessories

Sportswear | Dressy | After Five | Shoes | Jewelry

Open 7 Days a Week

Monday-Saturday

10am - 6pm

Sunday

12noon - 6pm

Town Square, 343 Main Street • Highlands, NC

828.526.3608 • www.spoiledrotten2.com

BOUNDS CAVE’S RUG

GALLERY

RUG DEALER

A DIVERSE GALLERY WITH HANDMADE RUGS

FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

HANDMADE RUGS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

Full in-home Service

www.boundscaverugs.com

Store hours by appointment only

Above: “Homage to an Ancient Tradition”

acrylic on canvas; "America the Beautiful”

acrylic on canvas

763 Highway 107 South | Cashiers, NC | 828.743.5493

boundscave@aol.com

Also Serving upstate South Carolina


staff picks

How Mysterious

Curl up with a curious selection for spring

Tessa Arlen, Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders

Summer 1942. Poppy Redfern is Little Buffenden’s first Air Raid Precautions Warden. The Redfern

family house and land have been requisitioned by the War Office to build an airfield for the

American Air Force – which increases the chances that the small English village might become a

German bombing target. Shortly after the airfield opens, two young women dating American servicemen

are killed. Poppy decides to start her own investigation in which Americans and villagers

(many of whom wish the Americans never made an appearance) are suspects. Can Poppy find the

killer before another young woman, or even herself, pays the ultimate price? Fans of Susan Elia

MacNeal’s “Maggie Hope” mysteries will greatly enjoy this new series. It really is a smashing read!

–Chantal Wilson

Kiley Reid, Such a Fun Age

When a twenty-something Philadelphia babysitter, Emira Tucker, gets accused of kidnapping the

toddler of her wealthy white employer, Alix Chamberlain, a series of events unfolds that complicates

and reveals the intricacies of life's many relationships. Kiley Reid effortlessly packs a page’s worth

of detail into each sentence and her characters are vividly real. The novel, while set in 2015 with

references to many things specific to that period, has staying power via its long look at the ways in

which subtle racism filters through everyday life. With an omniscient third person narrator, we get to

investigate the minds and deepest inner thoughts of both Alix and Emira and witness the ways race,

class, privilege, age and all of life's various factors affect their lives and interactions with one another.

A deep and interesting story disguised as easy and entertaining makes this such a fun read.

–Morgan Ryan

Valerie Valdes, Chilling Effect

Eva Innocente is a hard talking, hard drinking, hard hitting, hard loving captain, and while she

frequently ends up in compromising situations, she has the brains and gusto to get out of them –

mostly. The Fridge (the big bad) kidnaps Eva’s sister, Mari, and blackmails her into doing odd jobs

for them. Space battles, psychic cats, deliveries and pickups gone bad, rogue religious conversions,

and declarations of war ensue. At one point in the story, there is a literal space opera. You’ll like

this book if you enjoy space exploration, complicated family dynamics and a love story on the side.

–Mahogany Skillings

Afia Atakora, Conjure Women

Afia Atakora deftly interweaves storylines from before, during and after the Civil War in an

independent and isolated settlement of former slaves. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Rue

is a midwife and healer in the community. When the community is tested by both outside and

inside forces, Rue must find a way to save them. “Conjure Women” is a compelling saga set in

the pre- and post- Civil War South centered around two strong healing women. The alternating

timelines will keep readers hooked and guessing. Recommended for fans of “Homegoing” and

“She Would Be King.”

– Megan Mathis


finance

Picking the Right

College

Provided by Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. and Justin A. Souma, CFP®, AAMS®

PHOTO COURTESY JUSTIN SOUMA

PICKING THE RIGHT COLLEGE IS POTENTIALLY ONE OF THE

biggest financial decisions in life. It’s particularly tough because the decision

ultimately is made by those who are just barely adults with only a fuzzy idea

of their career goals.

So how does a family figure out what’s

the best choice for a college-bound child?

The answer – fittingly for an educational

issue – is to do a lot of studying. There’s a

great deal of information available. Here

are some suggestions on what to consider:

Choosing the right major: Suppose

your child is considering either social sciences

or economics. Would knowing that

the former’s highest salaries peak out at

about $69,000 vs. $108,000 for the latter

affect the choice of majors?

You can find details on the

earnings for a wide range of

majors in a report entitled

“What’s It Worth? The Economic

Value of College Majors”

put out by Georgetown

University and available

online as a PDF.

Next, determine which

schools excel in offering the

majors which most interest your child. If a

college doesn’t offer a major in which your

child is interested, it may not make sense

to go there if that’s what your child wants

to study. It’s not usually such a cut-anddry

decision, of course, and many students

change their majors during college. Still, it’s

good to have a general idea of how well a

school’s strengths match up with your student’s

career goals.

Keep prestige in perspective: For

many schools, their reputation is better

known regionally than nationally. If the

child graduates and moves across country

seeking work, the “prestige” factor may not

be helpful. On the other hand, some colleges

have brand names that will open doors

for your child for a lifetime. And many of

them have strong alumni networks and a

stellar campus career services center that

can make all the difference when it comes

to finding a great position.

Ask about graduation rates: It’s one

thing to get into a school. It’s another to

graduate in a timely fashion. Graduation

rates vary greatly among institutions.

Schools report what percentage of their

students graduate in four years. The best

rates are in the 90 percent range, but

many schools report four-year graduation

rates as low as 50 percent.

Campus visit: Finally,

don’t forget to visit the campus

of your child’s top college

choices. A first choice

based on research may be

upended by a visit to several

different schools. Factors

such as culture, personality

of the student and faculty

bodies and campus amenities

are much easier to evaluate in person

and oftentimes are as critical to a good experience

as factors such as a good ranking.

The bottom line is that there are many elements

of picking the right school with your

child. Starting early, spending time on researching

the possibilities and considering

your child’s individual characteristics will

help make sure this significant investment

will pay dividends for many years.

This article is provided by Justin Souma, a financial advisor at

Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. in Highlands, NC, and was prepared

by or in cooperation with Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. The information

included in this article is not intended to be used as the

primary basis for making investment decisions nor should it be

construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security.

Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. does not endorse this organization or

publication. Consult your investment professional for additional

information and guidance. Benjamin F. Edwards does not provide

tax or legal advice.

Benjamin F. Edwards & Co., Member SIPC and FINRA

AG | B.B. Dakota | Citizens of Humanity | Diba | Free People | Hudson

Joe’s | Matisse | Michael Stars | Mother | THML | Z Supply

355 Main Street, Highlands NC | 828-526-4660

In Business

for 34

Seasons!

Highlands

Highlands is calling...

THE BEST RENTAL SOURCE IN HIGHLANDS

Chambers 828-526-3717 | www.highlandsiscalling.com Realty

& Vacation Rentals

THE BEST RENTAL SOURCE IN HIGHLANDS

The longer you stay, the less you’ll pay. Contact us direct for the best guaranteed rate.

828-526-3717 | www.highlandsiscalling.com

is calling...

THE BEST

RENTAL SOURCE

IN HIGHLANDS

The longer you stay, the less you’ll pay.

Contact us direct for the best guaranteed rate.

Chambers Realty

& Vacation Rentals

The longer you stay, the less you’ll pay. Contact us direct for the best guaranteed rate.

REPRESENTING BUYERS AND SELLERS SINCE 1941

• See Homes • Check Availability • Book Online: info@highlandsiscalling.com

828-526-3717 | www.highlandsiscalling.com


• See Homes • Check Availability • Book Online: info@highlandsiscalling.com


We can help you turn your vacation into a forever home.

812528

812528


history

Gertrude McKee, 1885-1948

was president of her class at the Peace

Institute in Raleigh, NC. She graduated

at 24 years old with First Honors after

which she became a teacher at the Dillsboro

Graded School. Eight years later,

a courtship developed between her and

a local civic leader and widower from

the county seat of Webster in Jackson

County, Ernest Lyndon McKee, Sr. Lyndon

was 14 years older than she when

they married in 1913. He was already

established as a successful local businessman

running a tanning company,

a lumber supply company, the Dillsboro

and Sylva Electric Company and was

a vice-president of a bank. In 1922, he

purchased the lands of the Wade Hampton

III heirs in Cashiers, NC, expanding

it with a golf course and new hotel called

the High Hampton Inn.

Lyndon gave Gertrude the freedom to

make her own way and best fulfill her

life ambitions. She started out serving

on various local committees and soon became

an officer and president of multiple

local and statewide organizations such

as the Southeastern Council of the General

Federation of Woman’s Club and the

NC Division of the United Daughters of

the Confederacy. In November of 1926,

as President of the Southeastern Council

of the General Federation of Woman’s

Meeting of two of America’s

most interesting women,

Senator Gertrude McKee and

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

Western North

Carolina’s First

Lady

BORN AND RAISED IN THE

mountains of Western North

Carolina in the northern

section of Jackson County in

the tiny town of Dillsboro,

Gertrude Dills McKee was a natural-born

leader. Her father was William Allen Dills,

the founder of Dillsboro and a member of

the North Carolina General Assembly.

Gertrude was the second of three

daughters of William and Alice Enloe

Dills, Minnie, Gertrude and Beulah. She

Gertrude Dills McKee

By CAROL M. BRYSON, Author and Historian

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCKEE’S GRANDDAUGHTER, ANN MCKEE AUSTIN OF CASHIERS, NC


Club, she introduced an adopted resolution

in favor of establishing the Great

Smoky Mountains National Park.

She was also a member of the State

Board of Education and served on a

commission to consolidate three NC colleges,

including the Western Carolina

Teachers College, now known as Western

Carolina University. A building on

the WCU campus was named for her.

Later she received an honorary doctorate

degree from the Woman’s College of

the University of North Carolina, now

known as UNC in Greensboro, NC.

Gertrude’s most notable achievement

was being nominated by the North Carolina

Democratic Party to run for state

senator. She was elected with a high

majority vote in 1930. It had only been

ten years since women had been given

the Right-to-Vote in America. Her major

concerns centered on extending the

number of years required for children’s

education from a 6th grade education to

an 8th grade education. She led efforts

to control the practice of using child labor

in manufacturing plants, making it

a law that the child had to be at least

16. She sought to bring about welfare

programs to help the poor in their later

years by being an advocate of creating a

Social Security program. She had firm

beliefs against the use of alcoholic beverages

and argued taxation issues. Being

the only woman among prominent male

legislators, Gert learned quickly that

she had to become a good orator in order

to make a stand on her issues.

Her wit and charm was compounded

by her womanly graciousness and intellect.

Outgoing and chatty, she befriended

anyone she met with her smile and unselfishness.

She felt a keen sense of duty

of all the citizens of North Carolina and

was re-elected to serve for three more

terms. Just 25 days after being elected

for her 4th term in 1948, she died from

a heart attack in her home in Sylva and

was buried in the Keener Cemetery. She

was only 63 years old.

When Gertrude was asked what she

was most proud of, her response was

that in spite of “all of these outside duties,

she brought up three fine mountain

boys and made a comfortable home for

them and their father.”

Something for Everyone...

A Family Friendly Outfitter

with Professional Staff.

28 years as a leading

outfitter in Western

North Carolina.

Canoeing | Kayaking | Tubing | Fly-Fishing | Guided Trips | Gear

Located at the confluence of the French Broad River in Rosman, NC at Hwy. 64 and 215.

(10 minutes from Brevard, 45 minutes from Asheville and Highlands.)

828-877-3106 | headwatersoutfitters.com


history

XIX Amendment

Cashiers Centennial

Celebration

Tie a tri-colored ribbon around your hat and ready your sash,

Cashiers has prepared a five-month long suffrage celebration.

By KAT FORD

IN 1872 SUSAN B. ANTHONY ILLEGALLY VOTED IN THE PRESIDENTIAL

election. She was arrested for her crime and fined $100, which she never paid. It

would take nearly 50 years for Anthony’s efforts to pay off, 14 years after her

death. Passed by Congress on June 4, 1919 and ratified on August 18, 1920, with

the state of Tennessee tipping the scale and casting the final two-thirds vote

needed for ratification, the 19th Amendment reads:

“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall

not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any

state on account of sex. Congress shall have power to

enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”

In July, attend Winning Votes for Women

at the Country Club of Sapphire Valley.

This luncheon will include a performance by

Leslie Goddard, award-winning actress and

historian, who channels Alice Paul. A leader

of the women’s suffrage movement, Paul

helped organize the parade of women that

marched up Pennsylvania Avenue to coincide

with Woodrow Wilson’s presidential

inauguration, making national headlines.

On the 23rd join the ACCL for the documentary

By One Vote – Woman Suffrage in

the South. On the 31st, the CETF-VC will

present Cornelia Powell at the ACCL. A

noted fashion historian, Cornelia will lead a

discussion on How Women Used Fashion to

Reshape History and Win the Right to Vote.

Seamstress Barbara Short works

on the hundreds of sashes she

created for the 2020 celebration.

The XIX Amendment Cashiers Centennial

Celebration will be a season-long event commemorating

women’s right to vote. These

events are for all ages and meant to educate,

entertain, and inform attendees about the

long and struggled path to full citizenship for

women. This initiative of the Cultural Enrichment

Task Force, Vision Cashiers (CETF-VC),

is intended to inspire modern civic responsibility

and engagement. The event schedule

has a full line up and to read through the list

of activities is to desire one’s own suffragette

sash- which luckily for the plateau, will be

available.

Festivities started with essay and art

contests at Blue Ridge School and Summit

Charter School in the spring. Juniors and

seniors at Blue Ridge Early College entered

a research contest which promotes civics

in a big way, winners receive a three dayall

expense paid trip to Washington DC. In

May, The Cashiers Historical Society (CHS)

will team with Western Carolina University

(WCU) and present a multi-month exhibition

titled Votes for Women: The Struggle

for Political Equality. June is action-packed

with the movie Suffragette playing at the

Albert Carlton Community Library (ACCL)

and the annual CHS’s Jan Wyatt Symposium,

with a 2020 theme of A National Milestone

with a Mountain View: 100 Years of

Women’s Suffrage in North Carolina. June

also kicks off a three-part Mountain Heritage

Lecture Series at CHS, lasting through

August. The series boasts subjects like

Bloomers and Bicycles, Suffrage Tea, and

the guaranteed to be inspiring roundtable

discussion, All About That Important First

Vote, with personal stories from women of

different ages.

In August the ACCL presents Ken Burns’

documentary Not for Ourselves Alone. On

August 22nd, there will be a celebration

at the Community Events Center in the

Cashiers Village Green. The Grand Centennial

Celebration will include a parade,

an exhibit on female trailblazers in NC,

booths for the Macon County Women’s History

Trail and the League of Women Voters,

and other family fun activities. At center

stage, this afternoon affair will offer Failure

Is Impossible by Roadworks, featuring

WCU’s School of Fine and Performing Arts.

Ann Van Curen will portray Gertrude Weil,

North Carolina’s leading suffragist, talking

with attendees about the challenges faced in

pursuit for the legal right to vote.

Throughout the season, these events will

offer an incredible in-depth historical look

at the journey it took for women to enjoy

full citizenship. This is guaranteed to be an

exciting five months for those who enjoy civics,

history, fashion, and freedom of speech.

For us to celebrate it today, it had to be

rallied, picketed and petitioned over many

yesterdays. P

PHOTO ANN MCKEE AUSTIN


PHOTO COURTESY BUDDY HUTTANUS

Celebrating

Strong Moms

Eight years of training elite female athletes proves what

research shows – exercise benefits pregnant mothers

2020 IS COINED THE YEAR

of the Woman, and female athletes

are part of the movement. While

women have been breaking

barriers on and off the field for

years, until recently, many professional

athletes thought that they had to put their

career on hold to have a family. Science

simply does not support the myth that

healthy women should not workout before,

during, and after pregnancy. Women’s

bodies are resilient and capable of high

performance even after such a significant

life event.

My career has been shaped by working

with elite female athletes over the

By BUDDY HUTTANUS

Buddy celebrating the USWNT’s

fourth FIFA World Cup win last

summer in Lyon, France

last eight years, helping them physically

prepare their body for what their sport demands.

Most recently, I was lucky enough

to be part of the United States Women’s

National Soccer Team (USWNT) during

their journey to their fourth World Cup

victory. Many of the former and current

players on the USWNT are mothers - continuing

to perform at the highest level.

Within my role, being able to understand

what pre and postnatal athletes need is

imperative. While all mothers may not be

elite athletes, they still have to perform

in a variety of ways on a day-to-day basis,

much like an elite athlete. Research indicates

that creating a healthy plan to stay

local chatter

active during the prenatal period, as well

as a return-to-activity plan during the

postnatal period, has immense benefits

for the mental and physical health of new

mothers.

Historically, strict guidelines were established

for expectant mothers; however,

as evidence for the benefits of exercise during

and after pregnancy grew, these guidelines

changed. The American College of

Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

has been a leader for establishing these

guidelines and refers to the latest research

available. Recent scientific evidence supports

the positive effect exercise can have

during the pre and postnatal periods.

Research has shown that mothers to be

who exercise can have: (a) reduced risk of

gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and

cesarean delivery, (b) healthy weight gain

during pregnancy, (c) improved overall fitness,

and (d) shortened recovery time from

pregnancy. With a variety of benefits, here

are a few tips to help expectant mothers

start a healthy and safe exercise routine

while pregnant and after.

First, establish a routine that is efficient

and can be easily accomplished.

ACOG guidelines recommend 150 minutes

per week of moderate-intensity

exercise during pregnancy. This time

commitment may seem like an unreachable

task during a hectic week. However,

setting aside short 20-30 minute sessions

five to six days per week- consistently, can

build a great foundation for fitness. Also,

if finding time is a persistent problem,

look to add shortened workouts of 10 to

15-minute blocks multiple times throughout

the day. These workouts can serve as

a quick work break, build fitness, and create

healthy habits. Next, prioritize what

exercises are the most important. During

the pre and postnatal periods, building

strength in core and pelvic floor muscles

is extremely important for labor, delivery

and recovery. Expectant mothers should

engage in core stabilization, specifically

working the transverse abdominis while

also focusing on the pelvic floor. These

muscle groups are a good starting point

for a prenatal exercise program. As postpartum

begins, every woman will have a

different level of base fitness. Therefore,

it is best to consult your primary care

physician prior to beginning any new fitness

regime. P


newsmaker

The Sisterhood

Killer Bees Honey thrives on the plateau

By MANDY MURRY » Photos by SEAN COLLINSWORTH

One of dozens of spring

rainbows over the

Pisgah Forest apiary

FIERCELY FEMININE, THE

story of the honey bee is a

Shakespearean tango that

must play on to protect

the forest surrounding us.

When Denise and Sean of Killer Bees

Honey started beekeeping high on the

mountain above Lake Toxaway, the goal

was to do their part for the 5-mile radius

environment surrounding them, not work

after retirement.


The bee, one of the hottest, most celebrated

insects of today, may “bee” due

to one of its many alluring qualities. As

pollinators, bees work together, with a

“one for all and all for one” community,

they all know their job and stick to their

task. Bees know their purpose and do

not stray away or shrink from fulfilling it.

And of course, there is the Queen Bee, the

prominent figure of the hive that knows

all tells all and demands respect. But

let’s not forget that while the Queen bee

rules the roost, she and her hive maintain

forest growth and, in some aspect,

human evolution.

Killer Bees Honey was named and

inspired by The Queen Bee herself.

Everything from the logo to their story

resembles a World War II pin-up model of

strength, courage, and if I can be brutally

honest, badassery. The idea of the branding

is to resemble what you may have seen

FireMoss Pottery

and Ceramic Art

painted on a B-25J Aircraft T buzzing

around during the war, “a beautiful, sexy

bee that speaks- ‘don’t mess with her,’” as

Sean stated during a sit-down conversation

at the hive. As the queen bee is the

Elegantly decorated

two bedroom homes with

baddest, most respected in the hive, the Elegantly

open loft bedroom.

Spacious great room with

honey produced at Killer Bees commands decorated cathedral ceiling, fireplace two

and dining area. Furnished kitchen

the same.

bedroom with adjoining laundry homes room. with open loft

Having kept bees since the age of 12,

Two full baths, sunroom with wrap

bedroom. around deck, gazebo Spacious and grill. great room

Sean knows a thing or two about the

dance between mother nature and the with www.pebble-creek.com cathedral ceiling, fireplace

828.743.0623

bees. On the tour, you will learn about and Cashiers dining | North Carolina area. Furnished kitchen

the bee waggle dance and how these intricate

creatures know where to travel

with adjoining laundry room.

Elegantly decorated

two bedroom

to

homes with Two full Elegantly baths, decorated sunroom with wrap

and from to collect the pollen that open produces

their honey. It truly is a fascinat-

cathedral ceiling, fireplace

loft bedroom. two bedroom homes with

Spacious great room with around deck, gazebo and grill.

open loft bedroom.

ing art form of communication that

and

has

dining area. Furnished kitchen Spacious great room with


evolved over 100 million years. Denise

cathedral ceiling, fireplace


around deck, gazebo and grill. and dining area. Furnished kitchen

and Sean share the drama of the killer


bees- not the actual African killer bee, www.pebble-creek.com

as


828.743.0623

their honey bee varietals are Italian and

German- but the life inside and outside

the hive.

Beauty, another of the honey bee

qualities, most likely is centered around

the predominantly female-driven society.

Drones, or male bees, have one purpose,

they are there to mate with the queen,

and in the process lose their life- I won’t

spoil parts of the tour and conversation

that are entertaining and eye-opening all

at once. Inside the hive, the worker bees

are female, there to protect their queen

and do as their queen cries- she actually

has a song.

During a tour at Killer Bees Honey,

you will learn fascinating bee facts, get

to put on a bee suit and see the bees, as

well as taste the honey and take home

your very own souvenir jar of the melt-inyour-mouth

creation. The honey itself is

special due to how the bees are kept.

Most beekeepers in the United States,

move their bees around from location to

location to pollinate. Bees work 24/7, and

the movement from place to place can be

daunting. Bees were meant to stay in one

place according to Sean. The resident

bees of Killer Bees Honey are well taken

care of and remain in one location. Denise

and Sean believe in protecting the environment

and have chosen not to use pesticides

or chemicals to kill off mites that

are harming the bee population around

the globe. Here, they are using a natural,

time-consuming process to keep the bees

safe and the honey as natural as possible.

Cashiers | North Carolina around deck, gazebo and grill.

www.pebble-creek.com

828.743.0623

Cashiers | North Carolina

Come visit Peak Experience for fine

American handcrafts, including

jewelry, pottery and great gifts!

May 1st - December 1st

Thursday - Monday 10-4pm

All other hours and dates are

by Appointment only.

107 Lance Road, Cashiers NC

239-331-0054

2820 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC | 828-526-0229 | Call for Spring Hours.

Wednesday - Saturday

11 am to 5 pm

44 Village Walk Way

Cashiers, NC

828.743.6267


And, they have the product to prove it.

Their website claims the honey pure,

natural, unfiltered and of course....uncensored!

But more than that, they have

their honey tested to back up their claims

and post the analysis of each batch online.

Every Killer Bees Honey harvest has its

pollen traced by Dr. Vaughn M. Bryant,

Director of the Palynology Lab at Texas

A&M University. Pollen tracing is a quantifiable

method used to detect the bee’s

floral source. Each batch is also tested for

purity of content by Intertek in Germany

or NMR spectroscopy at Sweetwater Science

Labs in the USA.

Killer Bees Honey harvests honey only

when the bees have produced enough that the

bees will not starve during the winter. The

care and passion they have placed on their

buzzing residents are commendable, and why

their top-shelf honey is worth every penny.

Now for the good part - the honey. As we

sat around the kitchen table talking all

things bees, Denise and Sean so kindly

shared their 2019 honey harvest of Wickedly

Whipped, Appalachian Wildflower,

and Sourwood Blonde (their premier honey).

Their whipped honey resembles a perfected

cream cheese frosting, that could accompany

a scone, carrot cake, or simply a bite

all on its own. Each of their kinds of honey

was full-bodied and completely mesmerizing

in the flavor profile. The Sourwood had

notes of buttery caramel and may in fact be

a perfect complement to a bourbon cocktail.

Tours at Killer Bees Honey run May

PHOTOS SEAN COLLINSWORTH


Wickedly Whipped

Wildflower

A pollen packed, thick and

creamy honey, rich with taste

and nutrition.

Killer Bees

Sourwood Honey

A raw, micro-batch honey

with an unusually high

94% (True Nectar Value)

concentration of sourwood nectar.

HONEY SENSORY TASTING PHOTO DENISE ALTAY

through August on Fridays and Saturday

for the 2020 season. Private tours are

available for up to 6 people and best to call

for reservations. Honey and champagne

tastings are available year-round. P

(clockwise) Co-owner Denise Altay holding a

frame full of capped honey; Dawn over the

Killer Bees Honey apiary; Honey sensory tasting

with champagne; Tour guests about to inspect

hives with the beekeeper; Sunset over the Killer

Bees Honey mountain apiary

Body Product Line

Includes organic body wash made of

saponified olive, coconut, jojoba and

avocado; all-natural, heavy moisturizer,

and a gentle, moisturizing,

bar soap for body and face.


conservation

Preserving Beauty

The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust’s public hiking destinations

Designer Showhouse

By ALLISON BOLT

Sunset Rock

Overlooking

Highlands

THE HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS

Land Trust (HCLT) is a

non-profit organization that

currently conserves over

3,400 acres of valuable land

resources across Macon and Jackson

counties. It is the oldest land trust in North

Carolina, one of the oldest in the United

States, and it is the organization behind

the conservation of some of the plateau’s

most cherished hiking spots and vistas.

The HCLT’s mission is to conserve valuable

land resources for all generations. The

organization has upheld its promise to protect

these mountains for over 100 years,

providing clean air and water, scenic views

and hiking trails so that everyone who lives

on or visits the plateau can enjoy a healthy

habitat. Their efforts have protected species

such as bears, salamanders, trout and

more while also preserving the old-growth

forests, the purity of watersheds, granitic

domes and biological diversity.

As a non-profit, the HCLT relies on the

support of the community to help them

with their conservation efforts. The organization

has nine properties that are open to

the public. Julie Schott, HCLT Development

Director, calls these public access

properties “land ambassadors” because

Schott says if the public “enjoys the places

we conserve, we believe they will fall in

love with them and want to protect them.”

Satulah Mountain Preserve

(3 miles - difficult)

Protected: rare and endemic species

It all started in 1909 when members of

the town of Highlands banded together

and raised $500 to purchase 56 acres on

Satulah Mountain in order to save it from

the construction of a hotel. The goal was

to preserve the summit in its natural

state as a public park for the community.

A small stone shelter was constructed for

overnight hikers, later Satulah housed a

U.S. Forest Service fire tower and cottage.

Today, the Satulah Mountain Preserve is

home to a three-mile hike for experienced

hikers with the remains of the stone shelter

and a 270-degree vista that overlooks North

Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

Ravenel Park

(1.1 miles - moderate)

Protected: rare high elevation

granitic dome and unusual plants

Ravenel Park, home to Sunset and Sunrise

Rocks, was the second property conserved

by the organization that would later become

the HCLT. In 1914, the children

of S.P. and Marguerite Ravenel donated

their family’s land as a public park in their

parents’ honor.

Today, you can walk or drive up the road

that leads to the top. Sunset and Sunrise

Rocks are on opposite sides of the moun-

PHOTO KEVIN FITZPATRICK


tain with Sunset overlooking the town of

Highlands and Satulah Mountain while

Sunrise offers a view of Horse Cove.

Brushy Face Preserve

(1.2 miles - moderate)

Protected: old growth forest,

headwaters of Clear Creek

The HCLT’s newest public property

is called Brushy Face Preserve, which

opened in 2016. The property was slated to

become a residential community until ten

local families came together with HCLT

and transformed it into a nature preserve.

The entire project was built by the hands

of community trail volunteers under the

leadership of AmeriCorps Members. The

trails are still expanding and will include

over two miles of hiking once the new loop

is finished, with more still to come.

Kelsey Trail Preserve

(1 mile - moderate)

Rhododendron Park

(.6 miles - hard)

Protected: old growth forest,

watershed for Mill Creek

The HCLT has multiple other hiking properties

and vistas, preserved to be enjoyed

by - and thanks to the community. The

Pittillo Family Nature Preserve is possible

because Dr. Dan Pittillo, a former

Satulah Fire Lookout_1916

Forest History Service

Kelsey Trail

Western Carolina University botanist,

protected his property by a conservation

easement. His property is now open to the

public to enjoy the volunteer-built trails

and Nodding Trillium, a native wildflower

garden. The Kelsey Trail Preserve, which

connects with Rhododendron Park, was a

historic ox cart trail that used to lead from

Highlands to Whiteside Mountain. It is

now used by locals and visitors alike as a

favorite hiking spot near town. The Dixon

Woods trail offers a mostly flat hike that

includes views of a now preserved forest,

pond and seepage wetlands.

The HCLT is also responsible for the

treasured vista where the public can view

the grandeur of the mountains, including

Big View, a popular spot to see the “Shadow

of the Bear,” near Whiteside Mountain.

The Land Trust also conserves a native

wildflower meadow in Cashiers called Mc-

Kinney Meadow.

Highlands and Cashiers are home to

many forests, vistas, trails, waterfalls and

wildlife that the community holds dear.

The HCLT is behind the conservation of

many of these cherished natural wonders.

It bears all the costs of maintaining these

places for the public to enjoy year-round.

Thanks to the first plateau community

who saved Satulah from the construction

of a hotel, the HCLT is conserving these

mountains with the help of the current

community for generations to come. P

Pondering Posterity?

Consider permanently

protecting your land with the

Highlands-Cashers Land Trust

4 reasons to place your land

in conservation with HCLT:

Protect Habitats:

fish, wildlife, or plant

Protect Open Space:

farm and forest land

Protect History:

important land or buildings

PHOTOS HIGHLANDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Public Use:

outdoor recreation or education

HCLT conservation easement benefits:

Landowner retains ownership

of their land

The land is conserved forever

Landowner receives a federal

tax deduction

Property taxes are reduced

For more information

call 828-526-1111


health

Empathy in

Awareness

The complexity and nuances of autism

make knowledge all the more critical

Demetrius Strickland (lower

right) and his friend Will

Mcleod at the annual

Autism Society of NC's 5k

wncrunwalkforautism.com

by a set of behaviors that can compromise

or challenge social interaction, communication,

verbal expression, and management

of emotions to varying degrees. Indeed, it is

defined now as a “spectrum condition” because

the behaviors manifest on a spectrum

of severity. Some people with ASD learn

differently; some need a lot of help in their

daily lives; others less.

Currently, about 1 in 59 children is identified

with ASD, according to estimates from

the Center for Disease Control’s Autism

and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring

Network, up from 1 in 150 in 2000. More

than 3.5 million people in the US live with

the disorder, which, in spite of its widespread

impact, is still little understood.

One thing, however, is clear: Autism

affects people in dramatically different

ways, and part of the awareness of the

disorder is awareness of its nuance.

“Being a spectrum, there are plenty of

people with autism who you would never

be aware have autism at all,” said Michael

LePage, western regional director of the

Autism Society of North Carolina, which

provides services to some 20,000 individuals

with autism, including Sarah. “It is a

very diverse group of people, and an interesting

group of people,” LePage said.

By SYBIL FIX

SARAH CALDWELL WAS

TEN years old, a student in the

fourth grade in Fairview, NC,

when she was diagnosed with

autism. An otherwise happy and

intelligent child, she struggled to express her

feelings without a rush of anxiety, words and

emotions tripping her up and stealing her

calm away.

She began receiving help to cope with

anxiety, to manage and give order to her

thoughts, to stay on topic and on schedule,

and to express her feelings in a modulated

give-and-take. Over the years, this help

has allowed Sarah, now 19, to be highfunctioning

both in her inner life and activities;

to graduate from high school and

to harness her talents as a writer, budding

screenplay director, and a horse-rider.

On occasion of Autism Awareness

Month, Sarah has a special message for us

all: that autism does not define her as a

human being, nor represent a beginning or

an end to anything else that she is.

“Just because you have autism doesn’t

mean you can’t do great things,” she said.

“Just because I have autism, that does not

mean I am not awesome.”

Awareness Is Knowledge

Autism awareness is an effort to promote

acceptance and understanding of autism as

well as to further the support of people with

autism through services and programs to

better their functioning and lives.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong

developmental disability that normally

manifests during childhood and is identified

Christopher Reagan (center) and his

friends Kathleen Pullicin (left) and Hannah

Pinkerton (right) participating in The Autism

Society of NC's weekly Run/Walk group.

Services Change Everything

Because autism affects people for a lifetime,

early diagnosis and proper treatment

can greatly improve the quality of

life of individuals affected by it. Early intervention

services can positively change

the development of a child with autism;

hence, access to services is essential as

is continued research into the disorder,

said Jody Miller, community engagement

coordinator for the Region A Partnership

for Children and the Family Support Network

of Region A, in Sylva.

Miller provides support—in many

forms—to individuals and families rais-

PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION OF THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF NC


Sarah Caldwell dressing

as a princess at Autism

Society of NC's Autism

Appreciation event.

see,” Miller said. “With parents who may

have a child with autism, it is important to

get an evaluation and a diagnosis to figure

out the path. It’s important to identify, so

they can get the help they need to make it

through life, to go to school, to go to college

possibly, to succeed in life, to contribute.”

PHOTO ARIA VINK

ing children with a special need, be it

psychological, medical, or familial. She

works and has worked with hundreds of

individuals with autism and stresses the

importance of not judging people with autism—parents

or individuals.

Both school services and employment services,

specifically targeted to function level,

and possibly lasting a lifetime, are fundamental

to maximize the potential and the

wellbeing of those with autism, said Miller.

“Everyone with autism is going to present

in a different way. Sometimes it can

be something that you can’t really even

Routine and Community

The Autism Society of North Carolina

helps match families of individuals with

autism with available treatment services;

it also provides activities to bring

together individuals with autism among

themselves as well as the community at

large. LePage said it’s essential to ensure

continued structure and routine to adults

with autism who were accustomed to and

benefited from those elements during their

school years. Weekly running and walking

groups, for example, and cookouts and bowling—activities

in which Sarah partakes

enthusiastically. There are programs linking

individuals with autism to potential

employers in their communities, as well as

a social network group, Autistics United,

that is run by individuals with autism.

Sarah works five days a week with staff

care professional Debbi Mathis on such

skills as coping with anxiety, managing

conversations in a more orderly manner,

and scheduling. This help has allowed her

to graduate from the Franklin School of

Innovation in Asheville, to excel as a budding

playwright and play director, and to

shine as a volunteer storytime leader for

pre-school children at the library. Now,

her immediate goal is to get a job to afford

her own horse—she has been a rider since

childhood. But Sarah has a flair for drama

and a pronounced funny streak; she loves

stories, puppets, playacting, TV shows.

Who knows where her future will take her.

“I can see her being on a team that

writes sitcoms,” said Mathis. “She comes

up with things that are hilarious and that

no one else would think of.”

Perhaps one of the greatest goals of Autism

Awareness Month is to aspire to a

more compassionate, inclusive society less

inclined to prejudge someone who is “different,”

said LePage. “Everyone has something

to contribute, so if you see someone

who is learning differently or processing information

differently, let them do that … Be

aware that everyone is different, and every

person with autism is a unique person.” P


Blending Art

with Community

How a lifelong love for the visual arts is leading Highlands’ The

Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts—and its community—forward


By CHRISTA MILLER

The Bascom

partners with

non-profits in

Jackson and Macon

counties as part of

their community

outreach

programming.

An aerial view of The

Bascom’s six-acre campus

SINCE 1983, HIGHLANDS,

NC's The Bascom: A Center

for the Visual Arts has been

foundational to local and regional

art and artists. Exhibitions,

workshops, community events, and a

permanent art collection have seen the

independent nonprofit through substantial

change, including the 2009 opening of its

six-acre "green" campus. Entering the

new decade, a brand-new strategic plan is

being implemented, helmed by Executive

Director Teresa Osborn.

A Love for the Arts and Community

Osborn’s path to The Bascom began in

Duluth, GA, where a lifelong love for the

visual and performing arts led her to the

Jacqueline Casey Hudgens Center for Art

and Learning. Volunteering there led first

to a leadership role as president of the organization’s

new guild; then, ultimately, to

the position of executive director.

After its previous director’s departure,

Osborn shepherded the Hudgens through a

successful turnaround. She wasn’t looking

for a new role when a recruiter contacted

her about The Bascom, but The Bascom

had something the Hudgens didn’t: a location

in the mountains, where Osborn and

her husband had always wanted to live.

Osborn was already familiar with The

Bascom. She and her family had visited the

center in 2012 after board members came back

from its grand opening with printed materials

that impressed her. Three years later, Osborn

joined The Bascom’s staff as executive director.

Born in Wilmington, NC, Osborn said

the plateau has “absolutely” delivered on—

even exceeded—her expectations. “My

family loves the solitude in the mountains,

the majesty,” she said. “I love the stillness

and the quiet. You walk out and it’s breathtaking.

It’s what brings us all here.”

“Us” includes the number of transplants

to the plateau who have “chosen to be here

because they love it,” Osborn said. What she

loves most: what she calls “this extraordinary

convergence of different people”—the

blend of new arrivals with families who

have lived in the area for generations. Their

commitment to the community, she said, is

“what allows The Bascom to be here.”

Strategic planning for the

future of plateau art

Helping to guide The Bascom into the

PHOTOS ANNA NORTON, KEN ABBOTT

PHOTO COURTESY TERESA OSBORN

Teresa Osborn

Executive Director,

The Bascom

» Birthplace: Wilmington, NC

» Family: Husband, Jim;

children, son Michael (and wife

Katie) daughter Catherine

live in Atlanta and visit as

often as they can

» Education: University of Georgia,

BA, double major in English

and Political Science

Vanderbilt University,

PhD, Political Science

» Hobbies: Visiting museums,

watching British TV shows,

cooking, reading, spending

time with family


Children explore

creative concepts

in the Trail Level

Youth Studio

The Bascom’s board and

staff spent all of 2019

researching and drafting

their new strategic plan.

doing some of these things, just on a small

scale,” Osborn explained.

A new Science, Technology, Engineering,

Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) program

is already being designed in partnership with

Macon County, NC schools, where students are

studying the science of nearby streams. By including

digital photography and even a pottery

class with their academic studies, the students

will learn key 21st century skills while working

within their common core curriculum.

The Bascom’s ambitious programming

strategy extends well beyond the schools

and into the community. Over the next five

years, workforce development and social

enterprise programs will be developed, too.

In May, The Bascom will unveil a teacher

professional development program complete

with continuing education credits,

which Osborn said is a challenge for teachers

in rural western North Carolina. Two

workshop intensives in a grant-funded pilot

project will teach how to use art across

history, science, math, and English, “not

just art in art classes,” said Osborn.

Additionally, a social-enterprise program

will help the artists in the region who want

to make a living from their arts and crafts.

Although this is likely to take another year

or two to implement, Osborn said the main

idea is to help artists learn how to market

their art businesses.

These outcomes help to demonstrate why

the DeVos Institute chose The Bascom as

one of only five rural arts organizations in

the nation to assist.

future is the Strategic Planning and Research

Initiative, a program of the prestigious

DeVos Institute of Arts Management

at the University of Maryland. Its in-depth

process encompassed a mix of surveys, interviews,

and other research.

“As a small staff, we didn’t have the

dedicated resources to drill down to that

level,” said Osborn. “So they brought to

us, for our consideration, the data on this

region. What are [its] needs? What are [its]

challenges?”

Among them: education and workforce

development. “We are two hours away from

a major metropolitan area,” Osborn explained,

“and we don’t have the resources

for our children or our adults that we would

have if we lived in Asheville [NC] or Atlanta

[GA] or Birmingham [AL].”

This was the information The Bascom’s

board and staff needed to dream big. Looking

at how the arts could make a positive impact

on the community, board and staff members

explored some paths they hadn’t previously

considered—with a surprising discovery. “We

realized that in some ways, we were already

A Blueprint for the Future

Osborn’s personal experiences have taught

her to be unafraid of change. “When you

come out [of it], you’re going to come out

stronger and better,” she explained, adding

that a successful strategic plan involves

board, staff, and in this case, also community

input. “I think in the end, that’s

why we’re here—how to… have the most

impact on the community… that’s what

The Bascom is about,” she said.

“We intend for this organization to be

here for a long, long time—generations. This

strategic plan is equipping the organization

[with] the tools and a blueprint [that are] not

dependent on me or the board or the staff

that are here, [but that are] for the future.

I’m most proud that we are really poised for

the future to be strong and vibrant and vital

and relevant to this region for decades.” P

PHOTOS BILLY LOVE


showhouse home garden fashion

Running

Free

Silver Run Reserve’s

pristine waters and rolling

hills set the backdrop

for 2020’s Cashiers

Historical Society’s

Designer Showhouse.

PHOTO LIZ HARRIS


showhouse

Man and his best friend

immersed in the nature

of Silver Run Reserve.

A House That Builds We

Part two of Plateau Magazine’s three-part series braids the past and future of the

2020 Designer Showhouse

By KAT FORD

In the 1930s, James E. Warren

decided to purchase a 300-acre

tract off Whiteside Cove Road in

Cashiers, NC and built a small

picnic cabin as a getaway. This

retreat was never meant to be a summer

home. He constructed a bigger house on ten

acres next to Cashiers Lake, which he used

as his main vacation home to escape the hot

Atlanta summers. As time passed and the

larger house on Cashiers Lake eventually

sold, four heirs of James E. Warren became

the stewards of the 300-acre paradise

on Whiteside Cove. One wanted a view,

another a horse pasture, one desired to

restore the small chestnut log cabin and

start a family with his wife. Like so many

others who have blessed future generations,

the Warren family put 134 acres of common

land into a conservation easement with the

Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust to protect

the beautiful ridges contained within the

property. History has a way of winking

back at us. In 1998, the lake house that

James E. Warren built as his main vacation

home, then known as the Hooper House

under new ownership, became the location

of the very first Cashiers Historical Society

Designer Showhouse. The smaller chestnut

log cabin, on the 300 acres down the Cove,

was restored by Warren's grandson, John.

John and his late wife Marsha have lived in

the cabin since the 1970s, where they raised

their daughter, Melissa, and son, Mark.

As a child growing up in a rural mountain

community, Melissa's parents exposed

her to many of the opportunities provided

by the area's non-profits. The Cashiers

Historical Society's Designer Showhouse

was one of the ways she was introduced

to design, textiles, and the world beyond

her mountain home. Graduating from

Highlands School, she went on to attend

PROVIDED BY MEYER GREESON PAULLIN BENSON


PHOTO BRIAN O’SHEA, PLATEAU DAILY NEWS PHOTO GIL STOSE

the University of Tennessee before spending

ten years in Atlanta. By 2018 Melissa

and her husband decided to move back to

Cashiers and raise their family, like her

father had done years before. A decade in

marketing and fundraising had equipped

Melissa with skills she was eager to share

with her hometown, putting them to use as

Development Director at Summit Charter

School. But Melissa knew she could offer

more, having volunteered with events like

Atlanta's Tour of Kitchens, the Atlanta

Symphony Showhouse, and working for

the High Museum's annual Wine Auction.

In 2019 Melissa Warren Hudson, heir

of James E. Warren, agreed to volunteer

as chair for the 2020 Cashiers Historical

Society Designer Showhouse; the tradition

started over two decades earlier in

the Cashiers Lake home built by her

great-grandfather.

Ben Harris did not grow up in North

Carolina. The son of homesteaders, Ben

was raised in a different type of wilderness,

Alaska. It wasn't until he visited Cashiers

with his new bride, Elizabeth, that Ben

laid his eyes on the subtropical wonderland

he would soon call home. It was here

that the young couple would choose to

construct their foundation. In 2001 Ben

started Summit Building, which would

later become Harris Custom Builders. Entrepreneurship

is never easy, especially in

a seasonal area. But over the years, Harris

managed to persevere through the ups

and downs, thriving on word of mouth and

returning clients, assisting in building the

community he loved.

Ben has been involved with past showhouses,

sponsoring the event on and off

for years. But until now, Harris Custom

2020 Designer

Showhouse Chair

Melissa Warren

Hudson

Opposite page and above: 4br/4ba Mountain Cottage designed by MGPB; A snapshot of

Melissa Warren Hudson’s childhood on the plateau.

Builders has not had the chance to build

one of the coveted showhouse properties. A

principal developing partner for Silver Run

Reserve, Ben was part of the leadership

team that conceived the idea to engage the

historical society when breaking ground in

late 2019. Ranging from 12-acre Farm Estates

to half-acre Mountain Cottages, Silver

Run's residential offerings consider different

lifestyles, families, and needs. This

year's showhouse, a Mountain Cottage, is

hardly a cottage at 3,000 square feet. Designed

by award-winning Meyer Greeson

Paullin Benson (MGPB) out of Charlotte,

these four-bedroom developer-built homes

are close to the center of the community

and offer exceptional design, finishes, styling,

and value. MGPB, responsible for the

aesthetics of several esteemed properties

on the plateau, also designed Silver Run

Reserve's community buildings and architectural

guidelines for lots that allow

for owner-built homes. It's this type of attention

to detail and community planning

that families looking to create generational

memories at Silver Run Reserve will appreciate.

Families who hope to provide the

same mountain paradise for their children

that Ben Harris created for his.

With so many local hands on deck, this

event is destined to be plateau magic. "I

am truly honored to chair the 2020 Cashiers

Designer Showhouse, benefiting our

beloved Cashiers Historical Society," says

Melissa Warren Hudson. "Celebrating and

preserving our town's history for future

generations is very close to my heart. With

roots in Cashiers going back to the 1930s

and now raising my young family here, it

is important to me that I do whatever I can

to help sustain CHS, one of our area's most

vital organizations. This year's designers

and the stunning backdrop of Silver Run

Reserve are sure to make this the most

beautiful and fun showhouse to date. Mark

your calendars now; it will be the season's

must-see event!" Hudson beams with excitement

as she rattles off a list of opportunities

that will be available. Fly-fishing,

outdoor yoga, and hiking are all activities

Silver Run Reserve owners envisioned for

attendees enjoying the same recreational

opportunities as future residents of Silver

Run. Food and wine, shopping, demonstrations,

and industry panel discussions are

the types of offerings yearly attendees

have grown to love

Opening on the evening of August 21st

and lasting through September 5th, tickets

are expected to go on sale in May;

private benefactor tickets will be available

in April. Those interested in furthering

Cashiers Historical Society's mission and

cultural programming through volunteering

or sponsoring the Designer Showhouse

can contact the historical society directly.

With a reputation for touching the plateau

in so many ways, preserving history while

creating financial opportunities for local

businesses, teaching children, and inspiring

adults, it's clear that the Designer

Showhouse is not merely built. It builds us. P


home

The Jewel of Jackson County

Bear Lake Reserve shares down to earth excellence with the community it loves

BY CHRISTINE HENNESSEY

“

BEAR LAKE RESERVE IS WHAT WE BELIEVE TO BE ONE OF THE FINEST MOUNTAIN LAKE

resort villages in Western North Carolina,” says Craig Smith, President and General Manager of Bear

Lake Reserve. “We offer a stellar, world-class vacation getaway as well as opportunities to own property

and become members. We’re one of the few properties that encompass it all.” He adds that Bear Lake has

seen incredible growth over the last 18 months, due to the new management’s commitment to quality,

dedication to hospitality, and focus on premier dining.

PHOTO CRAIG SMITH


means Bear Lake offers a five star luxury experience but

without the “stuffy” attitudes that can sometimes be found at

private clubs. “People love coming here because no one cares

what you do or who you are,” he explains. “It’s a down to

earth, family environment. You can have an incredible bottle

of wine and a meal on par with any fine dining restaurant, or

a great beer and burger right at the bar—we do it all.”

A Slice of Paradise

There is a growing group of people who enjoy Bear Lake Reserve

so much that they’ve decided to own a piece of it. Most of

the 309 people who own homes at Bear Lake use them as vacation

properties, renting them out when they’re not staying there

themselves. A smaller group, about 10%, live at Bear Lake full

time, and it’s safe to say that everyone else envies them.

With elevations ranging from 2,600 to 3,900 feet, sites ranging

from 0.5 to 13 acre, and topography from level to steep,

Bear Lake Reserve’s variety of homesites are wide enough

to suit nearly any buyer. Mountain Villas, pre-built cottages,

custom homes and homesites are currently available for sale.

When it comes to the community, two demographics are

most common. The first is families with young kids, and the

second is active retirees. “We have kids’ camp all summer

long, and they always sell out. We also host events from wellness

and yoga to tennis clinics and trivia,” Smith says. These

events have made Bear Lake Reserve a lively place yearround,

rather than just during the traditional tourist season.

“Every Friday night, 52 weeks of the year during ‘Happier

Hour,’ you’ll find a whole bunch of owners having a great time

with live music,” Smith explains. “This place used to be a

ghost town in the winter, but now the fire’s going and the

cocktails are pouring.”

Local Love

Smith isn’t just the President and General Manager of Bear

Lake Reserve—he’s also one of the lucky homeowners who

live at Bear Lake year-round. He and his wife were originally

seasonal visitors until one day, after returning from a trip

Overlook views at Bear Lake

Reserve, elevation 4,000

PHOTO WILL WATSON

Bear Lake is located in Tuckasegee, NC, between Sylva and Lake

Glenville. Founded in 2004, it is part community, part resort, and

a full 2,100 acres of natural beauty nestled in the mountains.

Thanks to numerous amenities and stunning beauty, Bear

Lake Reserve has become a go-to destination for everything from

family vacations to corporate retreats to weddings. “It’s a unique

piece of paradise,” Smith says. “The Reserve, including the 500-

acre lake, is very private and peaceful. We have the Jack Nicklaus

golf course, a connection to the Panthertown Trail with six thousand

acres of national forest and miles of hiking, and a marina

with motorized and non-motorized watercraft. When people come

here, they can truly enjoy the lake, the mountains, and the trails,

as well as wellness activities like meditation, yoga, pickleball and

quality dining.” It sounds as if Bear Lake Reserve offers a little

bit of everything, and that’s the point. “We’re trying to create an

environment that offers an incredible experience for every visitor.”

“Our model is ‘down to earth excellence,’” Smith says. This

Music night with Matt

Stillwell at The Overlook


home

to Bear Lake Reserve to their home in Dallas, TX, Smith’s

wife turned to him and said, “Let’s move to Bear Lake

full-time.”

At first, Smith resisted. The couple had a life in Dallas,

as well as thriving careers. But then his wife told him in

no uncertain terms that she was moving to Bear Lake with

or without him. “Like any good husband, I said ‘Yup!’” he

recalls, laughing.

Before Smith, the Reserve was managed by groups from

Texas or Arizona, and some of the recent changes can be

traced to the fact that Smith, the current president, is a

member of the community, with a vested interest in making

Bear Lake Reserve a destination not just for visitors, but

for local residents as well.

“We love all of Jackson County, the growth, the connections

with Western Carolina University and Southwestern

Community College,” Smith says. “This whole area has so

much potential and such a special opportunity to grow the

right way.”

This past winter, Bear Lake Reserve implemented several

additions to encourage that growth. “A lot of Cashiers

and Highlands shuts down during the winter,” Smith says,

“but we aim to be open year-round.” Because every hour at

Bear Lake is happy, they host a Happier Hour every Friday

night, which is great for visitors and locals searching for

weekend getaways or locals looking for evening plans.

Smith is also cognizant of the need to share the wealth of

visitors and vacationers that come to Bear Lake Reserve,

and encouraging them to support all of Jackson County, not

just Bear Lake. This is the thinking behind Bear Lake’s

recent partnerships with businesses and restaurants in the

The 14, 000 square ft Lake

Club at Bear Lake Reserve

surrounding area, which include The Library Kitchen +

Bar in Sapphire Valley and The Farmhouse Mercantile &

Coffee Bar in Sylva.

“The Library Kitchen + Bar is owned and operated by

Chef Johannes Klapdohr, an award-winning Michelin-star

trained chef,” Smith says. “We have a relationship with

him, where he mentors and oversees our culinary team,

PHOTO WILL WATSON


PHOTO TONY MORROW

which has raised their bar through the roof. Our guests also

enjoy going to The Library for dinner, which is a win-win.”

Another fun addition is the live music nights that highlight

local talent each Friday and Saturday. Bear Lake offers a special

low rate to Jackson County residents at the resort through

Memorial Day to help them take advantage of and enjoy these

shows. “We normally have a two-night minimum, but Jackson

County residents can stay for one night any time from November

through the end of April. They can have a meal,

hear some music, and stay the night. It’s a cool opportunity

to experience Bear Lake Reserve.” The bands tend to be

talent from Western North Carolina, with a focus on Americana

music. A few times, they host bigger events with local

county music star Matt Stillwell. “Over Memorial Day this


home

year, we will feature Matt and four singer-songwriters that,

together, have written over 25 number one country hits. It will

be open to the public and we expect 300-400 people to attend.”

A True Destination

While the endless activities, exhilarating events, incredible

dining, and unique partnerships are exciting, there is one aspect

of Bear Lake Reserve that will always be a key part of

the experience: natural beauty. For Smith and many homeowners,

a special spot known as The Overlook remains one of the

best parts of Bear Lake Reserve. “You’ve got 90-mile views

that stretch all the way to Clingmans Dome in Tennessee,”

Smith says. “When you go up there at sunset with a

glass of wine, it’s the most stunning, incredible experience.”

As Bear Lake Reserve continues to grow and evolve, he’s

excited to share that one-of-a-kind experience with a new

generation of visitors. P

Bear Lake Reserve

(828) 293-7414


Mountain lake

adventures for

all ages

PHOTO WILL WATSON


garden

Dishing the Dirt

The right botanical brew will get your garden off to a healthy start

By KIRK MOORE

PHOTOS KIRK MOORE

AH, SPRING! WINTER DAYS

in front of the fireplace,

selecting seeds and bulbs

from favorite catalogues,

and catching up on the latest

garden tips are all eclipsed by seed starting

in a sunny window. The excitement of

hearing the first warbler announce those

magic notes translates into, “it’s fork and

trowel time!”

On the plateau, we are blessed with

winter rain and ice that help break down

organic matter. There are essential trace

elements in snow – cadmium, copper, lead

and zinc – that help in the garden but also

keep our majestic forests in check. After a

particularly snowy winter, the rhododendrons

in the spring appear to be exceptionally

healthy, with dark green leaves

and vigorous new growth.

So, here’s “the dirt” on making your garden

a naturally nutrient-rich Eden with

thriving plants and big fat worms to help

this magical circle of life.

A compost bin is a wonderful thing!

Easy to start and maintain using green

refuse from your garden, I am going to

share some ideas from my own garden

that will speed up the process. For those

avid composters, these thoughts can serve

as extra “vitamins” for your plants.

Making “botanical brews” from weeds

and herbs is a swift and efficient way to

supply much-needed nutrients to garden

and container plants faster than amended

composted soil. It will give plants that

boost of energy at just the right time.

Here is my recipe . . . pack tightly a

bucket about half full of roughly chopped

leaves, stems and flowers, no seed pods!

Fill the bucket with sun-warmed rainwater

and steep in the sunshine for several

days. Strain the infusion into a watering

can. I love my Haws can from England

with the brass rose; it sprinkles just the

Haws watering can from England with a

bucket of brew

right amount onto the leaves as a foliar

feed or into the soil for a quick fix of energy

to the roots.

The strength of this recipe increases as

the brew steeps. Alas, the smell of the fermenting

botanicals strengthens as well. I

keep several buckets in process all spring,

summer and fall. Some I let sit for a day

or so, used for containers on my patio and

in the beds near my house. The stronger

brew I use for plants away from the house

and my sensitive nose!

Over the years, through trial and error,

I have found some brew-worthy botanicals

better than others. Until summer, when

Nitrogen is needed for vegetative growth,

A carefully curated compost bin

I make brews using comfrey, mallow and

the dreaded stinging nettle. The addition

of a weak solution of fish emulsion

with this blend is perfect for maintaining

strong roots.

In early spring, I add goosefoot to the

comfrey, mallow and stinging needle for

an added pop of root-loving phosphorus.

To reduce summer stress to your favorite

blooming beauties, add horsetail,

dandelion, and any of the alliums to the

mix. This addition will make for stronger

stems. It’s my favorite for dahlias in late

summer.

For more spring gardening tips visit

oakleafstyle.com/blog. P


fashion

Johnny Was “Grace” top,

$285.00, Glenda Gies clutch

with bamboo handle, $95.00;

all at A Jones Company.

Timeless Fashion

Fresh takes on classic styles

give spring wardrobes a lasting feel


Vintage Havana top,

Mother Denim pants,

Blowfish tie-dye shoes;

all at Annawear

Photos by Chelsea Cronkrite

Model: Noelle Holland

Location: Cashiers Historical Society


ONEX “Rock on” black leather

+ crystal stone shoes, $175.00,

Frank Lyman knit black top

with embossed blush flowers,

$165.00, Joseph Ribkoff “Show

Your Shoe” black knit pant,

$155.00; all at Spoiled Rotten.


Ravel blouse, $151.00, LIOR Paris

“Sammy” pants, $121.00, Betty Carre

18K gold vermeil: chain, $98.00,

bangles, $48.00 each, earrings,

$63.00; all at The Look Boutique.

Havana's Shrimp

and Grits.


Tyler Boe top, $212.00, Tyler

Boe pants, $221.00, Neely and

Chloe clear mini lady bag,

$158.00, KEP sculpted flower

earrings, $185.00, Enewton

7 bracelet stack, $497.00,

Enewton layered necklaces,

$238.00; all at Wits’ End.


Spend a Year

in the Mountains

of Highlands-Cashiers North Carolina

February / March 2020

Wedding

Venues

With Breathtaking

Views, Mountains are

the Perfect Backdrop

for Your Big Day

Space

Redux

Renovations

to Inspire

Your Next

Project

Date

Night

12

Picks for

Valentine’s

Day Dining

inaugural

issue

$4.50 US

Fashion

At Home

in Highlands

Mayor

Patrick Taylor

Subscribe Today!

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES THE MOUNTAINS.

www.ThePlateauMag.com/subscribe or (843) 856-2532


outdoors

Fly-Fishing on the

Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

A meditative dance between nature and man

By ANDREW RENFRO

On the plateau, don't

forget to watch your back

cast to avoid accidentally

snagging overhanging

rhododendrons.

I

WATCHED MY COUSIN DAVID

cast his fly rod in my front yard

as he tried to explain why he was

whipping the nine-foot-long pole,

featuring thick colorful line, back

and forth. There wasn't water anywhere

in sight nor was there a hook at the

end of the dancing line. David tried

to explain what he was doing and why


he was doing it, but I still didn't fully

understand the sport. Not until later

would I feel the wave of cathartic calm

that comes from standing in a river for

several peaceful hours

Matt Canter, Partner and General Manager

at Brookings Anglers, took David and

I on our first guided fly-fishing trip nine

years ago. We probably caught 40+ fish on

the Tuckasegee River using a variety of

flies, including a sculpzilla sculpin streamer;

it was a lot of fun. When it comes to

casting, Matt says let the rod do the work.

"It's the reason why we pay so much for

them, slow down and let your equipment

do the heavy lifting. It's all about timing

and finesse, rhythmic movement instead of

physical exertion."

If there is one thing

every angler knows,

it’s that trout don't

live in ugly places.

PHOTOS MATT CANTER, BROOKING ANGLERS


outdoors

Andrew Renfro left,

Guide Matt Canter

middle, David Baker

right. Tuckasegee River

Float 2011.

A meditative dance, back and forth,

your arm and rod move between ten and

two- like a pendulum on a metronome.

That is how fly casting was depicted in the

1976 Norman Maclean book and 1992 film,

A River Runs Through It, where brothers

learn to fly-fish in the early 1900s in rural

Montana. Needless to say, technology has

progressed since those days, but with all

of our advances, really little has changed.

Still, it’s fly-fishing. Back and forth, an

angler works the line from the reel until

the final presentation of the fly to the fish.

There are as many different techniques,

styles, methods, gear choices and opinions

regarding fly-fishing as there are types

of flies to learn to tie. In angling with flyfishing

tackle, the weight of the line is used

to cast your artificial fly, as opposed to the

monofilament line frequently used in spinning

tackle- where the weight of the lure

propels the cast. Flies are designed and

tied to mimic food sources in the waterways.

"Trout eat four basic types of bugs

anywhere in the world at different stages:

mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, and

midges. They are opportunistic and will

also eat smaller trout and other terrestrial

bugs that land in the water,” says David

Wilkes, Owner of the Highland Hiker. The

goal is to identify what may be hatching

and, therefore, what the fish are actively

feeding on. It is much easier to "match the

hatch" instead of trying to convince a fish

to munch on something not currently present

in its natural surroundings.

The plateau is a pretty incredible place,

a misty temperate rainforest waiting to

be explored. I recommend that you follow

a trail along some flowing water to begin

your experience. The Chattooga River

Trail in Whiteside Cove is a great choice.

Experts at locating fish, matching the

hatch, and ultimately helping you to be a

better angler, our local guides are here to

PHOTO KEN BAKER


A peacock bass landed

using fly rod and reel

during a Brookings

Anglers guided trip in

the Brazilian Amazon

A red tailed catfish,

or "pirarara"

in Portuguese, landed

on fly rod and reel in

the Amazon jungle

during a Brookings

Anglers guided trip.

PHOTOS MATT CANTER, BROOKING ANGLERS

The Science of Leadership

Matt Canter of Brookings Anglers grew up fishing in the Piedmont region of

North Carolina. He caught his first fish at two, was fly-fishing by 12, and

upon graduating, used fishing destinations as a litmus test for possible

universities. Luckily for the plateau, Matt chose WCU, where he got a

degree in Parks and Recreation with an emphasis in outdoor leadership.

Two things are certain upon speaking with Matt, he is serious about trout, and he is a

leader in protecting them.

The plateau’s wild trout are in danger of losing their habitat and populations for a variety

of reasons. In 2019 Matt and several of his customers joined forces to pull together

private funding to secure a several year salary for a second regional staff member of Trout

Unlimited in the southeast. A non-profit organization, Trout Unlimited is dedicated to the

preservation of freshwater rivers for aquatic species. As with many non-profits, there are

limitations in funding projects, which is why Brookings led the way in securing a staff

member that could help to protect the fishable streams from Asheville to South Carolina,

an area they are referring to as the “Sky Island Conservation Project.”

On the plateau, our wild trout face their biggest threat from warm water. Impediments

created by damming the rivers and streams for private ponds or reservoirs are part of the

issue. While these beautiful landscape features are what give many backyards a fairytale

quality, they also allow naturally cool river water a chance to heat up in the sun. When this

warm water returns to the river as it overflows from the pond, the water temperature rises

above the norm for the trout’s natural habitat. Luckily for all of us, Matt says there is an

easy scientific fix for private property owners. If your reservoir was installed or received

maintenance in the last ten years, you likely already use this feature. For older ponds,

landowners can surround the existing return pipe that sends water back into the river with

a slightly larger tube. This larger pipe should be a little higher than the original and not

quite reach the bottom of the pond. The addition of the second pipe will naturally force the

overflow water from the bottom of the reservoir, where the water temperature is lower. This

keeps the return water and the river that receives it, cool enough for our beloved wild trout.

“

If you break it down into

fishable miles of stream it

would be really hard to find

another area as densely

concentrated, what we have

is a lifetime’s worth

of exploring.

Matt Canter,

Brookings Anglers

“


Advice on The Fly

Featured Gear:

Fishpond Chest Pack

(Matt C., Brookings)

Patagonia Atom

Fly-Fishing Sling

Pack (Chris W.,

Highland Hiker)

Smith's Guides

Choice Sunglasses

(Chris F., Headwaters

Outfitters)

Favorite Area Flies:

Pat’s Rubber Legs Stonefly, Parachute

Adams Dry Fly, Pheasant Tail

Nymph (Matt C., Brookings)

Jack Cabe Hopper, Never Sink Yellow Caddis,

and the Squirmy Wormy in purple, red,

and neon glo (Chris W., Highland Hiker)

Girdle bug/Pat's rubberleg, Guide's

Choice Hare's Ear, and a San Juan

worm. (Chris F., Headwaters Outfitters)

Favorite Spots:

North Fork of the French Broad River, the

Whitewater, Tuckasegee, and Chattooga Rivers

(Matt C., Brookings)

One of the strengths of

Hannah Myers as a guide

at Headwaters Outfitters is

helping more women find

their way into fly-fishing.

Sometimes intimidating,

Hannah is helping take

down those walls.

The Tuckasegee River, East Fork of the French

Broad River, the Chattooga River near Burrells

Ford and Panthertown Valley

(Chris W., Highland Hiker)

The Whitewater, Thompson, and Chattooga

rivers are some of our favorite public areas

to fish the plateau. Close by we really enjoy

fishing the forks of the French Broad River,

the North, East, and West.

(Chris F., Headwaters Outfitters)

PHOTO

PHOTO

HEADWATERS

KARSTEN DELAP

OUTFITTERS


outdoors

PHOTO MATT CANTER, BROOKING ANGLERS HARRISON BECKWITH

A large brown trout takes to the

air after being hooked in Los

Alerces National Park, Chubut

Argentina during a Brookings

Anglers guided trip.

help. We have a year-round fishery with

many fishable miles of stream! Target

species in the local area include; rainbow

trout, brown trout, brook trout, smallmouth

bass, largemouth bass, muskie and

striper.

Wild trout can be more challenging but

very rewarding. From Appalachian gold

on a big wily brown, the spectrum of color

splashed across a fiery rainbow, or the

deep ancestral connection felt standing in

the same waters as the small but mighty

brook trout, boy, do we have it all. Brook

trout are the only native "trout" to the

Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Our brookies

belong to the char genus and technically

aren't really trout. Pushed down during

the last ice age the ancient fish were almost

driven to extinction when our mountains

were clear cut for logging. Brook

Anglers

should try

to keep fish

in the water

as much as

possible while

releasing

them.

trout require high elevations which offer

cool, pristine mountain waters to survive

and thrive. “Southern Appalachian brook

trout are the gems of our mountains [and]

do need our help…invasive species, acid

rain, and habitat loss can really damage

their populations,” says Chris Franzen,

Fly-Fishing Guide and Shop Manager of

Headwaters Outfitters in Rosman, NC.

On the plateau we have several knowledgeable

and passionate outfitters; Brookings

Anglers, Headwaters Outfitters, and

the Highland Hiker. Visit the shops. Talk

to the guides. Book a guided trip. Ask

questions, they’re here to help. If you're

new to fly-fishing, chances are they can

have you casting and catching fish within

the day. Even "casting experts" can use a

tune-up every once in a while, plus, you'll

get to test drive new gear. While at the

shop, make sure to pick up some of the

staff’s favorite area flies and don’t forget

to buy a license.

In the United States, license fees and tax

dollars on some sporting equipment benefit

statewide wildlife conservation projects.


The Highland Hiker is

one of the plateau’s

knowledgeable and

passionate outfitters.

Teach A Man to Fish

When David Wilkes of the Highland Hiker talks about fly-fishing, it’s hard

not to notice the glint in his eye- the kind of smirk that comes from years

of honing one’s craft. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, David grew up in

Guntersville, AL, Alabama’s Lake City. A youth full of boats and spinning

reels no doubt lay the foundation to a lifetime of being a living example of

the proverb, “teach a man to fish.” It was the early 1980s when David discovered the joy of

fly-fishing in WNC. He made a trip to Manchester, VT, the home of Orvis, determined for

his outdoor retailer, then known as the “Happy Hiker,” to become one of the only dealers in the

southeast. Instead, after a week, he convinced Orvis not only to allow the Happy Hiker to carry

the brand but also to become the only location for an Orvis fly-fishing school outside of Vermont.

A legacy of teaching has become the mantle of the Highland Hiker. With David’s first casting

lesson taught over 36 years ago, students are now bringing their children in to continue

the family tradition. David’s son Chris, who smiles as he remembers how tedious the sport

first felt as a teen, now beams about his love for the way the activity allows him to interact

with nature. Mastery of anything can seem tedious at first, and David will be the first one

to tell you the importance of starting with the basics, comparing casting to a golf swing. The

motions are not intuitive, but once you master them, muscle memory will take over.

With so much emphasis on teaching, it seems only right for David to be one of the grandfathers

of the Three River Fly Fishing Festival. Together with Steve Perry and Eric NeSmith,

Wilkes started what would soon become an annual tradition. In that never-ending desire to

teach, the event benefits the Highlands Scholarship Fund, which creates financial opportunities

for graduates of Highlands School to pay for secondary education. This is not your

average fly-fishing festival, with additional awards like “Ugliest Fish” and “Best Lie Told,”

it is a celebration for everyone on the fly-fishing spectrum. In its tenth year, it has grown to

encompass both young and old. A family affair in the spirit of everything it means to be a

fisherman: respect for nature, the thrill of the hunt, the desire to master a craft, and the joy

of sharing laughs with likeminded friends. These are the things that make up that glint in

David’s eye, the smirk that understands the catch, the kindness that understands the release.

David Wilkes of the Highland Hiker

breaks down three major fly-fishing

differences for anyone who is new to

the sport.

1

2

3

In fly-fishing, you fish

with flies, not lures.

In fly-fishing, you

fish with a fly rod,

not a pole.

In other types of

fishing you cast a

weighted lure, and

the line goes along

for the ride. In

fly-fishing, you cast

the weight of the

line and the fly goes

along for the ride.

PHOTOS CHRIS WILKES, HIGHLAND HIKER

You can also join one of many organizations/

groups that are working specifically in our

area, including Trout Unlimited, Daybreak

Fly Fishing Conservancy or the Plateau Fly

Fishing Club. Trout Unlimited has recently

identified our region as a key area of focus

for conservation projects. Healthier streams

with restored and protected ecosystems are


good for all. Get connected and get involved;

if you do nothing, nothing is going to change.

Fly-fishing can be different things for different

people. Even if you don't catch anything,

trout sure as heck don't live in ugly

places. So, dust off your rod, wet a line, and

take someone fishing. Teach them about the

sport while showing them the importance

of conservation. Watch and read, A River

Runs Through It, the classic explores life

and what it means to live connected with

our natural surroundings. Most importantly,

GET OUTSIDE and hopefully catch

some fish in the process! It's all about the

pursuit of the unattainable and remember

#828isgreat. P

A Legacy of Stewardship

David and Debbi Whitmire opened Headwaters Outfitters in 1992, one of the

first outfitters in Transylvania County. Conservation and stewardship have

always been a part of the organization, synonymous with cleaning up the

French Broad River for nearly thirty years. When they began cleaning the

river it was a common dumpsite. Through the years, they have been collecting

trash, old tires, and microwaves from the third oldest river in the world, even older than

the mountains it passes through. Jessica Whitmire walks in her parents’ footsteps, as

Operations and Marketing Manager of Headwaters Outfitters, she rattles off the list of

ways the company is both “family owned and community committed.”

Bringing awareness is at the top of their list, which includes everything from carrying

leave no trace products to teaching “imaginary canoe trips” at the local elementary school

and working with Rosman Highschool during their yearly service day. Jessica believes that

sparking passion in children at a young age will create good stewardship in adults, much

as it did for her. Headwaters Outfitters’ popular tap room – which serves 12 drafts brewed

along the French Broad River – is accompanied by food trucks and creates an environment

that is kid, dog, and family friendly. It is not uncommon to see children playing in the river

during the summer, a new generation of protectors of the French Broad.

In 2020, Headwaters Outfitters hired a fly-fishing education coordinator, Patrick Weaver,

to head their educational program. Patrick created the School of Trout Headwaters Series

based on his over 30 years of experience teaching and guiding fly-fishing. This fivecourse

program helps anglers to learn how to responsibly fish on their own and includes key

components about stewardship on conservation. A further example of the way Headwaters

blends business and a love for their surroundings. David and Debbi have added many bullets

to their resume of conservation since the first River Clean Up Day in 1992. With

leadership positions on local and national boards and committees, they understand the

meaning of giving through time and service. The time it took to create a community atmosphere

around loving and protecting natural resources. The service it took to haul 30 years of

garbage out of the French Broad River. Through educational events, activities, and programs,

Headwaters Outfitters proves that when it comes to the French Broad River and its Watershed,

it’s about more than just fly-fishing and paddling. Headwaters is the keeper of the gate.

“

There's something about

moving water that brings

peace to one's mind.

When you're out on the river

surrounded by beautiful

scenery all you have to

think about is breathing.

There's a focus that fly

fishing requires but it is

not overwhelming. It is

enough though to keep work

and worries out of your

mind, it is an escape.

Chris Franzen,

Headwaters Outfitters

outdoors

“

PHOTO HEADWATERS OUTFITTERS

Fly Fishing Guide

and Education

Coordinator

Patrick Weaver

works with a

group during

the Fly-Fishing

Foundations

Class.


The gardens of Lonesome Valley.

A perfect location for light bites

or a pre-dinner craft cocktail.

Al Fresco

DINING

Warmer weather means the return of outdoor festivities

at some of the plateau’s favorite eateries

By BRIDGET CALLAHAN

With the warm days of spring blooming, and summer right around the corner, now is

the perfect time to find your new favorite patio for lunch, dinner, or just a cocktail.

The plateau offers gorgeous views around every corner this time of year, and many of

the area’s best restaurants offer al fresco dining. So, grab your sunglasses and enjoy

amazing food served with a happy helping of fresh air and blue skies.

PHOTO SUSAN RENFRO


Bistro on Main

(828) 526-2590

www.mainstreet-inn.com

Bistro on Main opens up for the season in April. This elegant little

restaurant, housed in the graceful Main Street Inn, is a local

favorite for sun-kissed lunches on the patio or cozy fine dining in

the beautiful indoor space. Most of the lunch and dinner menu is

fresh and light, featuring Southern classics like Smoked Trout Dip

alongside Fried Butterfly Shrimp. Healthier options include their

Ancient Grains Salad, which has powerhouse foods like almonds,

quinoa, brown rice, kale and black barley all tossed in a tomato

balsamic vinaigrette with feta cheese and your choice of protein.

Banana Bread and Pecan French

Toast at Blue Bike Cafe

Canyon Kitchen is located in Lonesome Valley and is the perfect

place to settle in for an evening of open-air elegance overlooking

the striking granite cliffs of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The

kitchen here has one of the best culinary teams in the area, using

fresh, local produce from their own community garden and local

farms to create one of the most celebrated farm-to-table menus

in North Carolina. Handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, and a carefully

crafted wine selection mean you’ll be lingering at the openair

fireplace well after sunset. Dress code is mountain casual.

Canyon Kitchen opens for the season May 13th.

Cornucopia Restaurant

(828) 743-3750

www.cornucopianc.com

Known as “Cashiers’ Favorite Front Porch,” Cornucopia has

been serving great food and stunning views since 1979. Though

they are currently only serving takeout, they will start seasonal

dinner service mid-May. Until then, you can still take home one

of their famous Arabian Clubs, turkey breast with applewoodsmoked

bacon, tomato, sprouts, black olives and mayonnaise on

pita bread, or a Purple Onion Burger, served with gouda and

purple onion marmalade. If you’re vegetarian, don’t miss Scott’s

Black Bean Burger, a signature menu staple served with cheddar

cheese, spinach, avocado, tomato, sprouts, and lemon dill dressing

on toasted wheat.

Four Seasons Grill

(828) 743-4284

www.facebook.com/fourseasonscashiers

PHOTO COURTESY LAKESIDE RESTAURANT PHOTO DYLAN LYTLE

Blue Bike Café

(828) 526-9922

www.bluebikecafe.net

If you’re spending the day visiting the Creekside Village in

Highlands, pop into this quaint, casual cafe for a stellar lunch

and great people watching on the patio. Decorated with vintage

Schwinn bikes and bike-themed decor, the café is a favorite with

tourists and locals alike thanks to their all-day breakfast menu.

A large selection of bike-named breakfast plates include The

Lowrider breakfast burrito, the classic Commuter Bike eggs, or

The 10-Speed pancake platter. Don’t worry, there are plenty of

great burger and sandwich options on their menu, but they don’t

have cute bike names.

Canyon Kitchen

(828) 743-7967

www.lonesomevalley.com

Nestled in the Carolina pines, the Four Seasons Grill has an

extensive patio section and homey, community atmosphere. It’s

low-stress and casual, with a decently sized dinner menu including

Southern steadies like prime rib and pot roast, chicken and

dumplings, or their popular crab cakes. Spending the day hiking

Rainbow Falls? Stop in here for comfort classics that will get you

ready for the next day of adventures. Open for lunch and dinner.

The menu at Lakeside Restaurant

means serious fine dining.


Ask for a table on the deck at On

the Verandah next to the waters

of Lake Sequoyah.

On the Verandah

(828) 526-2338

www.ontheverandah.com

The name doesn’t lie. The best table at this beautiful fine dining

destination is one on the deck, next to the waters of Lake Sequoyah

while the sun is setting and the fireflies are sparkling. Opening

mid-March for the season, reservations are absolutely needed for

this North Carolina gem. The view isn’t the only reason for their

popularity though. Be sure to check out the Heritage Farms Pork

Belly Confit with blueberry chipotle drizzle, the Creole Chicken

with house cured pork belly and stone ground Parmesan grits,

or the Pan Seared Duck with apricot glaze. Be sure to ask for

recommendations from their extensive, well-curated wine list too.

PHOTO ON THE VERANDAH

Lakeside Restaurant

(828) 526-9419

www.lakesiderestaurant.info

The patio at this Highlands favorite is so full of Southern charm,

it’s impossible to resist spending at least one sunset at this destination

spot. But don’t let the cozy, bright decor fool you, the menu

at Lakeside means serious fine dining business. Everything here

is a winner, from the Cornmeal Dusted Fried Oysters to the

crabmeat-stuffed Rainbow Trout. While the menu is heavily seafood,

don’t miss the Pan-Fried Chicken, with bacon, mushrooms,

tomatoes, tarragon cream, and house made ricotta, or the classic

Lakeside Steak-Frites with grilled asparagus.

Meritage Bistro

(828) 526-1019

www.meritagehighlands.com

Randevu

(828) 743-0190

www.randevunc.com

Getting lunch or breakfast at Randevu is more than just a meal,

it’s a whole experience. From the charming barn-style compound

complete with a happy little pond to the comfortable shady

porches, this daytime spot promises good food, great views, and

awesome vibes to start your day. For breakfast, try the classic

Country Sausage and Gravy Biscuits, or sweet and savory Monte

Cristo. Come back for lunch and the fried green tomato BLT, or

the Bounty Hunter, barbeque pulled pork piled high on a fresh

Kaiser roll. Since this local staple is open year-round, they go out

of their way to accommodate both locals and tourists, making this

a community spot in every sense of the word.

Sapphire Classic Burger at

Sapphire Mountain Brewing

Company

This 2019 Wine Spectator Award Winner brings elegant European

cuisine to the Highlands area in a classically beautiful

atmosphere. The intimate patio dining is perfect for a light lunch

of Artichoke Hearts and Ahi Tuna Tartare, or sunshine-filled

brunch, where you can nosh on Sea Scallop Caponata with Sicilian

pan roasted eggplant, Faroe Island Salmon, or Wild Mushroom

Risotto. For dinner, try the popular Peekytoe Crab Cakes,

made with Parmesan panko crusted sweet lump crab. Meritage is

closed Tuesdays, and dinner and brunch reservations are highly

recommended.

Mica’s Restaurant & Pub

(828) 743-5740

www.micas-restaurant.com

Get the best Blue Ridge dining experience on the expansive open

deck of Mica’s Restaurant & Pub. Part of Sapphire Valley Resort,

this is the perfect place to stop after a day of hiking or riding in

the mountains, with a menu that has something for everything.

Mom and Dad can get the Prime Rib or Crispy Half Duck with

orange and raspberry sauce, while the kids will do backflips over

their delicious pizzas and calzones. Stop in for live music, party

with the locals, and you’ll soon understand why this is the restaurant

every hotel clerk recommends.

PHOTO SAPPHIRE MOUNTAIN BREWING COMPANY



PHOTO NICK BREEDLOVE

Slab Town Pizza is a favorite

local joint that upgrades their

pies with quality ingredients.

Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company

(828) 743-0220

www.sapphiremountainbrewingcompany.com

The first reason to come into Sapphire Mountain Brewing is

obviously the beer. Their craft Pilsner, Red Ale, Stout, and IPA

are all available to take with you in growlers, and they carry a

regular rotation of other local brews. But the well-rounded pub

menu tempting burgers and wood-fired pizzas will convince you

to hang out, and a coveted spot on the back porch overlooking the

golf course will give you the perfect mountain view no matter the

weather or time of day. If you’re not a beer person, there’s a great

menu of house-created cocktails to keep you happy.

Day Boat Halibut

at Wild Thyme

Slab Town Pizza

(828) 743-0020

www.slabtownpizza.com

PHOTO WILD THYME GOURMET

Sometimes all you really need to make you deliriously happy is

the perfect piece of pizza, a good beer, and an awesome screened

in porch. Get all of those things plus a fireplace at Slab Town

Pizza, a favorite local joint that upgrades their pies with quality

ingredients like fresh basil, prime rib, ricotta, and white anchovies.

There’s plenty for the non-pizza lovers (who?) like a classic

Bolognese of pork and beef ragu served with spaghetti and garlic

toast, or homestyle Braised Meatballs, as well as several awesome

salads. But the pizza is the real star.



PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITESIDE BREWING


Whiteside Brewing

(828) 743-6000

www.whitesidebrewing.com

Next to the Laurelwood Inn, Whiteside Brewing is a wide-open

friendly brewery that perfectly encapsulates how much North

Carolinians love a good sunny day drinking session. The outdoor

seating area offers plenty of shade from the midday sun, while

inside is spacious and welcoming. Their award-winning beers on

tap usually feature their four year-round favorites and just as

many seasonal drafts. Their elevated bar menu includes a wide

selection of burgers, hot pressed sandwiches like the Salmon

BLT, and lots of tempting salad selections.

Wild Thyme Gourmet

(828) 526-4035

www.wildthymegourmet.com

Looking for an elegant patio that still feels upscale? Wild Thyme

offers American fine dining with a good dose of Asian influence.

Chef/Owner Dindu Lama was actually executive chef here before

buying the restaurant a few years ago. His menu features favorites

like Spicy Thai Shrimp and Waterfall Beef stir fry, but you’ll also

find Bacon Wrapped Quail with a honey sage balsamic reduction,

and a Grilled Filet of Beef with pimento cheese and crispy onions.

The serious wine lovers will appreciate their extensive wine list.

Lobster Ravioli

at Wolfgang’s

Restaurant &

Wine Bistro.

Enjoy award winning beers

and an elevated bar menu at

Whiteside Brewing.

Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro

(828) 526.3807

www.wolfgangs.net

Chef Wolfgang Green has created a menu that reflects not

only his Texas skills but his German background, with entrees

designed to make a meat lover stand up and take notice. Get

Fresh Local Mountain Trout with a bourbon pecan beurre blanc,

Roasted Loin of Lamb, aged in house Black Angus filets, or a Bavarian

Sampler featuring bratwurst, knockwurst, kassler, and

schnitzel. Splurge on the Chateaubriand for Two, a center cut

tenderloin with an assortment of fresh local veggies and sauces.

Show up early for the Bistro menu, which features small bites of

Oyster Rockefeller and Pecan Crusted Shrimp and snag a prized

seat on the patio. P


PHOTO GIL STOSE

Modern

Mountain Zen

The retreat-like home that architect Travis Mileti

designed in the heart of Cashiers mountain country


By CHRISTA MILLER » Photos by GARY WOELTJEN

MAKING GOOD ON A

longtime dream to build

a home in the mountains

first drew Budd and

Deana Litowitz to

Cashiers, North Carolina in 2007.

Though they would spend the next 11

years scouting prospective locations in

other parts of the United States, said

Deana, “[We] ended up coming back to

Cashiers because it was the place that

won our hearts when we first saw it.”

One of the things that captivated them

during that first visit: a home designed

by Travis Mileti, president of Cashiersbased

Mountainworks Custom Home Design

Ltd., which “clearly could … give us a

sense of belonging to nature,” said Deana.

Mileti, in turn, recommended the

Cashiers-based Lonesome Valley, a

residential mountain community. There

the couple found a 3.3-acre lot featuring

short, medium, and long-range views—

plus three prominent waterfalls—at the

end of the canyon, about 300 yards from

Laurel Knob.

Relying on their own experience in

property development and management,

the Litowitzes found that their shared

vision and taste dovetailed with Mileti’s

philosophy of creating timeless, terrainoriented

homes. “We start with what

Mother Nature has provided to us,” Mileti

explained: not just in terms of views,

but also what the land has to offer for

“solar influences” and other features.

From there, the Mountainworks team

uses materials and detailing—such as

rustic metals and wood—meant to endure

as trends come and go.

Working with Mileti, the Litowitzes

came up with what Deana calls a “mountain

modern Zen design… a space that’s

relaxing and contemplative, where we

[can] feel calm and balanced and exhale

from our busy lives in south Florida,”

she said.

By swinging the driveway a little

wider, the design offers the feel

of the L-shaped house almost

"hugging" its residents and guests.


A focus on flow

and function

The Litowitzes ultimately plan to retire

to Lonesome Valley, but the house is

built to accommodate the couple’s entire

family—five daughters and their families,

including “lots of grandchildren,” Deana

said.

As a result, all three levels of the

7,000-square-foot home have their own

function. “Individual living spaces allow

our kids to come and be able to do what

they want in whatever the space,” she

added.

The home’s emphasis on function and

flow starts on the main level, which is

designed to provide everything—kitchen

and dining areas, master suite, indoor and

outdoor decks, three fireplaces, a large

bathroom with walk-in closets, a powder

room, and a laundry/mudroom—needed

for day to day living.

Because they’re a family of foodies, the

kitchen is central. “We spent a lot of time

designing… a space that everyone can be

in without stepping on each other,” Deana

said. A large kitchen window with a direct

view to Laurel Knob enhances the room’s

sense of openness.

The upper level allows guests to enjoy a

private experience without having to come

down to the main level. It comprises two

guest rooms, two bathrooms, a desk area,

and what the Litowitzes call a “tavern”—

a coffee shop-style seating area that can

accommodate either their children’s remote

work needs, or a post-golf-game beer

gathering.

The lower level, meanwhile, is designed

for family. A rec room with a TV / playroom,

said Deana, has a large activity

table, plus a sizable bathroom and kitchenette.

There’s also a fitness room modeled

after the Lonesome Valley’s community

Fitness Barn.

The lower level’s main feature, however,

is the bunk room: an area with space

enough for two queen beds plus four twin

beds joined by bridges. A reading area

with comfortable bean bag seating rounds

out the relaxing space.

The home’s sense of flow and purpose

extends outside, to the driveway, which

the Litowitzes reimagined as a welcom-


A sliding glass door “pockets” into

the space between the indoor

and the outdoor fireplaces as you

transition from indoor to outdoor

living and back.


Designed for function and

flow, the kitchen/dining

area allows multiple people

to move around freely.

ing experience. “The house, from the

front, looks like an L,” Deana explained.

“[We swung the] driveway a little wider,

chang[ing] its position [so that you can]

… feel the house almost hugging you as

the car comes in.”

From indoor to

outdoor living

Deana said because the outdoors functions

as an extension of the Lonesome Valley

living experience, the sense of flow needed

to continue all the way around the house.

In the house itself, leading from the

inside living room out to the screened

deck, a sliding glass door “pockets” into

the space between the indoor and the

outdoor fireplaces, which stand back to

back. “During certain times of year, it

feels like you have an indoor and an outdoor

living area,” said Budd.

Extending beyond the home’s perimeter,

the Litowitzes worked with

landscape architects to enhance all the

outside space, creating stairways and

pathways from all sides so that instead

of having only one route to the outdoors,

family and guests could move in and

around all of the spaces.

That includes lower-level doors leading

out to a terrace and from there, a sizable

backyard—which features a fire pit, a

natural playground, and a hiking trail.

These add up to what Deana called an

“experiential” backyard for the grandchildren—a

place that “stimulate[s] our

grandchildren’s imagination and creativity

and bring[s] them back to nature.”

For example, the natural playground

uses as few manmade materials as possible,

while the 850-foot loop-style hiking

trail—named Litowoods Trail, great

for hide and seek—consists of a series of

switchbacks and staircases along a steep

grade into the forest on the property.

Under Mountainworks’ guidance, materials,

terrain, and vision converged to

create the ultimate modern mountain

Zen retreat for the Litowitzes and their

family’s diverse needs.



A coffee shopstyle

"tavern"

accommodates

either remote

work needs, or a

post-golf-game

beer gathering.

Landscape architects

enhanced the outside

sense of flow via stairways

and pathways on all sides.

The bunk room sleeps

multiple young guests

and includes a

comfortable reading area.



Adjusting for

unexpected site

challenges

The Litowitzes’ home project encountered

an unusual challenge as it was being

built: the lot’s side slope. That, said Mileti,

meant not just positioning rooms to take

appropriate advantage of all the views, but

also excavating on one side and building

around another.

The side slope created two challenges.

First, the excavation—done to create a

pathway for tree care equipment—required

800 feet of boulder wall to retain

the soil and keep it from eroding onto

the property. As practical as this is,

Budd said, “The end result honors the

site quite well.”

Then, the original design of a screened

deck called for the placement of a beam

that would have cut off the top of the

Laurel Knob view. “That’s rare,” said

Mileti, “but when you have views that

are up and down and out and in different

directions, finding the perfect solution

on paper sometimes doesn’t happen until

you’re actually there in the space while

it’s being built.”

Discovered while the deck was being

framed, the solution was relatively simple:

“Uplift a section of that beam, like

an eyebrow, to open up the view to the

top of the rock,” said Budd. Mileti added,

“Literally now you can sit in front of the

fireplace and depending on which way

you’re facing, see a long-range view or

a rock face view and then on the other

side, still see the rock face but now you

can see all the way up to the top of the

mountain instead of just a portion of

it”—a 270-degree view. P

Resources

Home Builder: Chinquapin Builders

828-743-0724

chinquapinbuilders.com

Home Design: Mountainworks

828-743-9677

mtnworks.com

A raised beam preserves

a 270-degree view of the

top of Laurel Knob.



Croquet lawns at The

Chattooga Club with Chimney

Top Mountain and Rock

Mountain in the background.

Membership Has its Perks

Mountain country clubs offer a variety of activities for all interests

BY JUDY ROYAL

W

I HETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A ONE-STOP SHOP TO KEEP THE WHOLE FAMILY BUSY

or a chance to meet and network with individuals who share your interests, country clubs are popular choices for

spending leisure time. The mountain region has plenty of options that not only offer a full slate of activities but

maximize the natural beauty of the area.


center, spa, and gift shop. Chattooga Club

has two full-sized croquet lawns, three

Har-Tru clay tennis courts, three pickleball

courts, a junior Olympic-sized heated

saline swimming pool with its own Pavilion

and bar, bocce court, flower, herb and

vegetable gardens, hen house, playground

for children and Children’s Day Camp during

summer months.

The Chattooga Club hosts many events,

including weddings, rehearsal dinner parties,

croquet socials and tournaments and tennis

and pickleball clinics. The biggest event of the

season is a Fourth of July celebration with a

dance band or orchestra, a large spread of food

and beverages, and a spectacular fireworks

display to end the evening.

Need a place to host a private event?

From anniversaries and dinner parties to

birthday bashes and holiday soirées, The

Chattooga Club can help commemorate

special moments. The planning team can

assist with everything from menus to décor,

and the culinary team will ensure you

and your guests have a memorable dining

experience. There are also spaces for corporate

retreats, team-building getaways,

and business conferences so you can turn a

run-of-the-mill retreat into a weekend-long

experience.

The Chattooga Club strives to treat

members like family. The community

brings people together to enjoy and celebrate

time-honored traditions while giving

members the opportunity to reconnect

with family and friends. As the private

club community has developed, careful

stewardship of this land has taken place

to ensure that every element serves to further

enhance the natural surroundings.

with full wellness and fitness offerings,

wine dinners, summer holiday events, four

tennis courts, four croquet lawns, and a

30-acre lake near the headwaters of the

Cullasaja River that is stocked with trophy

trout each season. Members can enjoy expertly

prepared meals in the dining room,

cheer a favorite sports team in the comfort

of the members’ bar, or partake in casual

patio dining in one of many outdoor dining

venues, including the Pool Side Grill.

Each year, more families choose Cullasaja

Club for its unique combination

of simple mountain pleasures, a vibrant

social club, and a casual, relaxed lifestyle

that is shared by all generations. The club

prides itself on its personalized service

and creating a sense of family and strives

to make club life engaging and outgoing,

celebrated with a sense of legacy, heritage,

and tradition.

The club is also involved with giving

back to the community. Cullasaja Women’s

Outreach (CWO), an independent collective

of 100 members, awarded $223,000 in

grants to local not-for-profit organizations

during its 2019 fundraising effort. Since its

founding in 2006, CWO has invested over

$1,645,000 in the local community. Funds

raised last year were awarded to 26 organizations

through a sophisticated grants process

chaired by three members. Individual

awards ranged from $2,000 to $15,000.

Highlands Falls

Country Club

828-526-4118

www.clubhfcc.com

PHOTO BREN PHOTOGRAPHY

The Chattooga Club

828-743-3640

www.chattoogaclub.com

The Chattooga Club in Cashiers, NC,

provides exclusive access to a wide array

of amenities, activities, and events.

Amenities include a Clubhouse/Lodge

with seven guest suites that may be rented

by members for themselves, families, and

friends. There is also an indoor restaurant

located in the Clubhouse/Lodge and an

outdoor open-air Pavilion for dining with

an adjoining bar. In addition, the Life

Enhancement Center consists of a fitness

Cullasaja Club

828-526-3531

www.cullasajaclub.org

Created by Arvida Corporation in 1987 as

a second home escape from the hot summer

climates of the South to the cool mountain

breezes, Cullasaja Club in Highlands,

NC, became a private club in 2000 with

membership by invitation only. The community

is carved out of the primeval forest

stretching out from Whiteside Mountain.

Hundred-year-old specimen trees dot the

landscape with the Cullasaja River running

through it.

The club offers an Arnold Palmer Signature

Golf Course, newly renovated

22,000-square-foot Clubhouse with remarkable

views, a 24-hour Activity Center

Highlands Falls Country Club in Highlands,

NC, is a member-owned, full-service

private club established in 1958. Members

can create lifelong memories with friends

and family at club events, sports facilities,

or dining establishments. Amenities include

a clubhouse, fitness center, golf course, onsite

dining, pool, croquet lawns, tennis

courts, pickleball courts, and massage and

acupuncture services. Members can enjoy

interclub play, member-guest events, junior

camp week, dinner dances, bridge, ladies’

golf association, member art show, group

exercise, personal training, fishing, and

yacht club. As part of the 2019-2020 renovation,

the clubhouse and golf course are currently

under construction. The clubhouse

will complete in May, and the back nine of

the golf course will be finished in August.

Renovation of the front nine will begin the


Cullasaja Club is carved out of

the primeval forest stretching

out from Whiteside Mountain.

fall. The club is open May 1 through October

31, although the fitness center, spa,

and golf course remain open for year-round

members and their guests.

Country Club of

Sapphire Valley

at Sunset

The Country Club of

Sapphire Valley

828-743-2462

www.ccsapphirevalley.org

A seasonal member-owned club in Sapphire,

NC, The Country Club of Sapphire

Valley combines picturesque surroundings

with a variety of facilities for enjoying the

temperate climate. The club strives to be a

relationship-oriented place where everyone

knows your name. Its mission is to “provide

unsurpassed hospitality and experiences of

exceptional quality while being a home away

from home for our members, guests, and employees.”

Members enjoy a walkable George

W. Cobb-designed golf course, dining and


PHOTO MICHELLE MURACO

PHOTO COURTESY OF COUNTRY CLUB OF SAPPHIRE VALLEY

Trillium Links and Lake Club

strives to be a special place

where families can enjoy

mountain living.

event options, fitness center, racquet center,

lawn sports, and a wide range of interest

groups. They come from cities such as Charlotte,

Atlanta, Greenville, and Birmingham,

all within hours from the property. Founded

in 1956, the club over the years has grown

to include a pool, croquet lawns, pickleball

courts, and a 32,000-square-foot Clubhouse

featuring a variety of dining rooms, a banquet

room, an expansive kitchen, and lots of

covered porches.

Trillium Links

and Lake Club

828-743-6161

www.trilliumnc.com

Trillium Links and Lake Club, located in

Cashiers, NC, strives to be a special place

where families can enjoy mountain living

at its finest and make memories together

that last a lifetime. Trillium offers a wide

array of amenities, including a championship

golf course, pitch-and-putt golf course,

indoor and outdoor clay tennis courts, pool/

spa, hiking trails, and fitness center, among

a longer list of additional amenities. Trillium

is a young and active club with socialoriented

activities every day throughout the

season. Two private restaurants are also

located on the property: The Clubhouse, an

PHOTO COURTESY OF COUNTRY CLUB OF SAPPHIRE VALLEY


Wildcat Cliffs

Country Club

828-526-2165

www.wildcatcliffscountryclub.com

upscale establishment located off the 18th

green, and The Landings, a more casual

spot situated on the shores of Lake Glenville.

Trillium’s on-site waterfront property along

Lake Glenville gives members the chance to

visit The Landings via boat, lease private

slips, or rent a motorboat, canoe, or paddleboard

directly from its private marina.

Burlingame

Country Club

828-966-9200

www.burlingameccwnc.com

Burlingame Country Club in Sapphire,

NC, celebrates life and family with a variety

of amenities and activities for members

and guests. Among them are golf, tennis,

croquet, fitness center, pool, spa, and social

clubs. In addition, anglers can take

advantage of the famous Horsepasture

River that runs through the property. It

is stocked with beautiful rainbow trout

by the Property Owners Association three

times per year and is also home to native

brook trout and brown trout. You can catch

fish year-round, and it’s normal to have the

river all to yourself. The club also offers an

array of distinctive dining destinations to

savor and experience a wide variety of culinary

cuisines, from traditional American

fare to specialty dining featuring prix fixe

menus paired with wines from near and

far. Social venues include Overlook Lobby

Lounge, The Overlook Room, Sapphire

Dining, The President’s Room, The Boyd

Dining Room, and Outdoor Dining Deck.

Lake Toxaway

Country Club

828-966-4020

Amenities at Highlands Falls

Country Club include many

sports facilities.

www.laketoxawaycc.com

Located on the shores of North Carolina’s

largest private lake, Lake Toxaway Country

Club in Lake Toxaway, NC, strives to offer historical

charm and refined Southern elegance.

It provides a scenic backdrop for members

to gather with friends and family to create

cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Amenities include a golf course, Fazio Golf

Learning Center, dining facilities, croquet

courts, tennis courts, pickleball, fitness center,

and pool facilities. The club emphasizes social

connectivity between members and helps to

forge those bonds by providing a backdrop for

members to gather together to dine, celebrate,

and explore common interests. Throughout

the season, there is a full calendar of social

events designed to appeal to all members of

the family, and in addition to organized golf,

tennis, and croquet groups that gather for

weekly fellowship, the club also features a variety

of social interest groups including Bible

study, mahjong, and social bridge.

Wildcat Cliffs Country Club in Highlands,

NC, lies at the foot of Whiteside Mountain

at 4,250 feet. It strives to foster camaraderie

and friendliness of members with

amenities such as golf, fitness, spa, tennis,

four new pickleball courts, and croquet

for players of all levels. The club’s United

States Croquet Association regulationsized,

bentgrass lawn, with its native stone

mountain setting, makes the croquet facilities

among the club’s most unique aspects.

Dining options include the Clubhouse for

daily lunch, the Main Dining Room for

dinner with a view, and the Pavilion and

Bar for a more casual setting with a cozy

fireplace. The club also offers a wide variety

of social activities and interest groups,

including art classes, bridge, book club,

and Bible study. Lakeside Park boasts a

dog park, picnic areas, playground, and

fishing, while Glenville Lake Club has a

lodge, rental units, pavilion and dockage

for ten boats used by boat groups.

Mountaintop Golf

& Lake Club

828-743-4707

www.mountaintopgolfclub.com

Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club in Cashiers,

NC, is a private equity membership

mountain retreat focusing on providing an

exceptional experience with golf, lake recreation,

and family outdoor fun. Whether

you prefer nature activities, playing your

favorite sport, or relaxing with friends and

family, Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club has

something for everyone. Amenities include

a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, spa and

salon, summer camp, restaurant and fitness

center, and private club located on

Lake Glenville with paddleboarding, kayaking,

and canoeing. The lodge-inspired

clubhouse is the social and activity gathering

spot for all members. It provides a

private dining room that may be reserved

for gatherings and special occasions.

For those on the go, visit the General Store

for a quick breakfast or lunch. Members

can also order pizza to go or have dinner

catered in their home. Breathtaking views,

more than 100 waterfalls, and an abundance

of hiking trails surround the club. P

PHOTO COURTESY OF HIGHLANDS FALLS COUNTRY CLUB


dining review in the kitchen from the vine restaurant guide

Elevated

Eating

4118 partners with local

farmers for offerings like

Shrimp and Grits made with

scallions, yellow tomato,

andouille, and garlic cream.

PHOTO CHELSEA CRONKRITE


NewAmerican

64 Highlands Plaza

Highland, NC 28741

(828) 526-5002

www.4118kitchen-bar.com

Cuisine 4118 Kitchen + Bar

A passion for excellent food and the people of Highlands leads to an elevated experience.

By BRITTANY CONLEY

AMONG THE TOP REASONS

people flock to Highlands,

NC are the stunning vistas,

roaring waterfalls, and

boutique shopping. But the

local food and beverage scene continues

to grow in popularity, with the number

of tourists seeking an incredible meal

on the rise. There is no shortage of great

restaurants on the plateau and emerging as

one of the area’s best kept culinary secrets

is 4118 Kitchen + Bar: a New American

Cuisine experience affordable enough for

the locals, but with an impressive spread to

delight even the most discerning travelers.

Owner Ryan Aydelotte isn’t native to

Highlands, but it is where his heart calls

home. Born in Colorado, Mr. Aydelotte

moved to Florida where he spent most of

his youth. He followed a group of friends

to Highlands, instantly fell in love with

the area and decided to split his time between

the Blue Ridge Mountains and sandy

beaches of Sarasota, FL. “It has such a rich

history here. Everyone knows everyone. The

people are shockingly nice,” Mr. Aydelotte

said. It didn’t take long for Mr. Aydelotte to

make a name for himself locally in the culinary

industry, working seasonally in wellknown

spots such as Ristorante Paoletti.

In 2013, after many years going back

and forth, Mr. Aydelotte’s life was forever

changed when his daughter was born. He

knew he needed to settle down in one spot.

“My daughter Kylee is the reason I do everything,”

he said, stating that above all

else he wants to make his daughter proud.

Finally, he made Highlands his home once

and for all, setting down roots that would

eventually lead him to take a giant leap of

faith: opening his own restaurant.

“Opening a restaurant isn’t easy,” Mr.

Aydelotte said. But being his own boss


(above) The dining area of 4118; (right)

Lift your spirits at 4118’s fully stocked bar

and enjoy sipping from your favorite local

brewery.

would allow him to accomplish more for

his daughter and tackle a new set of challenges.

“It’s a team effort,” he explained.

“I’ve got really good people at my side.” He

couldn’t speak highly enough of his staff,

his business partner, Richard Errington,

or his executive chef, Adam Bresnahan.

“Everyone knows and loves him [Richard],

he’s just the nicest guy you could ever meet.

And Chef Adam, this guy is a genius. I

know what he can do. He’s world-class. He

doesn’t disappoint.”

After talking with Mr. Aydelotte, his

passion for excellent food and the people

PHOTOS COURTESY OF 4118 KITCHEN + BAR

of Highlands—both the residents and

tourists—was undeniable. It’s also obvious

when you walk into his establishment.

From the local artwork showcased

on every wall, to the vast and impeccable

selection of local brews at the bar, down

to the steadfast commitment 4118 has

made to working with area farmers and

businesses, this restaurant feels like more

than a simple eatery. It’s like a living,

breathing love letter to Highlands and the

surrounding area.

Mr. Aydelotte and his team work incredibly

Top left: Macaroni and Cheese, Top right: Shrimp and Grits, Bottom center: Chopped Cobb Salad

(above) It’s a team effort: Chef Adam Bresnahan, Ryan Aydelotte, and Richard Errington.

Chef Bresnahan creates new offerings six times a year.

hard to give their guests the very best. Not

only do they offer innovative daily specials,

but they also have a menu which cycles an

incredible six times each year. This allows

them to use seasonal produce and the highest

quality beef, pork, and chicken they

can source—usually no further away than

Asheville, NC. Building relationships and

partnering with local purveyors is only the

first step to bringing 4118’s customers incredible

experiences.

One such experience is a monthly

themed wine dinner. Chef Adam crafts an

exclusive menu based on the wine selected

by Davis Picklesimer from the Highlands

Wine Shoppe. This event found instant

popularity, with tickets selling out the

first month it was introduced. Guests enjoy

wines from far-off regions and a delectable

multi-course meal showcasing the region’s

best flavors. It’s a palate pleasing opportunity

4118 is proud to offer, and they

should be. Their most recent wine dinner

took patrons on a culinary excursion to

the land down under, featuring six courses

and several of Australia’s best wines, with

a portion of the proceeds going to help victims

of the fires which recently devastated

the country.

Truly, every day is a special experience

at 4118. Mr. Aydelotte’s vision for

his restaurant gives ample space for Chef

Adam to explore and push boundaries.

For instance, they developed a “Smash

Menu,” offering sandwiches and sides

with a price point no one could argue is

an incredible value. But quality and innovation

are not sacrificed to get prices

down. On the contrary, these sandwiches

feature delicious components such as

housemade Cheerwine BBQ sauce and,

my personal favorite, the “yellow sauce,”

a mustard-based creation I’ll daydream

about for quite some time. This fare

is perfect for relaxing at the bar with

friends or as a quick bite on your lunch

break.

If it’s date night, 4118 is here to elevate

your experience without breaking the

bank. You’ll find a vast array of wines

and handcrafted cocktails, as well as

mouthwatering nibbles such as a stunning

charcuterie board and duck confit

egg rolls. Exquisite entrée options range

from shrimp and grits to skirt steak cacciatore—but

who knows what magnificent

offerings Chef Adam will come up

with for their next menu cycle?

Ready to dine with them? The restaurant

is located at 64 Highlands Plaza in

Highlands, NC. You can stay up to date

on the restaurant’s events and specials

by following them on Facebook and Instagram

@4118kitchenbar. To make dinner

reservations or to inquire about an upcoming

themed wine or beer dinner, give

them a call at 828-526-5002. Your new

favorite meal is waiting. P


Easter Dinner

Elegance Made Easy

Text, recipes and photos by KIM BYER

The Old Masters are having a moment. Our walls are wearing jewel tones; our table

centerpieces are voluptuous and sweeping. Spring dresses are long, flowing, and painted with wildflowers.

And entertaining at our very own castle is the new dining out. Whether it’s the influence of The Crown,

the eccentric English grandma-style (seriously) or the fascination with patina, gold leaf, and brass,

Americans are digging all things old and elegant.


»

»

Savory Spinach

& Cheese Pie

with hidden Easter eggs

Yield 6-10 servings

Ingredients

9 eggs (divided use)

6+ teaspoons butter

1 small yellow onion, chopped

20 ounces chopped spinach (thaw, if frozen,

squeeze to remove water)

12-15 ounces ricotta cheese

8 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Pinch of ground nutmeg

16 ounces phyllo dough

There’s no finer Southern occasion than Easter dinner

to test this new-old trend. In the spirit of extravagancemeets-IRL,

we’ve whipped up a few trompe-l’œil dishes

that are deceptively easy. We’ve missed the simplicity

of iceberg lettuce, so we’ve shredded it and tossed it in a

fresh herb vinaigrette; it’s the perfect complement to our

Boursin-rich carrot pastry squares. On the lighter side,

our asparagus spears are crispy and lemony, and our pineapple-maraschino

salsa will add a spoonful of nostalgia to

your Easter ham.

Before the royal egg hunt begins in your backyard, find

the hidden eggs in our golden phyllo-wrapped spinach and

ricotta pie. And for a final nod to throwback deliciousness,

no one will guess that your lemon poppyseed masterpiece

with its Easter nest topper, is as easy as pulling a bunny out

of a top hat, er, box.

Fresh Herb Dressing

1/2 cup white balsamic

vinegar (or similar)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 shallot, minced

Handful of mint leaves

Handful of dill leaves

½ teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground pepper

(about ¼ teaspoon)

2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a large pot, soft boil 6 of the eggs

and set aside.

3. Melt 1 teaspoon of butter in a small

skillet. Add onion and cook until

softened, then cool.

4. In a large bowl, mix 2 of the remaining

eggs, spinach, onion, ricotta cheese,

Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and

nutmeg.

5. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and

layer the phyllo sheets, basting (or

spraying) with melted butter between

each sheet. Allow sheets to overlap

and rotate the placement of each sheet

so that each sheet covers the bottom

and drapes over the side. Keep unused

sheets covered with a damp cloth as

you work. When finished, the bottom

will be fully covered.

6. Pour spinach mixture into phyllo crust.

Sink the 6 boiled eggs around the pie

and cover with spinach mixture.

7. Fold the loosely draped phyllo sheets

back over the top of the mixture,

buttering as you layer.

8. Beat the remaining egg and brush the

top of the pie. Bake for 40-45 minutes

or until crust is golden brown. Allow

to cool slightly before unbuckling

springform pan and removing pie.

Serve warm.

Shredded

Iceberg Salad

with Sheep’s Feta and

Fresh Herb Dressing

Serves 8 as a side

Ingredients

8 ounces sheep’s feta cheese

1 head of cold iceberg lettuce, rinsed,

dried and shredded

Directions

1. Make dressing by combining all

ingredients except oil in a food

processor. Turn on for a few

seconds to incorporate ingredients,

then slowly pour olive oil in until

it is emulsified. Season to taste.

2. Place dressing and feta in the

bottom of a large, cold bowl. Layer

lettuce on top.

3. Toss at the table and serve.


Crispy Roasted

Asparagus

with lemon and garlic

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 bunch pencil-thin asparagus, rinsed,

with woody ends removed

2 large lemons (divided use)

¼ cup olive oil

Garlic clove, minced

Lemon rind ribbons for garnish

Kosher salt to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 410° F (or 360°F

convection). Line a baking sheet with

parchment paper.

2. Zest 1 lemon. If desired, carve ribbons

from the rind of the remaining lemon.

3. In a large, low bowl, roll asparagus in a

bath of lemon zest, olive oil and garlic.

4. Arrange asparagus in a single layer on

baking sheet. Slice remaining lemons

into discs or quarters and place atop

asparagus.

5. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until

asparagus tips are crispy, being careful

not to burn. Season with salt, garnish

with lemon ribbons and serve.


Savory Carrot

Pastry Squares

with Boursin cheese

Makes one 9” x 14” tart

Ingredients

1 (14 ounce) all-butter puff pastry sheet,

thawed (Dufour brand recommended)

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 egg, beaten

6 small carrots, scrubbed and sliced

lengthwise into thin (1/4”) strips

1 lemon (divided use)

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 ounces Boursin cheese (pre-blended with

chives and herbs)

8 ounces cream cheese

4 tablespoons water

Lemon zest + chopped chives for topping

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F (or 325°F

convection). Coat a perforated pizza

pan with baking spray. Unfold pastry

sheet onto the pan and using the

tines of a fork, press an inch-wide

edge all around. Prick only the inner

bottom of the pastry sheet with the

fork tines. This will allow the edges to

stay puffed higher than the interior

when cool. Baste the rim with the egg

and the interior with the Dijon. Bake,

according to package instructions,

until the pastry puffs up golden

brown.

2. Allow the pastry to cool while

continuing. Note: At this point (after

cooling), you may wrap the pastry

tightly in plastic wrap and store on

the counter for up to two days before

proceeding.

3. On a parchment-covered baking sheet,

toss carrots in a small amount of olive

oil. Squeeze lemon on top. Tip: zest

lemon prior to juicing and set zest

aside.

4. Roast vegetables in a single layer until

soft and caramelized (15-20 minutes).

5. In a food processor, blend Boursin,

cream cheese and 4 tablespoons of

water.

6. Spread cheese mixture over the

pastry. Arrange roasted carrots on top.

Bake for 15-20 additional minutes.

Sprinkle with lemon zest and chives

and slice into squares. Best served

warm.


Pineapple-

Maraschino

Cherry Salsa

for baked ham

Yield 2 cups

Ingredients

1 fresh pineapple, cored and chopped

½ red or orange bell pepper, diced

2 tablespoons red onion, minced

2 teaspoons cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

A few maraschino cherries,

chopped or whole

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium

serving bowl. Allow flavors to develop

for fifteen minutes before serving.

If using maraschino cherries as a

garnish, add immediately before

serving


Lemon

Poppyseed Cake

with white chocolate

Easter egg nest

Yields one four-layer cake

Cake

1 Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist

Lemon Supreme cake mix

4 eggs (vs. 3)

½ cup high-fat, salted butter (vs. 1/3

cup oil)

1 cup milk (vs. 1 cup water)

2 tablespoons of poppyseeds

Zest of 1 lemon

10 ounces lemon curd

Cream Cheese Icing

8 ounces cream cheese

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

2 ¾ cups heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Easter Egg Nest

Handful of dry vermicelli noodles (angel

hair), torn

5-6 ounces white chocolate chips or

melting wafers

Handful small chocolate malted Easter

eggs and jellybeans

Directions

1. Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans

with parchment paper, then coat with

baking spray. Follow the cake mix

directions using the substitutions

shown and adding the poppyseeds

and the zest of 1 lemon.

2. Prepare the nest: Break the noodles

into small pieces and place into a

large bowl. Melt the white chocolate

according to package directions.

Spoon the melted white chocolate

over the noodles and using your

hands, massage to cover the noodles.

Then, press the noodles into a small

bowl lined with plastic wrap. Place a

second smaller bowl (plastic-wrapped

bottom) on top. Refrigerate until

hardened.

3. When baked cakes are cool enough

to handle, invert them onto a cooling

rack and remove their parchment

papers. Using a long, serrated knife,

slice both layers horizontally.

4. Using a clean, cold mixing bowl, whip

cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar

on high until smooth. Reduce speed

to medium and slowly add the heavy

cream and vanilla extract. Return the

speed to high and whip until the icing

holds stiff peaks.

5. On the bottom cake layer, spread a

thin layer of lemon curd

(approximately 3 ounces for each

layer) then top with a generous dollop

(or two!) of the icing. Repeat for the

next two cake layers. Spread the

remaining whipped cream on the top

and sides of cake. Place the nest on top

of the cake and nestle the candy eggs

inside. Voila! Note: This recipe makes

ample icing for layers, sides, and top.

April /May 2020 | 101

from the vine

You Are What You Drink

A vintner’s take on organically grown wine–Robert & Maria Sinskey of Robert Sinskey Vineyards

By MANDY MURRY

PHOTO MANDY MURRY

IT IS NOT OFTEN AN ENTIRE

wine dinner is centered around

organically grown wine, even more

rare is to have the vintners, one a

chef, sharing their crafts. Robert

and (Chef) Maria of Robert Sinskey

Vineyards practice both organic and

biodynamic farming practices and work

with nature- walking, seeing, feeling, and

sensing the vineyards. They don’t do it for

hype or press, but because it is,

“the right thing to do.”

In 1990, Robert Sinskey

Vineyards started farming

organically, due to the cementlike

soil Robert encountered on

their land. “When I could not

find a living earthworm, I knew

we needed a change.” Robert’s

father had farmed using traditional

techniques- including

pesticides and herbicides. In

doing the research for organic

farming, the Sinskey’s discovered

all of their favorite wines

were organic, and soon found

out why.

The Sinskey’s believe, “farming forms

everything.” Most of the hard work is in

farming techniques. “You typically can’t

have a cheap wine and it be good for you,”

Maria stated. “You are what you drink.” The

Sinskey’s have chosen not to use herbicides

and pesticides, as it breaks the balance of

nature. The use of techniques that destroy

the environment, not only change the microbial

activity in the soil, it is harmful to

humans too. There are carcinogens not only

in the chemicals but in the waters that run

downstream. “We believe in a symbiotic

relationship- working together with, versus

against nature.”

Many think of organic wine as pure or

natural, or the solution to an allergy problem

they have developed. For the Sinskey’s

organically grown wine is about protecting

the planet, the workers, and farming more

intelligently. Herbicides are allowed in sustainable

farming. “Certified organic does

not allow herbicides but the newer, diluted,

and confusing ‘Certified Sustainable’ does.

We feel this is wrong and misleading as

herbicide use breaks the cycle of nature and

destroys the tilth of the soil.” All plants have

a natural immune system and the need for

healthy soils. When chemicals are used, it

changes the properties and structure of the

soil. Healthy soil and access to good nutrients

are vital to the growth of any cropgrapes

or otherwise.

In producing their luxury wines, the

Sinskey’s believe in nourishment. “Follow

nature and the rest will come,” both Maria

and Robert stated. “Every year you take

what the soil and vine give you with what

the sky and weather give. Our job is to be

the simplest, cleanest conduit in the soil to

glass transfer.”

It is the symbiotic relationship with nature

that inspires their wine, not the idea of

wine allergies. So, let’s touch on that a bit.

Robert’s view on wine allergies, as he is allergic

to sulfur, “Most people do not have a

problem with sulfur if the wine has less than

100 parts per million, I do not. There are

organic wines out there that have naturally

occurred 100 parts per million sulfur content,

so organic wine is not necessarily the

fix all with wine allergies. Some vineyards

are picking fruit that is riper and riper, and

that time can be part of the problem.” Other

wine-related allergies are associated with

histamines. If you flush or get headaches, it

is usually not from the sulfur, a histamine

reaction is more likely.

Robert Sinskey Vineyards and Sommelier

Nick Demos teamed up with Snowbird

Mountain Lodge as part of their exclusive

wine dinner events earlier in the spring.

Excellent food and wine, supporting

local organic farms, and

having little waste is something

all parties consider a passion. If

you missed the 2020 event, the

Sinskey’s and Demos will be returning

to Snowbird Mountain

Lodge for another organic wine

dinner in March 2021. P

Snowbird Mountain

Lodge 2020 Wine

Dinner Events

June 20

Champagne Pairing Dinner

w/ Sommelier Nick Demos, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

August 15

Wine Dinner w/ Sommelier Nick Demos

6:00 - 9:00 pm

September 19


6:00 - 9:00 pm

November 13

Wine Dinner w/ Sommelier John McCune

6:00 - 9:00 pm

November 14

Wine Dinner w/ Sommelier John McCune

6:00 - 9:00 pm

March 13, 2021


and Vintner’s Maria and Robert Sinskey

PHOTOS NICK DEMOS


Sinskey

Wines

on the

Plateau

Snowbird Point

of View - 2012

Marcien and

2015 POV

Pinot Noir

Robert Sinskey of

Robert Sinskey

Vineyards,

enjoying 2015

Pinot Blanc Los

Carneros.

Snowbird Mountain

Lodge Meet & Greet

with vintners Robert

and Maria Sinskey

Highlands - Retail

Bryson’s Food Store

Highlands Wine Shoppe

Highlands - Restaurant

Old Edwards Inn

(Madison’s & Wine Garden)

On the Verandah

Bridge at Mill Creek

Wolfgang’s

Meritage Bistro

Lakeside Restaurant

Midpoint

Cashiers - Retail

The Wine Cellar of Cashiers

Chef Maria Helm

Sinskey preparing

potato gnocchi.

Cashiers - Restaurant

Canyon Kitchen at

Lonesome Valley

April /May 2020 | 103

PHOTO CHELSEA CRONKRITE

American

4118 Kitchen + Bar (H) 64 Highlands

Plaza, 828-526-5002. With a casual dining

ambience, this New American cuisine eatery

offers a delectable menu that changes

seasonally, using fresh, local ingredients.

Craft cocktails, beer and wine. Lunch and

dinner Tue-Sun.

Brunch HQ (H) 137 Main St., 828-820-

8686. A breakfast and lunch café serving

locally sourced American fare, fresh baked

goods and house-squeezed juices. Open

Wed-Mon.

Cornucopia Restaurant (C) 16 Cashiers

School Rd., 828-743-3750. A cozy open-air

cottage is a local staple, serving an American

menu of soups, salads, sandwiches

and entrees. Try their Savannah crab

cakes, trout piccata, chicken pot pie or

famous house Reuben. Lunch and dinner,

seasonally.

Grill at The Barn (T) 16614 Rosman Hwy,

828-883-5551. A casual and family-friendly

eatery serving country-style breakfast and

lunch. Eggs, bacon and biscuits, and tasty

burgers and sandwiches. 7:30am-3pm

Mon-Fri (Sat-Sun seasonally).


Delectable pot

roast from 4118

Kitchen & Bar.

Ready to Eat?

Use our restaurant listings to find the best

eating and drinking on the plateau.

Kelsey Place Restaurant (H) 420 Main

St., 828-526-9380. Situated inside the

historic 130-year old Highlands Inn, the

restaurant is open to the public, serving

breakfast 8-10am daily.

Mica’s Restaurant & Pub (S) 25 Logan

Creek Trail, 828-743-5740. A down-home

tavern serving American cuisine like NC

rainbow trout, filet mignon and prime rib.

Burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and

pizza. Large covered patio with a fire pit

and live music. Full bar, beer and wine.

Lunch and dinner daily.

Mountain Fresh Grocery & Wine Market

(H) 521 E. Main St., 828-526-2400. An

upscale grocery and specialty shop that offers

a deli, grill, wood-fired pizza, bakery,

butcher and wine. Stop in for breakfast,

lunch or dinner daily, enjoy a glass of wine

or craft beer, or take home a dinner-to-go

during winter season. Catering and custom

cakes are available.

Randevu Restaurant (C) 18 Chestnut

Square, 828-743-0190. A rustic and cozy

eatery serving American fare. Try the classic

eggs benedict or monte cristo for breakfast,

and for lunch the black and blue tuna

Locations: (C) Cashiers; (H) Highlands; (S) Sapphire; (SM) Scaly Mountain;

(T) Lake Toxaway

sandwich or classic Rueben. 8am-3pm,

Wed-Sun.

The Blind Mule (T) 502 Blue Ridge Rd.,

828-553-8978. Enjoy creative American

cuisine and a rotating menu of farm-fresh

meals from Michelin Star trained Chef

Hargis. Beer and wine. Lunch and dinner,

seasonally.

Tug’s Proper (H) 310 Main St., 828-526-

3555. A contemporary American eatery

with classy digs and a large bar area. Salads,

burgers and sandwiches for lunch and

entrees for dinner. Try the trout piccata,

duck confit or the grilled veal meatloaf.

Full bar, wine and beer. Lunch and dinner

Mon-Sat, Sun brunch.

Whiteside Brewing Co. (C) 128 Hwy 107,

828-743-6000. Serving up American pubgrub

with handcrafted beers that change

seasonally. Wings, paninis, soups, salads,

burgers and sandwiches. Try the Whiteside

burger, salmon BLT or the Reuben. Large

outside seating area and several TVs for

watching your favorite sports. Lunch and

dinner, Thur-Tue.

Asian

Asia House (H) 151 Helens Barn Ave., 828-

787-1680. Authentic Asian eatery serving

Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes, including

sushi, hibachi, soups and curry. Kani

salad, red snapper, beef and scallops and

red curry chicken are some of the favorites.

Full bar. Lunch and dinner. Closed on Wed.

Wild Thyme Gourmet (H) 343 Main St.,

828-526-4035. An upscale eatery serving

Asian-influenced American cuisine. Specialty

dishes include spicy stir-fry waterfall

beef tenderloin, herb crusted rack of lamb

and salmon with Vidalia onion crust. Wine

list won Wine Spectator Award of Excellence

in 2018. Lunch and dinner daily.

Bakery

Cake Bar (H) 2254 Dillard Rd., 828-421-

2042. A cozy speakeasy for the sweet-tooth,

offering decadent and gluten-free fudge

brownies, banana bread and cakes like coffee

cake, caramel cake and red velvet cake.

Savor on-site or take-out.

Sugar Cloud Baking Company (C) 113

Hwy 64-E, 828-774-9709. An award-winning

bakery and wedding cake boutique.

Specializing in gourmet cupcakes, donuts,

Macarons, cookies, handcrafted pies and

custom cakes. 9am-5pm Tue-Fri, 9am-4pm

Sat.

Bar/Pub

Highlands Wine Shoppe (H) 269 Oak

St., 828-526-4080. A cozy wine shop with

a cellar collection of rare and hard-to-find

wines. Sample up to 16 wines at the Napa

Wine Station. Gift baskets and Riedel

glassware. Open daily.

Satulah Mountain Brewing Company

(H) 454 Carolina Way, 828-482-9794. Producing

a premium craft beer, the brewery

offers 8 high-craft beers in their taproom.

Try the Tuckasegee Gold or the Sunset Saison.

Open Thur-Sat.

Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company

(S) 50 Slicers Ave., 828-743-0220.

A pub-style eatery overlooking Sapphire

Mountain and the golf course. Small

plates, salads, pub grub and entrees. Try

the smokehouse burger, steak frites or a

wood-fired pizza. Full bar, wine and several

craft beer selections. Lunch and dinner,

Thur-Sun.

Table 64 (S) 3093 Hwy 64-E, 828-743-

4135. A cozy tapas and wine bar, upscale

yet casual, serving an array of tasty options

like venison tartare, duck confit egg rolls,

beet salad, sunburst trout, Kobe beef and

lamb lollies. Full bar, wine and beer. Dinner

Mon-Sat.

The Cork & Barrel Lounge (S) 3093

Hwy 64-E, 828-743-7477. A favorite spot

for locals, this casual and friendly bar

serves tapas style American food. Try the

Bangers in a Blanket and Caprese Tartlet

or Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. Full bar,

beer and wine. Open daily 4-12pm.

The High Dive (H) 476 Carolina Way,

828-526-6400. A late-night bar where the

locals and visitors come for libations and

stay for the fun. Enjoy karaoke on Tuesdays

and live music on Fridays. Tue-Sun

beginning at 4pm.

The Ugly Dog Pub (C) 25 Frank Allen

Rd., 743-3000; (H) 294 S. 4th St., 828-526-

8364. Two locations that offer a casual and

relaxed atmosphere, serving American

pub grub, like chef-created burgers, sandwiches,

salads and soups. Full bar, regional

craft beers and wine. Live music with top

talent weekly. Lunch, dinner, Sunday

brunch.

Barbecue

Redefining

High-Class

Quality

Quality Work | Fully Insured | House Maintenance

Call for your free consultation today!

Office: 828-349-4577 | Mobile: 828-200-6694

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD

Burritos | Tacos| Fajitas| Quesadillas| Full Bar

Mon-Sat 11am –9pm

45 Slab Town Road, Cashiers NC

828-743-1160

chilelococashiers.com

Highlands Smokehouse (H) 595 Franklin

Rd., 828-526-3554. Enjoy real pit barbecue,

including pulled pork, brisket, ribs and

classic Southern sides. Also offering tasty

burgers, tacos, stew and vegetarian. Full

bar and beer. Lunch and dinner, Wed-Mon.

On The Side Barbeque (C) 78 Hwy 64-E,

828-743-4334. Located at the Cashiers

Farmers Market, this take-out eatery

serves sandwiches like pulled pork, smoked

turkey, beef brisket and egg salad. Take

home ribs and BBQ by the pound and sides.

Open seasonally.

New American Cuisine

Seasonal menus showcasing regional products

Open daily for lunch and dinner • Sunday brunch

Craft cocktails, beer & wine

$6 smash menu provides the most affordable lunch in town!

64 Highlands Plaza, Highlands NC

828-526-5002 • 4118kitchen-bar.com

April /May 2020 | 105

Bistro

Bistro On Main (H) 270 Main St., 828-

526-2590. Classic, polished bistro located

inside The Main Street Inn, featuring

elevated American fare and outdoor dining.

Appetizers, soups and sandwiches for

lunch, and dinner includes trout, steaks,

salmon and lobster bisque. Lunch and dinner

seasonally.

Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar (H) 465

Main St., 828-787-2990. Enjoy handcrafted

Neapolitan wood-fired pizza, cast-iron

sandwiches, small plates and salads in a

modern Mediterranean eatery. Try the Polpette

(homemade pork meatballs), cast-iron

grilled cheese or choose a tomato-based or

olive oil-based pizza baked to perfection.

Lunch and dinner, Wed-Mon.

Meritage Bistro (H) 490 Carolina Way,

828-526-1019. An intimate and cozy bistro

serving wine and European cuisine like

Faroe Island salmon, lamb meatloaf and

sea scallops Caponata. Small plates include

their classic Pomme Frites and appetizers,

salads and sandwiches round out the

menu. Lunch Thur-Sat, Dinner Wed-Mon,

Sunday brunch.

Zookeeper Bistro (C) 45 Slab Town Rd.,

828-743-7711. Casual dining for breakfast

and lunch, serving American dishes like caramel

apple French toast and Western omelet,

or try the Slabtown burger or Jackson County

club. Beer and wine. 7:30am-2pm, Tue-Sun.

Café

Annie’s Café (SM) 7420 Dillard Rd., 828-

526-1663. A country-style eatery serving

salads, soups, burgers and sandwiches,

along with daily specials. Try the steak

sandwich, tuna melt or chicken Caesar

salad. 11am-3pm Sun-Thur, 11am-9pm

Fri-Sat.

Bella’s Junction Café (SM) 20 Old Mud

Creek Rd., 828-526-0803. A casual dining

café serving American fare. Salads and

sandwiches for lunch, like salmon BLT and

Reuben, and for dinner try a homemade

pizza or the stuffed flounder, prime rib or

lobster ravioli. Lunch Thur-Sat, dinner Fri-

Sat, Sun brunch.

Blue Bike Café (H) 423 N. 4th St., 828-

526-9922. A casual breakfast and lunch

café offering breakfast all day, and tasty

burgers, sandwiches and salads for lunch.

Try the grilled portabella with sweet potato

tots or the smoked chicken salad. Open

daily 7am-3pm, closed Wed.


Buck’s Coffee Café (C) 6 Hwy 107 S., 828-

743-9997. The local’s hangout most mornings,

offering fresh brewed coffee and tea,

along with breakfast, lunch and dessert

items. Try the egg & cheese English muffin

or a grilled Panini. Open daily 7am-6pm.

Calders Coffee Café (H) 384 Main St.,

828-200-9308. Calders serves up fine classic

coffee, tea, wine and food. Select from

breakfast and lunch sandwiches like ham

and cheese croissants or smoked salmon

and special treats like caramel stroop waffles.

Open daily 7am-6pm.

Fressers Courtyard Café (H) 470 Oak

St., 828-526-8847. A small take-out café

with patio tables offering delicious baked

goods, hearty burgers and sandwiches, and

their famous thick-cut Fresser fries. Fullservice

catering is available. Lunch and

dinner seasonally.

M-Brace Café (H) 462 Dillard Rd., 828-

787-1212. A cozy café offering crepes, sandwiches,

wraps and salads. Friendly staff

and quick service. Breakfast, lunch and

dinner, 11am-7pm Wed-Sat.

The Falls Café & Grill (T) 9 Toxaway

Church Rd., 828-877-3322. A casual dining

restaurant offering American fare in a

family style atmosphere. Great views of the

Toxaway Falls. Burgers, sandwiches, salads

and entrees like chicken marsala and

pecan-encrusted trout. Lunch and dinner

daily, seasonally.

Deli/Ice Cream

Kilwins (H) 341 Main St., 828-526-3788.

An old-fashioned confectionery serving

original recipe ice-cream, hand-crafted

chocolates, Mackinac Island fudge, handmade

sweets and gift baskets. Try top sellers

like turtle fudge or milk sea-salt tuttles.

Open daily.

SweeTreats (H) 115 S. 4th St., 828-526-

9632. A craft ice-cream shop and deli that

has been a family gathering place for over

30 years. Soups, salads and specialty sandwiches

like the Muffaletta, French dip and

torta de carnitas are crowd favorites. Or

try a delicious milkshake, sundae or frozen

yogurt. Lunch and dinner daily.

Fine Dining

Altitudes at Skyline Lodge (H) 470 Skyline

Lodge Rd., 828-526-2121. Enjoy fine

dining overlooking the mountain tops in the

large dining room or outside on the terrace.

Continental cuisine dishes include Vermont

maple salmon, chicken marsala and Rosemary

grilled lamb chops. Cocktails, beer and

wine. Breakfast Sat-Sun, dinner Wed-Sat.

Canyon Kitchen (S) 150 Lonesome Valley

Rd., 828-743-7967. An upscale restaurant

serving New American cuisine in a rusticchic

ambience. Enjoy a four-course meal

with selections like flounder crudo, duck

boudin, seared diver scallops and apple foster

cheesecake. Full bar and extensive wine

list. Dinner Wed-Sun, May-Oct.

Lakeside Restaurant (H) 531 Smallwood

Ave., 828-526-9419. A fine dining experience

within a cozy cottage on Harris Lake,

offering fresh seafood and American fare.

Local rainbow trout, Carolina grouper and

Maryland-style crab cakes are favorites.

Extensive wine list. Dinner Tue-Sun.

Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden

(H) 445 Main St., 828-787-2525. Awarded

the AAA Four-Diamond Award, Madison’s

offers a seasonal, farm-to-table fine dining

service in the elegant Old Edwards Inn.

Enjoy lush dishes like Painted Hills beef

ribeye and Sunburst trout, along with an

extensive wine list. Lunch and dinner daily.

Midpoint Restaurant (H) 332 Main St.,

828-526-2277. An eco-friendly restaurant

using local farm-to-table practices. A global

culinary team offers an inventive menu,

like lemon crisp calamari, chicken tikka

masala, sea bass aw mawk and Spanish paella.

A good selection of wines to pair with

your meal. Dinner nightly.

On The Verandah (H) 1536 Franklin Rd.,

828-526-2338. An upscale eatery offering

international cuisine and seafood, with a

romantic atmosphere overlooking Lake

Sequoyah. Enjoy dishes like spicy Thai coconut

shrimp, filet mignon, Creole chicken

and seared scallops. Extensive wine list.

Dinner nightly, seasonally.

Ristorante Paoletti (H) 440 Main St.,

828-526-4906. Enjoy refined Italian dining

in an elegant European-style atmosphere.

Handmade pasta, veal, beef, lamb, elk and

several fresh seafood dishes comprise the

extensive menu. Over 850 wines to pair

with your meal, that has earned Wine

Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence

since 1987. Dinner nightly, seasonally.

The Log Cabin (H) 130 Log Cabin Ln.,

828-526-5777. Enjoy fine, yet casual dining

set in a rustic and historic 1924 log cabin.

Fresh seafood, steaks and comfortable

Italian dishes are served using fresh, local

ingredients. Sit by one of three fireplaces or

dine outdoors. Extensive wine list. Lunch

(May-Oct), dinner Tue-Sat.

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

family owned and operated

The Orchard Restaurant (C) 905 Hwy

107 S., 828-743-7614. A restored farmhouse

serving southern-inspired American

cuisine with an elegant, rustic ambience.

Try the trout Chattooga, Grimshawe’s ribeye

or apple bourbon pork osso buco. Full

bar, extensive wine list and beer. Dinner

Wed-Sat.

The Restaurant at the Greystone (T)

220 Greystone Ln., 828-966-4700. Situated

inside The Greystone Inn, the restaurant

offers breathtaking views of Lake Toxaway

and mountains. Enjoy a seasonal menu

from award-winning Chef Sean, like Bouillabaisse

and pomegranate and molasses

glazed duck breast. Breakfast, lunch and

dinner daily, seasonally.

Winslow’s Hideaway (C) 33 Village Walk

Way, 828-743-2226. Fine dining in the

heart of Cashiers, serving authentic American

cuisine. Try the trout Winslow, Manhattan

bone-in strip or roast Long Island

duckling. Full bar. Dinner Tue-Sat.

Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro

(H) 474 Main St., 828-526-3807. Enjoy an

eclectic menu of German, American and

Cajun cuisine by nationally recognized

Chef Wolfgang. An intimate and upscale

bistro serving up dishes like Venison Au

Poivre, pecan crusted shrimp and roast loin

of lamb. Award-winning wine list. Dinner

nightly, seasonally.

German

The Library Kitchen & Bar (S) 184

Cherokee Trail, 828-743-5512. An historic

upscale eatery with a casual and modern

vibe, serving dishes with German influences

from Michelin-star trained Chef Johannes.

Try the pistachio crusted Georgia

quail or the coriander sautéed Carolina

trout. Full bar, wine and beer. Catering

available. Dinner Tue-Sat.

Italian/Pizza

Slab Town Pizza (C) 45 Slab Town Rd.,

828-743-0020. Enjoy New York style pizza

with handmade dough and fresh toppings.

Build your own pie or choose from one of

their specialty pizzas. Calzones, salads and

sandwiches. Beer and wine. Lunch and dinner,

Tue-Sun.

The Pizza Place of Highlands (H) 365

Main St., 828-526-5660. A community staple

since the mid ‘70s, offering an extensive

menu selection of pizza, calzones, sandwiches,

salads and a kid’s menu. Lunch

and dinner, Mon-Sat.

Villa Amato (T) 15887 Rosman Hwy, 828-

885-7700. Classic homemade Italian fare

like eggplant parmesan, lasagna, penne

vodka, pizza, Stromboli and calzones.

Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.and a 2018

Winner of the WWAY Best Pizza in Wilmington

award! Offering a variety of homemade

dishes and pizza made with fresh,

local ingredients. Open daily for lunch,

dinner and Sunday brunch.

Mexican

Chile Loco (C) 45 Slab Town Rd., 828-

743-1160. Casual dining in a friendly atmosphere,

serving authentic Mexican fare.

Tacos, soups, fajitas, tortas, steak, chicken

and specialties like chalupas, tostadas and

chimichangas. Full bar, beer and wine.

Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

El Azteca Rainforest Bar & Grill (H) 72

Highlands Plaza, 828-526-2244. Authentic

Mexican cuisine using fresh, local ingredients,

featuring ceviche, tacos, fajitas,

enchiladas and burritos. Full bar, beer and

wine. Lunch and dinner daily.

El Manzanillo (C) 30 Hwy 64-E, 743-

5522; (H) 30 Dillard Rd., 828-526-0608.

Two locations offering authentic Mexican

cuisine. Burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas,

steak, chicken and seafood. Margaritas,

wine and beer. Lunch and dinner

daily.

Pescado’s Highlands Burritos (H) 226 S.

4th St., 828-526-9313. A lively burrito eatery,

serving up specialty burritos like roast

pork and garlic-cilantro steak. Tacos, quesadillas

and homemade soups. Lunch Mon-

Sat.Main St., 828-526-5660. A community

Take-Home Meals

Dusty’s Rhodes Superette (H) 493 Dillard

Rd., 828-526-2762. A 2nd generation,

family run specialty foods store, with a

butcher shop, deli, sundries, take-home

prepared meals, wine and gifts. Tue-Sat.

Rosewood Market (H) 117 Franklin Rd.,

828-526-0383. A fixture in Highlands for

homemade, prepared foods to-go and catering.

Choose from over 150 menu items with

local favorites like lemon-caper chicken or

baked halibut.

The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering

(H) 350 S. 5th St., 828-526-2110. Short

on time? Come in for high-quality, madefrom-scratch

take-home meals. Also offering

full-service catering for any occasion.

Open seasonally.

A Little Taste in

The Mountains

mustards | jams and jellies | pickled

vegetables | oils and vinegars | bbq

sauces | steak sauces | dips | olives |

bruschettas | pretzel dips | peanuts

| honeys | pepper jellies | pancake

syrups and mixes

and much more!

col.mustardshighlands@yahoo.com

343 B Town Square

Main Street, Highlands

(828) 526-8697

Colonel Mustard’s of Highlands

@col.mustardshighlands

R

B

EST

A

E

K

F A

S

T

&

L

U

HIGHLANDS, NC

N

C

H

2019

BLUE BIKE CAFE

A Casual and Affordable Café

Offering Delicious Food

Check out our New merchandise.

T-shirts, hats, mugs, homemade jam.

Breakfast and Lunch

423 N 4th Street, Highlands NC

828-526-9922

April /May 2020 | 107

Spring Break

for Grown-Ups

Our comprehensive spring

travel guide has something

for everyone

By KATIE MCELVEEN

Relaxing on Anguilla.

SPRING BREAK USED TO MEAN ONE THING: THE BEACH. THESE DAYS, THOUGH,

a spring break can take you anywhere in the world…or on a new adventure right

around the corner. Looking to plan a spring break of your own?

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

PHOTO ANGUILLA TOURIST BOARD


Abbeville, South Carolina: Southern Charm

There’s nothing like the sense of discovery that comes from visiting

a small town. Take Abbeville, which is larded with underthe-radar

treasures like the Burt-Stark mansion, where, on May

2, 1865 Confederate President Jefferson Davis was convinced by

his war council to end the fighting. Visit on a Friday or Saturday

afternoon and docents will share the story of the last night of

the Confederacy as you walk through the stately home’s antiquefilled

rooms. When he wasn’t advising movie producers on how to

create authentic scenes of southern culture for movies like Gone

with the Wind, Atlanta artist Wilbur Kurtz was painting those

scenes. Several examples of his work hang on the walls of Abbeville’s

visitor center, which is housed in a historic bank building.

There’s more to Abbeville than history. Start on the atmospheric

town square, which is alive with restaurants, festivals, a

Friday morning farmer’s market and shops. Divine Your Space is

a home décor and garden boutique that also hosts fun workshops

like build-your-own-terrarium bar; at Breezy Quarters, owner

Paige Bowser handcrafts all of the beautifully aromatic soaps,

candles and non-melting lip balms from natural ingredients.

There are lots of locally-owned dining options, too, like the Village

Grill, where specials like a pork chop scented with Asian spices

elevate a menu of well-prepared American classics and the Rough

House, a hot-dog haven known for its chili-topped slaw dogs.

Sporty types can take to the trails within the Sumter National

Forest; the 6 mile Horn Creek Trail is popular with hikers and

mountain bikers. Stay at Belmont Inn, which first opened in 1903

to serve Vaudeville stars traveling between New York and Miami

on the train. Quirky and inviting, the pet-friendly hotel sits right

on the town’s main square.

»For more information: abbevillecitysc.com and belmontinn.net

»Dates to watch: April 30-May 2 where crafters, musicians and

food vendors take to the square for the annual Abbeville Spring Fest.

Snake River Sporting Club,

Wyoming: Nature & Nurture

When you want rugged, but without roughing it, book a cottage at

Snake River Sporting Club, a former ranch that’s spread over 1,000

acres of pristine land just 20 miles from Jackson Hole. To get a sense

of the place, spend your first morning roaming the landscape on

horseback—you may spot the elk, moose, bison or bear that also call

this remote wilderness home.

Solitude-seekers can reach the Bridger-Teton National Forest’s

California's iconic Route 1

showcases the dramatic

coastline between Monterey

and Big Sur.

PHOTO MONTEREY PLAZA HOTEL AND SPA

April /May 2020 | 109

network hiking and mountain bike trails via one of the club’s private

entrances, or consider a guided hike: spring means baby animals,

the return of migratory birds and the chance to watch herds of mule

deer, antelope and other large animals as they make their way from

wintering areas to summer ranges. Sporty types can shoot skeet,

give archery a try and, thanks to platform courts, play tennis yearround.

Rafting trips on the Snake River usually begin in early May.

The Snake River is one of the most sought-after fly-fishing locales

in the world; the Snake River Sporting Club’s location gives

anglers private access to a six mile stretch of water rife with the

submerged boulders, deep pools and long riffles that attract these

distinctive ruddy fish in droves. Even better, spring is the region’s

secret season for fishing, a time when hungry trout are looking to

build up a reserve of pre-spawn strength.

Within the club, lodging options range from one-bedroom cottages

with full kitchens, fireplaces and mountain-facing terraces

with firepits to luxurious multi-bedroom lodges set on meadows

or near the golf course. Guests can even “glamp” for a night in a

covered pioneer wagon or tepee that’s been fully outfitted with a

comfy bed and lots of blankets. And while it may feel remote, it’s

really not: both the wagon and the tepee are set up just steps away

from your cabin. Four on-site restaurants and a chef happy to

cook in your kitchen makes cooking—and cleaning up—optional.

»For more information: snakeriversportingclub.com

»Dates to watch: March 26-28 when top musical acts make their

way to Jackson Hole for the city’s annual Rendezvous Spring Festival.

Monterey Bay, California: Wine & Brine

You’d expect a few interesting sea creatures to dwell in a bay

the size of Connecticut, but Monterey Bay knocks it out of the

park with a list of A-list residents and visitors that includes

playful otters, majestic blue, grey and humpback whales, sleek

seals and deadly orcas. Although there’s really no bad time to

go, spring means baby whales-- humpbacks are known for their

sweet, naïve curiosity—and is also a chance to catch the giant

mammals going both north and south, depending on their breed,

sex and relative strength.

For a deeper dive under the sea, head to the Monterey Bay

Aquarium, which opened in 1984 on the site of a former sardine

cannery. Today, it’s considered one of the top aquariums in the

world for both its exhibitions—the massive Open Sea exhibit is

home to sea turtles, sharks and stingrays—and special programs

that allow guests to scuba dive in an exhibit tank, take a personal

otter tour and feed animals and fish before the aquarium opens.

The closest hotel to the action is the Monterey Plaza Hotel &

Spa, which juts out over the rocky coastline. Rooms have remarkable

views of the bay; you can also take in the scene from outdoor

restaurants, hot tubs and a rooftop spa. Free bikes make it easy

to explore the shops, restaurants, seafood markets and tasting

rooms serving local wine and craft beer that comprise the town;

there’s also a bike path that meanders along the coast, covering

the 18 miles between Castroville and Pacific Grove.

No matter how much you enjoy the town of Monterey, do make

time to explore by car. The stunning Bixby Creek Bridge—you

might recognize it from the HBO series Big Little Lies—sits about

halfway between Monterey and Big Sur on Route 1 as it twists

and turns along the jaw-droppingly beautiful coastline. Inland,

check out the River Road Wine Trail, which winds through some

of the region’s lesser-known wineries or, for literary types, the

Steinbeck Center in Salinas.

»For more information: seemonterey.com; montereyplazahotel.com

»Dates to watch: May 2, when Monterey County’s annual

Winemakers’ Celebration transforms downtown Carmel into an

open-air tasting room.

Anguilla, West Indies: Fantasy Island

As tropical isles go, Anguilla is definitely not the easiest to visit.

You can take a small plane from St. Martin, Puerto Rico or another

nearby island, but most visitors arrive by boat, a breezy 40

minute ride that provides almost exactly the right amount of time

to drink a beer and complete the transformation from harried

traveler to relaxed vacationer. And while it might be tempting

to pitch your lounge chair on a more accessible isle, one visit to

Anguilla will convince you that the extra time is worth it.

Less than three years after Anguilla was devastated by the onetwo

punch of hurricanes Irma and Maria, Anguilla is back. Even better,

the island hasn’t changed. Those 33 beaches that line the long,

narrow isle still rise gently out of the luminous turquoise water with

nothing taller than a sand dune blocking the view.

They’ve held on to their distinctive personalities, too. Skiffs still

make the trip to tiny Sandy Island so you can fulfill your Robinson

Crusoe fantasy (but with freshly grilled lobster and cold beer just

a few steps away); glistening Shoal Bay Beach, where you can eat

cracked conch with your toes in the sand, has emerged wider than

ever. On Rendezvous Bay’s lush curve, Bankie Banx has rebuilt

the Dune Club, which is also known as the world’s best beach bar.

Anguilla's long slender

shape inspired its name:

Anguilla means eel in Spanish.


Prague is home to the

world's largest castle.

PHOTO ANGUILLA TOURIST BOARD; CZECH TOURISM

Stay at the Four Seasons Anguilla and, depending on what

type of lodging you book (take your pick of spacious rooms and

suites or sprawling villas), you’ll awaken to views of either Mead’s

Bay or Barnes Bay, two is the island’s most spectacular strands.

Thanks to a dramatic location atop a low rocky bluff, the resort is

surrounded by glorious views of blue water, colorful sunsets and,

in the distance, tiny isles bobbing in the Atlantic. The spa takes

full advantage of the view, too, with open air—but completely

private—treatment rooms overlooking the ocean.

Beach lovers can hang out at the resort’s Mead’s Bay beach

club, where a regatta of water equipment—think Hobie cats,

kayaks, standup paddleboards and more—are available free of

charge. They even provide sunscreen.

»For more information:

ivisitanguilla.com; fourseasons.com/anguilla

»Dates to watch: For 29 years, Anguilla has celebrated the

full moon before Easter with the Moonsplash music festival. This

year’s event will be held March 12-15.

Prague, Czech Republic: Bohemian Rhapsody

One look at Prague’s soaring spires, café-rimmed cobbled squares

and ornate Baroque facades makes its hard to believe that 30

years ago, much of the city’s grandeur was hidden under decades

of Communist-era soot.

But from the moment gleam replaced grunge, Prague hasn’t

looked back and, these days, a spirited sense of freedom and

independence reigns over the city. Beer gardens overflow with

lively crowds; artists turn out bright paintings from easels set up

along the 14th-century Charles Bridge and music flows from impromptu

stages. The food scene is fun, too: Kuchyn celebrates the

region’s traditional stews but with a twist: instead of perusing a

menu, diners make their choices by lifting the lids off simmering

pots; La Gustation earned a Michelin star for paring heavy Czech

dishes down to their essential flavors.

Public art has also taken root, illustrating both Prague’s joys—

Anna Chromy’s Czech Musicians dance joyfully around a gurgling

fountain on Senovazne Square—and its struggles: the Memorial to

the Victims of Communism commemorates the thousands who died

and suffered under Communist rule.

Through all that energy, city’s classic beauty continues to shine.

For more than 600 years, the Charles Bridge has offered views of

Prague’s almost absurdly romantic cityscape that’s dominated by

St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle, a ninth-century, treasurefilled

complex that is the world’s largest.

Hemmed by churches with elaborate, sky-high steeples, the Medieval

Town Hall and the city’s colorful Astronomical clock, the Old

Town square is a kaleidoscope of architectural styles ranging from

Gothic to Art Nouveau.

Mozart, Dvorak, Mahler and Beethoven all spent time in Prague;

today, their compositions are performed in historic churches, synagogues,

concert halls and palaces; see prague-ticket-concert.com for

a full list. The Aria Hotel celebrates Prague’s music culture with

musically-inspired rooms and an on-site music concierge who can

direct you to upcoming concerts. During the summer, the view from

the rooftop restaurant is the best in town.

»For more information:

czechtourism.com; ariahotel.net

»Dates to watch: Slated for May 12-June 4, The Prague Spring

International Music Festival or Pražské Jaro is an iconic classical

music event featuring outstanding musicians, symphony orchestras

and ensembles from different parts of the world. P

April /May 2020 | 111

the last reflection

Perfectly Capable

Make Marinara like an Italian Nonna

By ANNE POSTIC

DO YOU NEED A QUICK

meal for a crowd? Or are

there a bunch of tomatoes

you need to use right now? Or

maybe you have a few cans of

tomatoes in the pantry taking up valuable

space. Well, you’re perfectly capable of

making delicious, homemade marinara in

no time at all, as long as you have enough

time for it to simmer. This tomato sauce is

so easy you may never buy the (expensive)

jarred kind again. Bonus: Your place will

smell like a home-cooked meal, cooked con

amore by your favorite Italian nonna (or a

copycat like me).

Start with the finest of ingredients or,

you know, whatever you have on hand.

Pull a big pot out of the cupboard and get

going. You will need:

» 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

» 5-6 cloves chopped garlic

» 1 onion, chopped

» 2 28oz. cans (whole, diced, or crushed)

tomatoes or 3½ pounds fresh tomatoes

(or more, or less)

» A couple spoonfuls Italian seasoning

» 1 tablespoon tomato paste

» salt and pepper to taste

» 2 additional tablespoons olive oil

Heat the butter or olive oil in a tall stockpot

over medium heat. Add garlic and onions

and cook until fragrant, a few minutes.

Cut the top off of a tomato and squeeze

the juices into the pot to deglaze. If using

canned tomatoes, pour in a little of their

juice. Or open a bottle of wine, pour yourself

a glass, and add a splash of that to the

pot. White, red, rose, vodka, whatever.

(Time for a martini? A splash of vodka

and olive juice won’t hurt this dish one little

bit.)

Add the rest of the tomatoes, Italian seasoning,

salt and pepper, and tomato paste.

Simmer on low, covered, for 20 minutes (or


as long as a few hours, because it will only

get better), until any whole tomatoes have

burst open, the sauce has thickened, and

it tastes ready to eat. While it simmers,

stir occasionally (but if it’s at a low enough

heat and you forget, it’ll probably be fine).

Turn off the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons

olive oil, or more. Add salt and pepper to

taste. Serve over pasta!

Now that you know the basics, here are

a few more tips. In the initial stages, use

a long-handled wooden spoon to press any

whole tomatoes against the side of the pot

to break them open as they cook. Do take

care not to look too closely, because sometimes

the inside of the tomato will shoot up

and burn your face. This is not ideal.

You can use any mix of tomatoes you

have on hand—even a mix of fresh and

canned. I often make marinara to use up

over-ripe tomatoes from the fridge. Got a

bell pepper or a couple of carrots just taking

up space in your crisper? Chop ‘em up

and toss ‘em in the pot. And don’t dare peel

those tomatoes. It’s a hassle, and the skin

is good for you.

The longer the sauce simmers, the bet-

ter, so don’t be shy about leaving it on

the stove, stirring occasionally, for a few

hours. If you’re short on time and the

sauce is too crude, hit it with a few pulses

of stick blender. Even a cheap stick blender

is pretty efficient, so if you’re using one,

you don’t even need to chop the garlic.

Make double, triple, or however much

will fit in the pot and freeze it for a rainy (or

even busier) day. Basic marinara works for

all sorts of things, like lasagna, eggplant

parmesan, or shakshuka (eggs poached in

tomato sauce, for the uninitiated). You can

cook meatballs in a tomato sauce. Or stir

in some ground meat for a heartier sauce.

Looking for the ultimate comfort meal?

Thin it with stock and serve it as a soup

with a grilled cheese sandwich.

As for the tomato paste, you can use

more, or less, or skip it entirely. It adds

some depth and color, especially if the

tomatoes are a little underripe. My point?

Don't go to the store in the rain for this one

ingredient.

Marinara is easy, versatile, and comforting.

Making your own is a great way

to clean out your fridge and it’s not much

harder than opening a jar of prepared

sauce. So get cooking! P

Custom Home Building on the

Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

Completed 2019 in Lonesome Valley

Highlands & Cashiers, NC

828.743.0724

Located at 17 Old Cashiers Square, Highway 107 South in Cashiers

www.ChinquapinBuilders.com

Scott Westendorf, Owner/General Contractor

April /May 2020 | 3

Highlands Properties

INTEGRITY | SINCERITY | CREDIBILITY

Representing Buyers and Sellers for 25 Years

in the Highlands/Cashiers Market

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken,

over-civilized people are beginning to

find out that going to the mountains

is going home—that wilderness is a

necessity.” – John Muir

Let us help you find your piece of Heaven on the Highlands/Cashiers plateau

R E A L T O R S ®

450 N. 4th Street, Highlands, NC | 828.526.5522 | highlandsproperites.com


Plateau Magazine Apr/May 2020

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?