Plateau Magazine June-July 2023
This issue we feature women entrepreneurs with locally run businesses and cowgirls who are protecting local animals. We also highlight protecting the land and fields that are important for bees and butterflies pollination. And for the foodies, check out our feature on the Highlands Tavern. Get outdoors with this issue, with our interview on legendary hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis.
This issue we feature women entrepreneurs with locally run businesses and cowgirls who are protecting local animals. We also highlight protecting the land and fields that are important for bees and butterflies pollination. And for the foodies, check out our feature on the Highlands Tavern. Get outdoors with this issue, with our interview on legendary hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis.
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<strong>June</strong> / <strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong><br />
Protecting<br />
Wild Places<br />
Highlands-Cashiers<br />
Land Trust at Work<br />
40 Something<br />
Cowgirls<br />
Empowering Women and<br />
Protecting Animals<br />
Women in<br />
Business<br />
Meet the <strong>Plateau</strong>’s<br />
Leading Businesswomen<br />
$4.50 US<br />
Highlands<br />
Tavern<br />
Hiking Legend<br />
Jennifer Pharr Davis<br />
Artist<br />
Mase Lucas<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 1
2 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
CLASSIC. SPIRITED.<br />
CURATED.<br />
A ONE-OF-A-KIND<br />
Destination<br />
Boutique<br />
For Men + Women<br />
HIGHLANDS<br />
TOWN SQUARE<br />
828.526.2262<br />
TJBAILEYS.COM<br />
@TJBAILEYS<br />
CASHIERS<br />
95 HWY 107 S.<br />
828.743.8855<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 1
Mountain Mist<br />
Gallery<br />
Open Monday-Thursday & Saturday<br />
11-5, Friday 12-5<br />
71 Commons Dr, Cashiers, NC<br />
1 Block North of Hwy 64 on 107 N.<br />
828-743-1801<br />
www.mountainmistgallery.com<br />
< Mother’s Child<br />
by Bill Farnsworth<br />
“Blue Ridge Sunrise” by David Berger<br />
“Mothers Child” by Bill Farnsworth<br />
“High Falls” by Morgan Samuel Price<br />
Skip Kohler Lamps<br />
Mangum Pottery<br />
“Defying Gravity” by Julie Berger<br />
“Reflections” by Abbe Kalman<br />
Butterfield Pottery<br />
2 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
Listen to Your Dreams and We'll Help You Build Them<br />
Creating exceptional homes and providing a professional, enjoyable<br />
building experience for our clients.<br />
Custom Homes<br />
Renovations<br />
12 Canoe Point, Cashiers NC | 828-547-0777 | harriscustombuildersnc.com<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 3
HIGHLANDS | $8,300,000 | MLS# 101606<br />
Escape to Paradise in this breathtaking four-bedroom, completely remodeled home on the Cullasaja River! The home also<br />
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land less than two miles from Main Street in Highlands. The main home has an open floor plan that features a spacious<br />
living room with a floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace and large windows that offer stunning views of the waterfall. The modern<br />
kitchen is a chef’s dream, with high-end appliances, custom cabinetry, and a massive quartz island. Host dinner parties in<br />
front of the river rock fireplace in the dining area that also offers easy access to the deck if you want to entertain al fresco.<br />
A bar with seating is the perfect connection between the kitchen, living room, and dining. The master bedroom has a<br />
direct view of the waterfall, and its spa-styled luxurious marble bath has views of the river. This floor also has two guest<br />
suites with upscale marble baths and walk-in, outfitted closets. The terrace level, which can be accessed via elevator or<br />
stairs, boasts a family room that is perfect for a game of pool. Another ensuite bedroom is also on this level and has access<br />
to the outside. A lovely cottage is on the property and provides a private retreat for guests. It features a full kitchen, living<br />
room, and dining area, as well as two bedrooms and two baths. With its stunning location, luxurious design, and ample<br />
space, this estate on the Cullasaja River is the perfect choice for those seeking a legacy property.<br />
828.526.1717 | MeadowsMountainRealty.com<br />
488 Main St, Highlands, NC<br />
THE MICHAUD/RAUERS GROUP<br />
JUDY MICHAUD: 828.371.0730<br />
MITZI RAUERS: 404.218.9123<br />
TOM GOLDACKER: 828.200.9045<br />
JOHN MUIR: 404.245.7027<br />
BROOKS KITTRELL: 828.230.4453<br />
©<strong>2023</strong> BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices<br />
symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.<br />
4 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
CASHIERS, NORTH CAROLINA<br />
HIGHLANDS, NORTH CAROLINA<br />
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TWO FABULOUS COMMUNITIES. ONE GREAT TEAM.<br />
Both Bear Mór and Saratay Falls are new communities of luxury mountain homes to<br />
be built just minutes from Cashiers, NC, and Highlands, NC, by developer Loudermilk<br />
Homes, a custom home builder out of Atlanta, GA, known for a relentless focus on<br />
quality craftsmanship, transparency, and advanced smart home technology.<br />
Loudermilk Homes is the exclusive Southern Living <strong>Magazine</strong> Custom Builder for Cashiers.<br />
828.526.1717 | MeadowsMountainRealty.com<br />
488 Main St, Highlands, NC<br />
THE MICHAUD/RAUERS GROUP<br />
JUDY MICHAUD: 828.371.0730<br />
MITZI RAUERS: 404.218.9123<br />
TOM GOLDACKER: 828.200.9045<br />
JOHN MUIR: 404.245.7027<br />
BROOKS KITTRELL: 828.230.4453<br />
©<strong>2023</strong> BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices<br />
symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 5
BETH TOWNSEND<br />
Co-Owner / Broker<br />
LIZ HARRIS<br />
Co-Owner / Broker<br />
ANN MCKEE AUSTIN<br />
Co-Owner / Broker<br />
OUR TEAM<br />
COLEEN GOTTLOEB<br />
Broker-In-Charge<br />
— OF —<br />
EXPERIENCED<br />
BROKERS<br />
SANDY BARROW<br />
Broker<br />
JOHN BARROW<br />
Broker / Rental Coordinator<br />
MAGGIE ELMER<br />
Broker<br />
JOANNE BRYSON<br />
Broker<br />
SUSAN HEATLEY<br />
Broker<br />
TK HEATLEY<br />
Broker<br />
TIM HEATLEY<br />
Broker<br />
KARALINE CANTLER<br />
Broker / Administrator<br />
CLAY CANTLER<br />
Broker / Licensed Assistant<br />
JESSICA HOHEISEL<br />
Broker / Licensed Assistant<br />
LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC MINNIE COLE HOUSE<br />
619 HWY 107 S<br />
6 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM 828.743.3411
Elevated<br />
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For nearly half a century, McKee Properties<br />
has helped define the Cashiers-Highlands <strong>Plateau</strong>,<br />
setting the standard for premier real estate and<br />
the area’s luxury mountain lifestyle.<br />
PHOTO BY DICK DICKINSON<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 7
RHONDA LANIER<br />
RHONDA LANIER INTERIORS<br />
INTERIORS<br />
Interior Design & Boutique Retail Showroom | 25 Old Cashiers Square, Cashiers<br />
M-F 10-4 Sat by Appointment | rhondalanierinteriors.com | 310-889-4825<br />
8 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
Make space for connection.<br />
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Whether it’s an everyday routine or a special gesture, life is enhanced by<br />
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Visit our showroom in Fletcher to see for yourself.<br />
Brody Montague is your local window and door expert and understands<br />
the unique requirements of the Highlands-Cashiers area. Connect with<br />
him today to talk about your next project!<br />
(828) 506-3470 / brody@thehomechoice.net<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 9
Custom Homes | Luxury Renovations |<br />
Commercial<br />
BuchananConstruction.com<br />
10 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
Follow us<br />
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Women who know fashion shop at WISH! Those who don’t, WISH they did.<br />
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<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 11
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JULY 28 - AUGUST 19<br />
OCTOBER 6 - 28<br />
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12 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
UNRIVALED<br />
#1 in the Carolinas<br />
746 Breedlove Road<br />
Glenville, NC 28736 | $1,999,000 | MLS #101878 | Julie Osborn & Holly Falls | 828.200.6165<br />
396 Azalea Lane<br />
Highlands, NC 28741 | $1,225,000 | MLS #101543 | Colette Davis | 561.254.3999<br />
HIGHLANDS-DOWNTOWN OFFICE | 828.526.8784<br />
WILDCAT CLIFFS/CASHIERS OFFICE | 828.526.4525<br />
SAPPHIRE OFFICE | 828.507.3165<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 13
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong><br />
77<br />
Women in Business<br />
Get to know these seasoned<br />
entrepreneurs, business owners and<br />
leading women of the plateau<br />
85<br />
Speaking for the Trees<br />
Hiking Legend Jennifer Pharr Davis<br />
takes on environmental policy<br />
By Carla Beck<br />
92<br />
The <strong>Plateau</strong>'s Wild Places<br />
Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust<br />
protects what we hold dear<br />
By Lisa Gray Youngblood<br />
96<br />
History in a Home<br />
The Pines at High Hampton both<br />
breaks and creates tradition<br />
By Brittany Conley<br />
88<br />
The Cowgirl Way<br />
40 Something Cowgirls know<br />
exactly who they are<br />
By Liesel Schmidt<br />
PHOTO CAROLE SHEPARDSON<br />
14 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
custom home builders<br />
Integrated design-build firm specializing in rustic charm and refined mountain living<br />
160 Down Ridge Road, Cashiers | 540-798-4205 | charlie@crawfordconstruction.com<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 15
<strong>June</strong> / <strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong><br />
$4.50 US<br />
Departments » <strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong><br />
23<br />
Buzz<br />
23 Breaking the Mold<br />
Artist Mase Lucas explores the<br />
interdependence of all creatures<br />
24 Events<br />
Your guide to planning<br />
your social calendar<br />
34 Charities<br />
Mountain Youth Charities<br />
hosts Barn Dance to<br />
benefit youth programs<br />
36 Staff Picks<br />
Celebrate women with<br />
enchanting reads featuring<br />
strong female leads<br />
38 Outdoors<br />
Exploring the mountain<br />
biking capital of the East<br />
42 History<br />
The Highlands Motoring<br />
Festival welcomes the<br />
community and the country<br />
46 Local Chatter<br />
The Foothills Trail offers<br />
something for everyone<br />
50 Art Seen<br />
Mase Lucas breaks molds<br />
and honors all creatures<br />
53 Farming<br />
Trufflehunter Farms offers<br />
food to restore the body<br />
56 Southern Drawl<br />
The Village Green’s Executive<br />
Director Ashlie<br />
Mitchell exudes gratitude<br />
16 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
59 103<br />
Well Styled<br />
59 Painting the Town<br />
The Summer Colors<br />
Fine Art Show<br />
60 Garden<br />
Understanding plant<br />
communities for successful<br />
landscape design<br />
62 Fine Art<br />
Art Highlands Gallery<br />
offers diverse works sure<br />
to please art enthusiasts<br />
64 Fashion<br />
Summer fashion is on the<br />
menu at Skyline Lodge<br />
70 Midsummer<br />
The summer solstice<br />
and its sweet nostalgia<br />
74 Festival<br />
The Summer Colors<br />
Fine Art Show connects<br />
people of all ages<br />
Food+Drink<br />
103 Pink Tuna Tartar<br />
A culinary delight at<br />
Highlands Tavern<br />
104 Dining Review<br />
Highlands Tavern<br />
offers a delectable<br />
culinary adventure<br />
106 In the Kitchen<br />
Throw a Lu ‘au! Your<br />
foolproof guide to hosting a<br />
heavenly Hawaiian feast<br />
111 Restaurant Guide<br />
The best spots for eating<br />
and drinking<br />
42<br />
118<br />
Travel<br />
118 Musically Inclined<br />
The perfect weekend<br />
in Nashville<br />
Fundamentals<br />
20 Reader Services<br />
22 Editor's Letter<br />
115 Real Estate Forum<br />
120 The Last Reflection<br />
Protecting<br />
Wild Places<br />
Highlands-Cashiers<br />
Land Trust at Work<br />
40 Something<br />
Cowgirls<br />
Empowering Women and<br />
Protecting Animals<br />
Women in<br />
Business<br />
Meet the <strong>Plateau</strong>’s<br />
Leading Businesswomen<br />
Highlands<br />
Tavern<br />
Hiking Legend<br />
Jennifer Pharr Davis<br />
Artist<br />
Mase Lucas<br />
ON THE COVER »<br />
The humble bumble bee, a<br />
native pollinator critical to the<br />
food chain and preservation.<br />
McKinney Meadow.<br />
Photo by Andrew Renfro
137 N. Highway 107, Cashiers, NC . 828-200-9573<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 17
CEO & Publisher<br />
Robert Sweeney<br />
Executive Director of Operations<br />
Emily Sweeney<br />
■ ■ ■<br />
Managing Editor<br />
Lisa Gray Youngblood<br />
■ ■ ■<br />
Quality is not our goal...It is our Standard<br />
Account Executive<br />
Sales: 843-822-0119<br />
Art Director<br />
Carl Turner<br />
Travel Director<br />
Katie McElveen<br />
Graphic Designers<br />
Kristina Parolla<br />
Shanna Thomson<br />
Carl Turner<br />
Whether your project is a renovation, remodel or new construction,<br />
Westmark Construction Company approaches your project as if we were<br />
moving in ourselves. Our experienced licensed general contractor works<br />
with your architect and engineer to provide your dream home. No architect<br />
or designer? No problem. We can provide one. We understand a major<br />
home project can be filled with excitement and anxiety. This is why we<br />
dedicate ourselves to making the entire process, from the foundation to the<br />
roofline, as satisfying and pleasurable of an experience as it should be.<br />
Contributing Writers<br />
Carla Beck, Brittany Conley, Kristin E.<br />
Landfield, Marianne Leek, Dawn Liles,<br />
Katie McElveen, Anne Wolfe Postic, Judy<br />
Royal, Liesel Schmidt, Brendon Voelker<br />
Kay West<br />
Photographers<br />
Chelsea Cronkrite, Jason Golden, Johnny<br />
Krawcheck, Kristin E. Landfield, Andrew<br />
Renfro, Carole Shepardson,<br />
Brendon Voelker<br />
■ ■ ■<br />
Customer Service<br />
Local Office: (404) 226-7567<br />
Corporate Office/Subscriptions:<br />
(843) 856-2532<br />
Westmark Construction Company of North Carolina, LLC<br />
Custom Construction | Renovations | Remodeling<br />
20 Continental Drive | Sapphire NC | 828.743.4124<br />
WestmarkConstructionNC.com | GCL #75453<br />
<strong>Plateau</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> (Vol. 4, No. 3) is<br />
published 6 times per year by DueSouth<br />
Publishing, LLC. The entire contents of<br />
this publication are fully protected and<br />
may not be reproduced, in whole or part,<br />
without written permission. We are not<br />
responsible for loss of unsolicited materials.<br />
Copyright © <strong>2023</strong>. All rights reserved.<br />
SUBSCRIPTION price is $24.95 per year.<br />
18 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
Full Remodeling<br />
Design | Build<br />
Kitchen | Bath<br />
Metal Works<br />
Cabinetry<br />
Lighting<br />
Granite<br />
Tile<br />
Design | Build Studio and Cabinetry, Tile, and Granite Showrooms<br />
2251, 2220 N. 4th Street, and 2543 Cashiers Rd, Highlands, NC 28741<br />
828-482-4424 blackrockdb.com<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 19
Reader Services<br />
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Season on<br />
April 13<br />
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NC<br />
CASHIERS, • POINT CANOE 32 - SINCE 1992 -<br />
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LIGHTING ART WORK LINENS ACCESSORIES<br />
GIFTS<br />
WWW.RUSTICKS.COM • 828.743.3172<br />
Open M-F 10-5pm • Sat 10:30-5pm<br />
20 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
rustickscashiersnc <br />
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<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 21
from the editor<br />
<strong>June</strong> / <strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong><br />
Protecting<br />
Wild Places<br />
Highlands-Cashiers<br />
Land Trust at Work<br />
40 Something<br />
Cowgirls<br />
Empowering Women and<br />
Protecting Animals<br />
Women in<br />
Business<br />
Meet the <strong>Plateau</strong>’s<br />
Leading Businesswomen<br />
$4.50 US<br />
Highlands<br />
Tavern<br />
Hiking Legend<br />
Jennifer Pharr Davis<br />
Artist<br />
Mase Lucas<br />
Give the gift<br />
that lasts<br />
all year long...<br />
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Subscribe Online Today<br />
at The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
or scan the QR Code<br />
to order.<br />
The plateau is fully awake, teeming with<br />
wildlife and stunning flora, people returning<br />
for the season or visiting for the first<br />
time, and so many activities. No matter<br />
what whets your whistle, we have something<br />
for you.<br />
The Highlands Motoring Fest is a mustsee,<br />
as are the multitude of galleries and<br />
upcoming art shows and festivals. And of<br />
course, you won’t want to miss our weekly<br />
outdoor concerts, the majority of which<br />
are free. If you are foodie, you will not<br />
be disappointed, and we encourage you<br />
to try relative newcomer Highlands Tavern,<br />
an unassuming, funky tavern with<br />
organic delicacies sure to delight. If you<br />
are drawn to performances and exhibits,<br />
check out the diverse and exciting offerings<br />
for the Highlands Performing Arts<br />
Center, the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber<br />
Music Festival and The Bascom.<br />
For those who seek a different kind of<br />
experience, the kind that happens deep<br />
in the forests, up and around the mountains,<br />
and on the lakes, we’ve got you<br />
covered. Our in-house adventure expert<br />
tells you all you need to know about the<br />
best mountain biking trails on and near<br />
the plateau as well as the wonders of the<br />
Foothills Trail, which is both spectacular<br />
and largely accessible, with terrain most<br />
will find manageable. We also take a deep<br />
dive into conservation, something that is<br />
always on the mind of anyone who loves<br />
nature.<br />
As diverse as the stories for this issue<br />
are, they all seem informed by setting.<br />
How could they not be? Isn’t that what<br />
drew most of us here, what made us lay<br />
down roots? The plateau, with its breathtaking<br />
natural landscape and charming,<br />
vibrant towns, serves us well, and we<br />
must play our part in its preservation.<br />
Mase Lucas, our highlighted artist,<br />
knows this well and reminds us of the<br />
power humans hold over their environment.<br />
For better or worse, the earth’s<br />
creatures live at our discretion. In fact,<br />
the earth itself thrives or falters at our<br />
discretion. We must use this power<br />
wisely. Sustainable farming, on full display<br />
at our local farmer’s markets and<br />
integral to many of our restaurants, is a<br />
good place to start. Supporting organizations<br />
like the Highlands-Cashiers Land<br />
Trust, whose mission it is to protect wild<br />
spaces for future generations, protects us<br />
all. Planting native plants, volunteering,<br />
donating time, resources or funds—all of<br />
these things sustain us.<br />
There is an African concept known as<br />
Ubuntu. Although there are many translations,<br />
the one that resonates most with<br />
me is, “I am because we are.” It is an<br />
acknowledgment of our connection to one<br />
another and to the earth. This is how I<br />
feel when I think of the plateau. How we<br />
treat each other and our environment reveals<br />
who we are—it is who we are. May<br />
we continue to work together to sustain<br />
and improve life on our beloved plateau.<br />
Enjoy summer!<br />
Lisa Gray Youngblood<br />
Managing Editor<br />
editor@theplateaumag.com<br />
We welcome your comments. Please send<br />
us your feedback or story ideas by emailing<br />
us at editor@theplateaumag.com<br />
Find Us Online!<br />
Visit us on our website at<br />
theplateaumag.com<br />
facebook.com/plateaumag<br />
instagram.com/plateaumag<br />
22 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
Your Local Rundown on News and Culture<br />
Breaking<br />
the Mold<br />
Artist Mase Lucas explores the<br />
interdependence of all creatures<br />
See page 50<br />
PHOTO CHELSEA CRONKITE<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 23
calendar<br />
The Reveal:<br />
JUNE–JULY<br />
Our five musts from this issue’s calendar of events.<br />
Talking Trout: The history<br />
and evolution of native trout<br />
and flyfishing in Western NC<br />
<strong>June</strong> 15<br />
If you love flyfishing or simply want to<br />
learn more, you will not want to miss the<br />
<strong>2023</strong> Jan Wyatt Symposium. Speakers include<br />
trout historians and authors, outdoor<br />
sportsmen and adventurers and custom<br />
bamboo fly rod makers, among many others.<br />
Activities include fly tying demonstrations,<br />
casting lessons and interactive round<br />
tables. Presented by the Cashiers Historical<br />
Society. To purchase tickets, visit cashiershistoricalsociety.org.<br />
Canyon Kitchen at<br />
Lonesome Valley. 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<br />
Cost $100/person. Includes continental<br />
breakfast, lunch and a day full of activities.<br />
24 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
Highlands Motoring Festival<br />
<strong>June</strong> 8 to 11<br />
Do not miss this premier 4-day classic car<br />
show that includes “Cars in the Park,”<br />
“High Octane,” a charity auction and gala,<br />
“One Lap in the Mountains,” curated driving<br />
tours as well as celebrity guest and<br />
British racing legend Brian Rodman. Many<br />
of the Festival events are free and open to<br />
the public. The four driving tours and two<br />
evening events require registration and<br />
payment. All events are rain or shine. To<br />
learn more or to purchase tickets, go to<br />
highlandsmotoringfestival.com.<br />
Cashiers Live<br />
<strong>June</strong> 17, <strong>July</strong> 8 and 29<br />
<strong>June</strong> 17—The Ultimate Eagles Experience<br />
performed by To the Limit. This show captures<br />
the spirit of one of the world’s most celebrated<br />
bands and takes it to the limit one<br />
more time. <strong>July</strong> 8—The Beatles performed<br />
by RCA. Celebrating the final album of the<br />
greatest band of all time, RCA will perform<br />
all the classics. <strong>July</strong> 29—Elton John<br />
performed by Greggie and The Jets. Come<br />
enjoy a complete recreation of the authentic<br />
sounds AND sights of Sir Elton, costume<br />
changes included. For more information or<br />
to purchase tickets, go to cashierslive.com.<br />
The Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road,<br />
Cashiers. 7 to 9 p.m. General Admission<br />
tickets $35 for adults, $10 for kids (12 &<br />
under). VIP memberships available.<br />
Jersey Boys at<br />
The Highlands PAC<br />
<strong>June</strong> 23 to <strong>July</strong> 8<br />
Back by popular demand after a sold out<br />
run last season, Highlands’ favorite Jersey<br />
Boys are back for a special limited<br />
engagement. Emanuel Carrero will return<br />
as Frankie Valli. To learn more or to<br />
purchase tickets, go to mountaintheatre.<br />
com. Performances held at Highlands<br />
Performing Arts Center, 507 Chestnut<br />
Street, Highlands. Show times vary. Tickets<br />
range from $50 to $60.<br />
Enjoy the 42nd Season of<br />
the Highlands-Cashiers<br />
Chamber Music Festival<br />
<strong>July</strong> 1 to August 8<br />
The Highlands performances will be held at<br />
the Highlands PAC on Saturdays and Mondays.<br />
Highlands Performing Arts Center,<br />
507 Chestnut Street, Highlands. The Cashiers<br />
performances will be held at the Village<br />
Green on Sundays and Tuesdays. The<br />
Village Green, Lewis Hall, 160 Frank Allen<br />
Road, Cashiers. For more information or to<br />
purchase tickets go to h-cmusicfestival.org.<br />
Single tickets $40. Package prices vary.
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 25
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26 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
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Cashiers Live<br />
<strong>June</strong> 17, <strong>July</strong> 8 and 29<br />
<strong>June</strong> 17—The Ultimate Eagles Experience performed by To the Limit. This show<br />
captures the spirit of one of the world’s most celebrated bands and takes it to the<br />
limit one more time. <strong>July</strong> 8—The Beatles performed by RCA. Celebrating the<br />
final album of the greatest band of all time, RCA will perform all the classics.<br />
<strong>July</strong> 29—Elton John performed by Greggie and The Jets. Come enjoy a complete<br />
recreation of the authentic sounds AND sights of Sir Elton, costume changes included.<br />
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to cashierslive.com. The<br />
Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers. 7 to 9 p.m. General Admission<br />
tickets $35 for adults, $10 for kids (12 & under). VIP memberships available.<br />
Event Calendar<br />
Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown<br />
on what to do and explore.<br />
ON-GOING<br />
Friday Night Live<br />
Fridays through October<br />
Presented by Highlands Chamber of Commerce<br />
and Visit Highlands, NC, these<br />
concerts are not to be missed. Bring your favorite<br />
lawn chair and a picnic basket full of<br />
good food and drinks and join the fun. <strong>June</strong><br />
9, Johnny Webb Band. <strong>June</strong> 16, Steady<br />
Hand Spring Band. <strong>June</strong> 23, Southern<br />
Highlands Band. <strong>June</strong> 30, Byrds & Crows.<br />
<strong>July</strong> 7, Fox Fire Boys. <strong>July</strong> 14, Curtis<br />
Blackwell Band. <strong>July</strong> 21, Carter Giegerich<br />
& Friends. <strong>July</strong> 28, We Three Sing. 6 to 8<br />
p.m. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park,<br />
411 Pine Street, Highlands. Free.<br />
Saturdays on Pine Concert Series<br />
Saturdays through October<br />
Presented by Highlands Chamber of Commerce<br />
and Visit Highlands, NC, these concerts<br />
are sure to please. Bring a lawn chair<br />
and picnic basket full of good food and drinks<br />
and join the fun. <strong>June</strong> 10, Firecracker Jazz<br />
Band. <strong>June</strong> 17, The Troupers. <strong>July</strong> 1, Blaze<br />
the City. <strong>July</strong> 8, Bill Mattocks. <strong>July</strong> 13,<br />
Lazrluvr. <strong>July</strong> 22, Back Porch Orchestra.<br />
<strong>July</strong> 29, Shane Meade & The Sound. 6 to<br />
8 p.m. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park,<br />
411 Pine Street, Highlands. Free.<br />
The Green Market<br />
Every Wednesday<br />
Choose the food less<br />
traveled at The Green<br />
Market, Cashiers’ farm<br />
stand market for local<br />
growers. Fill your basket with naturally<br />
raised meat and dairy items, fresh eggs,<br />
jams, pickles, freshly baked bread, delicious<br />
granola, fresh cut flowers and more.<br />
Wednesdays, 2 to 5 p.m. The Village Green,<br />
160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers. Free.<br />
Highlands Farmer’s Market<br />
Every Saturday<br />
Come enjoy a morning at the market. Select
D U T C H M A N S<br />
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dutchmanscasualliving.com<br />
342 Main Street Highlands, North Carolina 27741<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 27
from a wide array of fresh produce, seafood,<br />
baked goods, plants and other locally<br />
sourced products. 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.<br />
Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, 411<br />
Pine Street, Highlands. Free.<br />
Groovin’ on the Green<br />
<strong>June</strong> 9 and 23<br />
<strong>July</strong> 7 and 21<br />
Cashiers Groovin’ on the Green is back!<br />
Grab a lawn chair and a cooler and join<br />
the fun. <strong>June</strong> 9, The Caribbean Cowboys;<br />
<strong>June</strong> 23, Zorki & Jeff Sipe; <strong>July</strong> 7, McIntosh<br />
& The Lionhearts; <strong>July</strong> 21, Seth & Sara.<br />
Admission is free with the opportunity to<br />
purchase a 10x10 tent space (tent provided)<br />
to support The Village Green. The Village<br />
Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers.<br />
6:30 to 9 p.m. Free.<br />
Center for Life Enrichment<br />
<strong>June</strong> 21<br />
<strong>July</strong> 10, 19 & 27<br />
For spectacular lectures and programs that<br />
enrich our lives, check out the CLE schedule.<br />
Among other great events, do not miss<br />
the following: <strong>June</strong> 21—Pirates, Patriots,<br />
Tar Heels and Slaves: Historical Roots of<br />
North Carolina; <strong>July</strong> 10—Meet Don Mc-<br />
Gahn, White House Counsel to President<br />
Trump. <strong>July</strong> 19—Garden Tour: A Unique<br />
Woodlands Garden in Highlands Falls. <strong>July</strong><br />
27—Cocktail Reception and Book Talk with<br />
Author Carolyn Newton Curry: Sudden<br />
Death, A novel. For more details and to register<br />
or purchase tickets, go to clehighlands.<br />
com. Ticket prices and times vary.<br />
JUNE<br />
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Friday - Saturday<br />
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or by appointment<br />
Highlands Motoring Festival<br />
<strong>June</strong> 8 to 11<br />
Do not miss this premier<br />
4-day classic car show<br />
that includes “Cars in the<br />
Park,” “High Octane,” a<br />
charity auction and gala,<br />
“One Lap in the Mountains,”<br />
curated driving<br />
tours as well as celebrity guest and British<br />
racing legend Brian Rodman. Many of the<br />
Festival events are free and open to the public.<br />
The four driving tours and two evening<br />
events require registration and payment.<br />
All events are rain or shine. To learn more<br />
or to purchase tickets, go to highlandsmotoringfestival.com.<br />
28 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
Concerts at The Highlands PAC—<br />
Bravissimo Broadway and Jenene<br />
<strong>June</strong> 11 & <strong>July</strong> 16<br />
On Sunday, <strong>June</strong> 11, come enjoy Empire<br />
Trio’s show, Bravissimo Broadway. The trio<br />
combines classic show tunes from the most<br />
beloved Broadway musicals with their own<br />
breathtaking and unique arrangements. On<br />
Sunday, <strong>July</strong> 16, come enjoy Jenene. A true<br />
crossover entertainer, Jenene is as adept at<br />
belting a Celine Dion or Whitney Houston<br />
song as she is performing an aria or captivating<br />
audiences with Broadway showtunes.<br />
For more information or to purchase<br />
tickets, visit highlandsperformingarts.com.<br />
Shows at 7:30 p.m. Highlands Performing<br />
Arts Center, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands.<br />
Tickets range from $50 to $110.<br />
Talking Trout: The history and evolution<br />
of native trout and flyfishing in<br />
Western NC<br />
<strong>June</strong> 15<br />
If you love flyfishing or simply want to learn<br />
more, you will not want to miss the <strong>2023</strong> Jan<br />
Wyatt Symposium. Speakers include trout<br />
historians and authors, outdoor<br />
sportsmen and adventurers<br />
and custom bamboo<br />
fly rod makers, among many<br />
others. Activities include fly<br />
tying demonstrations, casting<br />
lessons and interactive<br />
round tables. Presented by the Cashiers<br />
Historical Society. To purchase tickets,<br />
visit cashiershistoricalsociety.org. Canyon<br />
Kitchen at Lonesome Valley. 8:30 a.m. to<br />
4:00 p.m. Cost $100/person. Includes continental<br />
breakfast, lunch and a day full of<br />
activities.<br />
Mountain Youth Charities 4th Annual<br />
Barn Dance<br />
<strong>June</strong> 23<br />
Festivities include live music from Songs<br />
from the Road Band, square dancing with<br />
caller Joe Sam Queen, line dancing with<br />
Danie Beck, a silent auction and a catered<br />
meal from On the Side Barbeque. Proceeds<br />
benefit Blue Ridge School Education Foundation,<br />
Junior Appalachian Musicians,<br />
who will also perform, and other youth programs.<br />
For more information or to purchase<br />
tickets, go to www.mountainyouthcharities.<br />
org or visit the Cashiers Area Chamber of<br />
Commerce. 6-11 p.m. Chimney Pond Farm,<br />
240 Chimney Pond Road, Glenville. Tickets<br />
$200/person.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 29
Summer <strong>2023</strong><br />
Everyday Elegance<br />
Hand-Crafted Luxury<br />
Enduring Beauty<br />
Two Day<br />
Trunk Show Event<br />
Friday, August 11<br />
Saturday, August 12<br />
follow us on instagram @witsend65<br />
828.526.3160<br />
382 Main Street<br />
Highlands NC<br />
BOUNDS CAVE’S RUG<br />
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A DIVERSE GALLERY WITH HANDMADE RUGS<br />
FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. STOP IN FOR OUR<br />
MONTHLY PROMOTIONS.<br />
Celebrating<br />
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Mountaintop Art & Craft Show<br />
<strong>June</strong> 23 & 24<br />
Presented by the Highlands Mountaintop<br />
Rotary, this art and craft show is sure to<br />
delight. Come enjoy the works of regional<br />
artists, some of whom will host live demonstrations.<br />
Festivities include live music,<br />
food and cool mountain air. Wonderful<br />
family event. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders<br />
Park, 411 Pine Street, Highlands. Free<br />
although donations to Mountaintop Rotary<br />
appreciated.<br />
Jersey Boys at The Highlands PAC<br />
<strong>June</strong> 23 to <strong>July</strong> 8<br />
Back by popular demand after a sold out run<br />
last season, Highlands’ favorite Jersey Boys<br />
are back for a special limited engagement.<br />
Emanuel Carrero will return as Frankie<br />
Valli. To learn more or to purchase tickets,<br />
go to mountaintheatre.com. Performances<br />
held at Highlands Performing Arts Center,<br />
507 Chestnut Street, Highlands. Show<br />
times vary. Tickets range from $50 to $60.<br />
Village Nature Series—last Tuesday of<br />
each month, April to September<br />
<strong>June</strong> 27 & <strong>July</strong> 25<br />
Village Nature Series is an annual educational<br />
lecture series co-hosted by The<br />
Village Green and the Highlands-Cashiers<br />
Land Trust. These programs are free and<br />
family friendly. <strong>June</strong> 27—Dr. Gary Wein,<br />
Executive Director of Highlands-Cashiers<br />
Land Trust and botanist, presents Sense of<br />
Place: A Final Embarkment. Held at The<br />
Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers.<br />
<strong>July</strong> 25—Lamar Marshall, Research<br />
Director of Southeast Heritage, presents<br />
Cashiers Valley: Ancient Cherokee Travel<br />
Corridor. Held at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers<br />
Community Library, 249 Frank Allen<br />
Road, Cashiers. Lectures begin at 5 p.m.<br />
Open and free to the public.<br />
JULY<br />
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Summer Hours:<br />
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Saturday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM<br />
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boundscave@aol.com<br />
Also Serving upstate South Carolina<br />
9th Annual Fireworks Extravaganza<br />
on The Green<br />
<strong>July</strong> 1<br />
Come enjoy a family friendly evening of<br />
food, music and dancing, all ending with<br />
a colossal fireworks display that will light<br />
up the sky. Bring a lawn chair or blanket<br />
to enjoy the live music. The Village Green,<br />
160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers. 6:30 to 10<br />
p.m. Free.<br />
30 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
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<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 31
Enjoy the 42nd Season of the<br />
Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music<br />
Festival<br />
<strong>July</strong> 1 to August 8<br />
The Highlands performances<br />
will be held at the<br />
Highlands PAC on Saturdays<br />
and Mondays. Highlands<br />
Performing Arts<br />
Center, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands.<br />
The Cashiers performances will be held at<br />
the Village Green on Sundays and Tuesdays.<br />
The Village Green, Lewis Hall, 160 Frank<br />
Allen Road, Cashiers. For more information<br />
or to purchase tickets go to h-cmusicfestival.<br />
org. Single tickets $40. Package prices vary.<br />
In addition, don’t miss out on the many<br />
Special Programs throughout the plateau.<br />
Reservation requirements and prices vary.<br />
Build Something Beautiful<br />
From Cozy Cabins to Luxury Estates, we Help You<br />
Build the Home of Your Dreams<br />
Diamond River Band at<br />
Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park<br />
<strong>July</strong> 4<br />
After the daytime festivities at the Town<br />
Ball Field on Hickory Street and the annual<br />
Duck Derby at the Bridge at Mill Creek,<br />
close out your <strong>July</strong> 4 celebration with the<br />
Diamond River Band. Bring your lawn<br />
chair and your favorite food and drink and<br />
enjoy a band that spans decades. With its<br />
Classic Rock, Motown, Country and pop<br />
delights, the Diamond River Band will keep<br />
you on your feet. Presented by the Highlands<br />
Chamber of Commerce. 6 p.m. to 8:30<br />
p.m. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park,<br />
411 Pine Street, Highlands. Free.<br />
Summer Colors Fine Art Show<br />
<strong>July</strong> 22 & 23<br />
Come meet great artists and see their work in<br />
person. Local artists include oil painters, watercolorists,<br />
acrylic and mixed media artists,<br />
woodworkers, sculptors, potters, glass artists<br />
and more. This is an event for the whole family<br />
and includes children’s art competitions and<br />
live music. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days.<br />
Sapphire Valley Resort Community Center,<br />
207 Sapphire Valley Road, Sapphire. Free.<br />
87 Chestnut Square,<br />
Cashiers . 828-743-5864<br />
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Custom Homes | Remodels & Renovations | Additions<br />
Rock of Ages at the Highlands PAC<br />
<strong>July</strong> 28 to August 19<br />
This Tony Award-nominated Broadway Musical<br />
tells the story of a small-town girl, a city<br />
boy and a rock ‘n’ roll romance on the Sunset<br />
Strip. To learn more or to purchase tickets,<br />
go to mountaintheatre.com. Performances<br />
held at Highlands Performing Arts Center,<br />
507 Chestnut Street, Highlands. Show times<br />
vary. Tickets range from $50 to $60. P<br />
32 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
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Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm<br />
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Sportswear | Dressy | After Five | Shoes | Jewelry<br />
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Highlands, NC<br />
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Celebrating 35 Years in Highlands<br />
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Open Wed-Sat 11-5<br />
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Overstory Series / 60 x 48 / acrylic<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 33
charities<br />
In Step at the Barn<br />
Dance<br />
Mountain Youth Charities holds event to benefit<br />
youth programs<br />
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE<br />
2019, the Mountain Youth<br />
Charities (MYC) Barn Dance<br />
is swinging back into action at<br />
a remodeled venue offering an<br />
evening of food and fun to help local youth<br />
organizations.<br />
Scheduled for <strong>June</strong> 23 from 6 to 11 p.m.<br />
at Chimney Pond Farm in Glenville, the<br />
Barn Dance will feature live music from<br />
Songs From the Road Band, square dancing<br />
with caller Joe Sam Queen, line dancing<br />
with Danie Beck, a silent auction and a<br />
catered meal from On the Side Barbeque.<br />
The event, which began in 2017 but took a<br />
break from 2020-2022 due to COVID, attracts<br />
about 200 patrons and raises about<br />
By JUDY ROYAL<br />
$60,000 annually. Proceeds benefit the<br />
Blue Ridge School Education Foundation,<br />
Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM)—<br />
who will also perform at the Barn Dance—<br />
and other youth programs that apply for<br />
grants.<br />
“It’s a great time, and it’s going to benefit<br />
our children,” MYC President Marcia<br />
Shawler said. “It’s a fun and unusual night<br />
out for a good cause.”<br />
MYC is a local volunteer-run organization<br />
that was founded in 2013 to manage<br />
$300,000 raised by two Mountain Challenge<br />
tennis tournaments featuring Andy<br />
Roddick and Jim Courier. These funds enabled<br />
the launch of the Boys & Girls Club of<br />
the <strong>Plateau</strong> and provided the leadership to<br />
run the after-school program during its first<br />
year.<br />
Since then, MYC has continued to operate<br />
independently from the Boys & Girls<br />
Club, raising funds for a variety of other<br />
children’s charities.<br />
“We just want to give the youth of the<br />
plateau more opportunities by enhancing<br />
the existing programs,” Shawler said. “It’s a<br />
way to allow things to get a little bit better.”<br />
Through the Blue Ridge School Education<br />
Foundation, the Barn Dance will benefit<br />
the Blue Ridge Early College Athletic<br />
Booster Club and the Blue Ridge Parent<br />
Teacher Organization (PTO). Funding<br />
from the event allows the school to purchase<br />
necessary educational items and<br />
otherwise provide support not included in<br />
the regular operating budget, former foundation<br />
President Carl Hyde explained.<br />
“It gives the school the opportunity to really<br />
stay on the cutting edge of things they<br />
need for academic achievement and social<br />
development for the kids,” he said. “This<br />
is a very giving community, and there’s<br />
a pretty good cross-section of people who<br />
want to support schools and youth. The<br />
Barn Dance has been a workable event that<br />
allows a lot of people in the community to<br />
participate and give to causes they believe<br />
in. We look forward to it, and I know the<br />
proceeds will be well used.”<br />
“Everyone benefits when our school and<br />
community work together,” PTO Chair Ali<br />
Moody said. “The PTO gives parents a platform<br />
to enhance their child’s educational<br />
experience. Students feel a greater sense of<br />
belonging inside and outside the classroom.<br />
When we work together to achieve common<br />
goals, we better our whole community.”<br />
Many past Barn Dance attendees are excited<br />
about the opportunity to get together<br />
with friends and neighbors again. Those<br />
who want to brush up on their line dancing<br />
skills before the event may take lessons<br />
from Beck, sponsored by Cashiers School of<br />
the Arts, on Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at<br />
The Village Green in Cashiers. Admission<br />
prices vary by single or couple and weekly<br />
or full season. To participate, simply show<br />
up; no advance registration is required. P<br />
34 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
2019 Barn Dance.<br />
Learning steps for<br />
Line Dancing. Danie<br />
Beck, Instructor.<br />
For more information about the Barn Dance<br />
or to purchase tickets, which are $200 per<br />
person, visit www.mountainyouthcharities.org.<br />
Tickets are also available at the<br />
Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce.
Proudly serving the Cashiers-Highlands area<br />
Founding members and brokers | Thomas Platt, Sarah Jennings, Philip Bradley and Merrel Hattink<br />
o. 828.743.8900 | info@cashiersvalley.com<br />
45 Chestnut Square, Cashiers, NC 28717 | cashiersvalley.com<br />
@<strong>2023</strong> ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CASHIERS VALLEY REAL ESTATE FULLY SUPPORTS THE PRINCIPLES OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT AND THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ACT. | 45 CHESTNUT SQUARE, CASHIERS, NC 28717. CASHIERSVALLEY.COM | O. 828.743.8900<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 35
staff picks<br />
Fierce Females<br />
Celebrate Summer with enchanting reads featuring<br />
strong female leads<br />
J.R. Dawson, The First Bright Thing<br />
Step back in time starting in the 1920s with a traveling, magical circus under the big top as Sparks<br />
share their magic to entertain audiences far and wide. Rin, the ringleader, is an aging queer Jewish<br />
woman who has the ability to time travel and is married to the beautiful, forever-young acrobat<br />
Odette. Together, along with friend Mauve, they are essentially attempting to stop WWII from happening,<br />
all while fending off the evil circus king. Threads are literally woven throughout time as we<br />
meet Edward on the front lines of WWI and his wife Ruth, who have special abilities of their own.<br />
Intrigue, action, magic, strong character development, and a few fun, yet slightly dark, twists keep<br />
the reader engaged throughout for an enjoyable read. Dawson’s dramatic writing style makes her an<br />
author to watch. For fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Night Circus. – Morgan Ryan<br />
Nora Roberts, Identity<br />
Morgan Albright had never really had a chance to belong since she grew up as an Army brat<br />
and as her mother, after the divorce, couldn’t seem to settle anywhere. Deciding that she really<br />
wants to plants roots, she settles in a friendly neighborhood near Baltimore while working<br />
two jobs in order achieve her goals including owning her own bar. However, when tragedy<br />
strikes and Morgan’s life is threatened, she is forced to move home to Vermont to build<br />
back her life, to strengthen her relationship with her mother and grandmother and to fall in<br />
love and dig those roots deep into the Vermont soil. As always, Nora Roberts delivers a whopper<br />
of a romantic suspense read with which to while those lazy days away. –Chantal Wilson<br />
Serissia Glass, The Love Con<br />
Looking for a cute vacation read? Well, look no further than Seressia Glass’ The Love Con! When Kenya<br />
(Keke) Davenport makes it to the final round of Cosplay or No Way, a competition reality show, she<br />
has to enlist her best guy friend Cameron Lassiter to be her cosplay partner, which wouldn’t be such an<br />
issue if she hadn’t already told most of America that the two were much more than friends. How is she<br />
going to make it up to Cameron for forcing him to pretend to be her boyfriend for all the world to see?<br />
Especially when she kind of likes the sudden change in their dynamic? What’s more is that Cameron’s<br />
got some secret feelings of his own. Can these two come together for the win and much more? Fans of all<br />
things nerdy will love this lighthearted, slightly spicy read. – Savannah Green<br />
Balli Kaur Jaswal, Now You See Us<br />
Corazon was forced to flee the Philippines and return to Singapore carrying with her a terrible<br />
secret. Donita is new to Singapore and works for the fussiest and meanest employer. Angel, a<br />
caregiver for an elderly gentleman, is nursing a broken heart. When one of Donita's friends, a<br />
fellow domestic worker, is accused of murder, the unlikely trio comes together to try to clear her<br />
name. This entertaining and heartbreaking tale is an enlightening look at Filipina domestic<br />
workers in Singapore and a dramatic whodunit. Sure to please lovers of The Bandit Queens.<br />
– Megan Mathis<br />
36 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
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SERVING<br />
Highlands, NC<br />
Atlanta, GA<br />
Sarasota, FL<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 37
outdoors<br />
Keep the Rubber<br />
Side Down<br />
Exploring the mountain biking capital of the East<br />
Story and photos by BRENDON VOELKER<br />
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA IS HOST TO SOME OF THE MOST<br />
diverse, scenic, and unique mountain biking you can find east of the<br />
Rockies, though its popularity is due in large part to the aftermath<br />
of logging in the early 1900’s. In the wake of that era, one peculiar<br />
thing remained: weathered roads that mother nature has spent nearly<br />
a century attempting to reclaim.<br />
Tsali Recreation Area<br />
Bryson City, NC<br />
Named after a Cherokee Leader, the Tsali<br />
trail system on Lake Fontana is one of the<br />
oldest in the region. During the creation of<br />
the lake, large logging operations scoured<br />
the mountains of their resources, leaving<br />
abandoned roads and railroad equipment<br />
scattered throughout the forest. Today, nature<br />
has mostly reclaimed the routes, leaving<br />
narrower paths to enjoy by foot, bike,<br />
or horse. Thanks to creative planning and<br />
clever designs, cyclists and equestrians<br />
are kept separated by alternating the days<br />
each can enjoy specific trails. To turn this<br />
into an overnight trip between April and<br />
October, bring along $20 and reserve a<br />
campsite near the trailhead complete with<br />
water, restrooms, and trash disposal.<br />
While once built for steam locomotives to<br />
haul timber to the nearest mill, these paths<br />
have since transitioned into narrow trails,<br />
steep descents defined by exposed rocks and<br />
roots, and access points to earn mountain top<br />
views or explore waterfalls. Whether you’re<br />
into wide open logging paths, or in search of<br />
the gnarliest descents, here are four of the<br />
best areas to go mountain biking on and<br />
near the Highlands-Cashiers <strong>Plateau</strong>.<br />
Pisgah National Forest<br />
Brevard, NC<br />
To most, Pisgah National Forest is the most<br />
acclaimed mountain biking destination<br />
Overlook in the Pisgah<br />
Ranger District near<br />
Brevard.<br />
38 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
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<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 39
outdoors<br />
Mountain bikers in<br />
Nantahala National Forest.<br />
Panthertown Valley<br />
Cashiers, NC<br />
While Panthertown Valley is acclaimed for<br />
its remote backcountry hikes and waterfalls<br />
spread over 9,000-acres, several of the<br />
trails through the valley are, in fact, open<br />
to bikes, while others remain only open to<br />
hikers. One of the more recent additions to<br />
Nantahala National Forest in the 1990’s,<br />
Panthertown’s history traces back to Duke<br />
Energy and other prior landowners during<br />
the construction of Lake Jocassee. Crossing<br />
alongside Toxaway Mountain, a large<br />
high-voltage transmission line dissects the<br />
valley and offers both views and reliable<br />
cell reception when you pass beneath it.<br />
While Panthertown doesn’t offer the<br />
high-speed flow or rocky chunder of other<br />
trails on this list, you’ll be hard pressed to<br />
find a more remote area to enjoy a casual<br />
ride around the plateau. Just be sure to<br />
pack some hiking shoes and a swimsuit,<br />
as countless waterfalls can be found just<br />
off the trail. Before your visit, be sure to<br />
grab the latest copy of Burt Kornegay’s<br />
map to help plan your ride. P<br />
in all of Appalachia. For those who have<br />
ridden elsewhere, it’s frequently compared<br />
to Sedona and Moab when referencing variety,<br />
difficulty, and remoteness. Brevard<br />
serves as the major hub for the Pisgah<br />
Ranger District and is just one hour from<br />
the crossroads in Cashiers. Once a quaint<br />
mountain town, the bustling city draws in<br />
riders from around the world in search of<br />
its renowned singletrack.<br />
If you’re starting out in the area, begin<br />
with the Black Mountain Trail, which<br />
you can ride to from town. Separated into<br />
three distinct sections, the uppermost includes<br />
significant amounts of hiking and<br />
slow technical terrain that may be more of<br />
a hike-a-bike at times. The middle section<br />
offers a faster run with lots of rocky chunder<br />
and exposed roots, while the lowermost<br />
section rounds out the trail with groomed<br />
flow trail that is frequently maintained to<br />
keep it running fast. All in all, there are<br />
few trails that compare to its diversity.<br />
For those seeking a more moderate ride,<br />
Daniel Ridge is an excellent place to start.<br />
40 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
If you’re in search of the most challenging<br />
trails Pisgah has to offer, make your<br />
way over to Pilot Mountain, Farlow Gap,<br />
or Trace Ridge, just be sure to grab a map<br />
beforehand to ensure you don’t ride any<br />
trails not open to bikes.<br />
Bent Creek Experimental Forest<br />
Asheville, NC<br />
Nearest to Asheville, Bent Creek is a local<br />
favorite and one of the must-visit areas for<br />
those closer to the city. Several parking<br />
lots, a campground, restrooms, and other<br />
amenities are available throughout the experimental<br />
forest, and a visit to the North<br />
Carolina Arboretum makes for an excellent<br />
addition to any ride. For those interested in<br />
the history of the area, placards are located<br />
throughout the 6,000-acre watershed noting<br />
both the methods and dates of previous<br />
timber harvesting. Whether you’re into<br />
gravel riding, fast downhill flow, or just a<br />
nice ride through the forest on your lunch<br />
break, Bent Creek never disappoints.<br />
Buckwheat Knob<br />
in Pisgah Ranger<br />
District near<br />
Brevard.
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 41
history<br />
The Little Car Show That Could<br />
The Highlands Motoring Festival is a national gem<br />
By MARIANNE LEEK<br />
Journey to Salem in honor of Salem<br />
Academy and College. This 500 mile walk<br />
honors not only the schools but top-notch<br />
education for women everywhere.<br />
1970 Porsche 917<br />
in Martini livery.<br />
MAYBE IT’S THE HISTORY<br />
or the horsepower, the<br />
sound of an engine or the<br />
unique smell of muscle<br />
car exhaust, the Southern<br />
barbecue or freshly squeezed lemonade, or<br />
perhaps it's simply the nostalgia of a bygone<br />
era when cars seemed more like works of<br />
art that make a hometown classic car show<br />
like the Highlands Motoring Festival so<br />
interesting - and well, fun! And right here<br />
in Highlands, this little car show that could<br />
has become one of the most anticipated<br />
celebrations in the Southeast. Legend has<br />
it that the inception of this festival can be<br />
traced back to a weekly lunch meeting in<br />
2007 involving members of the Highlands<br />
Rotary Club. Two of the festival’s founders,<br />
Chuck Cooper and Bob Kieltyka, and others,<br />
decided that Highlands could support an<br />
annual classic car show, with all generated<br />
proceeds to benefit a local non-profit. With<br />
some guidance from KB Pierce and Mark<br />
“Bud” Pitman, the inaugural Highlands<br />
Motoring Festival generated over $3,000<br />
for the Hudson Library and was supported<br />
entirely by local funding and volunteers.<br />
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HIGHLANDS MOTORING FEST<br />
42 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
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<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 43
history<br />
Packard Roadster.<br />
Porsches lined up as<br />
part of the tribute<br />
to Porsche exhibit at<br />
the Highlands Motor<br />
Festival 2022.<br />
44 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
Sixteen years later, this event has grown<br />
exponentially in popularity and is considered<br />
one of the premiere car shows in the<br />
country. It has raised over $415,000 for local<br />
charities, and in 2019 was voted “Best Concours”<br />
in the land by Classic Motorsports<br />
<strong>Magazine</strong>. And it keeps getting better. The<br />
<strong>2023</strong> Highlands Motoring Festival, which<br />
will take place <strong>June</strong> 8-11, is a premiere fourday<br />
classic car show that will feature seven<br />
highly anticipated events, including “Cars<br />
in the Park,” “High Octane,” a charity auction<br />
and gala, “One Lap in the Mountains”<br />
curated driving tours, as well as celebrity<br />
guest British racing driver Brian Redman.<br />
It’s no wonder that automotive enthusiasts<br />
come from all over the world to participate<br />
in this preeminent event that happens to<br />
have the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains<br />
as a scenic backdrop.<br />
The Highlands Motoring Festival has<br />
evolved into a major event on the classic<br />
car calendar but remains unique in that<br />
many activities, including “Cars in the<br />
Park,” are free to the public. Steve Ham, the<br />
Communications Director for the festival,<br />
explained that the location of Highlands<br />
gives this particular motoring festival an<br />
edge. “Most big car shows have to pay tens<br />
of thousands of dollars to rent a golf course<br />
or large venue. HMF has something better,<br />
Kelsey Hutchinson Park. The park is<br />
only one block from Main Street with its<br />
boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants,<br />
making this a popular show with spouses.”<br />
Since 2008, the Highlands Motoring<br />
Festival has changed in size and scope to<br />
include two curated driving tours, social<br />
gatherings, a parade on Main Street, and<br />
two impressive car shows - the highly selective<br />
“Cars in the Park,” and “High Octane,”<br />
which is open “to all interesting vehicles.”<br />
Originally HMF was a fall event, but for<br />
logistical reasons and the automotive events<br />
calendar, it has been permanently moved<br />
to the second weekend in <strong>June</strong>. In its first<br />
year, it attracted 114 cars, most of which<br />
were American muscle cars, hot rods, and<br />
pre-WWII classics. Ham elaborated on<br />
the evolution of entries, “Allan Lewis was<br />
Highlands’ most beloved car nut, and he<br />
would bring his Ford Model T, Model A, and<br />
1940 Roadster. Local car builder/customizer<br />
Tim Voss has amazing cars that are<br />
often displayed, including some in <strong>2023</strong>. In<br />
2019, the featured marque was the cars of<br />
Carroll Shelby. Twelve Cobras and Shelby<br />
Mustangs came to Highlands along with<br />
Chuck Cantwell, the program manager for<br />
Shelby American back in the day. However,<br />
in recent years, HMF has attracted a strong<br />
presence of high-end European classics.<br />
The HMF planning committee recognizes<br />
the capacity limits of the town in terms of<br />
lodging, parking, and traffic. In order to<br />
grow the festival, the focus has changed<br />
from volume to quality. In 2008 there were<br />
114 entries, while in <strong>2023</strong>, there will be<br />
85. To rectify this situation, a second car<br />
show, ‘High Octane’ is staged on Sunday<br />
morning. Open to all interesting vehicles,<br />
locals and visitors can display their babies<br />
and socialize with other gearheads.”<br />
There have been numerous highlights<br />
of the HMF, including a proposal. In 2019<br />
one young man stopped along the “One Lap<br />
in the Mountains” driving tour in front of<br />
Bridal Veil Falls, got down on one knee, proposed<br />
marriage to his girlfriend, and was<br />
accepted! Ham shared some other favorite<br />
memories over the years, “One year, Sam<br />
Jenkins was displaying his drag racing car,<br />
a ‘funny car.’ It was suggested that it would<br />
be cool to crank it up for the crowd to experience<br />
the incredible sound of several thousand<br />
horsepower. Problems developed with<br />
the starting battery. To the rescue came<br />
the Highlands Fire Dept with a fire truck<br />
and jumper cables. The crowd went crazy.”<br />
“A major turning point occurred in 2016<br />
when Mercedes Benz was selected as the<br />
featured marque. Mr. KB Pierce agreed<br />
to display his 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing,<br />
one of the most coveted collector cars<br />
worth over a million dollars at the time.<br />
Highlands summer resident, Gerry Sutter-
field, decided to join in and bring his 1956<br />
300SL Gullwing from Florida, knowing<br />
that having two Gullwings at any show is<br />
a big deal. HMF was able to publicize this<br />
significant display. Anticipation was high.<br />
On show day, as the cars were arriving,<br />
registering, and being positioned on the<br />
show field, a third Gullwing appeared.<br />
The gentleman had heard about HMF and<br />
decided to cruise up to Highlands for the<br />
day. This was a game-changer for HMF.”<br />
But perhaps two of the most indelible<br />
occurrences happened in 2019, when “Dennis<br />
Gage broadcasted his TV show, ‘My<br />
Classic Car,’ from HMF’s show field to an<br />
international audience of millions of people,<br />
and HMF was selected as the ‘Best<br />
Concours Event’ in the land by Classic<br />
Motorsports magazine in a poll of readers.”<br />
for local organizations and charities, and<br />
2022 was their most successful fundraising<br />
year yet, allowing them to donate $105,000<br />
to local charity partners: The Literacy and<br />
Learning Center, REACH of Macon County,<br />
and the Community Care Clinic of Highlands<br />
and Cashiers. Ham explained the<br />
cornerstone of the festival’s ongoing success<br />
in helping the community, “People wonder<br />
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Four floors filled with a beautifully curated<br />
collection<br />
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how HMF can donate such a significant<br />
figure when there is no charge to enter a car<br />
or general attendance at the two car shows.<br />
Further, the paid evening events are low<br />
cost in terms of value provided. There are<br />
two answers- Sponsorships and Donations.”<br />
A full list of <strong>2023</strong> sponsors and a schedule<br />
of events can be found on their website<br />
highlandsmotoringfestival.com. P<br />
As most things scheduled 68 in W. 2020, Main St., the Brevard, NC • (828) 884-9021 • 16 Marmalade Dr., Cashiers, NC (828) 547-2113<br />
Highlands Motoring Festival was canceled,<br />
but that allowed for organizers to continue<br />
to raise the bar of excellence, and in 2021,<br />
in collaboration with the Bascom Center<br />
for Visual Arts, they presented FreeWheeling,<br />
“which was a centerpiece component<br />
of ‘CELEBRATE ART + AUTOMOBILE,’<br />
a summer series of events in Highlands.”<br />
This unique exhibit featured over 40 pieces<br />
of automotive artwork, including paintings,<br />
sculptures, and photographs, by internationally<br />
renowned artists alongside a<br />
display of three classic automobiles, which<br />
were rotated twice during the 15 weeks of<br />
the exhibit so that a total of “9 classic cars<br />
shared gallery space with the artwork.”<br />
Steve Ham is most proud of the volunteers<br />
who show up year after year. HMF<br />
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is a rain-or-shine event and in 2019, these<br />
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volunteers were invaluable to the continued<br />
success of that year’s festival. He<br />
68 W. Main St., Brevard, NC • 68 (828)<br />
explained, “Having had the privilege of 68 W. Main St., Brevard, W.<br />
NC W. 884-9021 Main<br />
• Main St., Brevard, •<br />
(828) St., 16 Marmalade<br />
884-9021 Brevard, NC • (828) Dr., 884-9021<br />
• 16 NC Cashiers, .<br />
Marmalade (828) NC • 16 (828) Marmalade<br />
Dr., 884-9021 547-2113 Dr., Cashiers, NC (828) 547-2113<br />
Cashiers, NC (828) 547-2113<br />
chairing this event in the past and after<br />
several years of working in its execution,<br />
my greatest pride is the volunteers that<br />
come out to work the event. This was never<br />
OPEN:<br />
more evident than in 2019, when, as forecasted,<br />
five inches of cold rain came down<br />
10:00 am - 5:00 pm<br />
Monday - Saturday<br />
on Kelsey Hutchinson Park and HMF.<br />
But the show went on. The volunteers<br />
CLOSED SUNDAY<br />
stayed at their posts and the car owners<br />
did not leave. The people could see that we<br />
44 Village Walk Way<br />
were in trouble and turned out in force to<br />
save the day. These are my heroes. That<br />
Cashiers, NC<br />
year we raised forty thousand dollars for<br />
our three local human-needs charities.”<br />
828.743.6267<br />
Each year the Highlands Motoring Festival<br />
raises a significant amount of money<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 45
local chatter<br />
The Foothills Trail<br />
Seventy-seven miles of pristine singletrack along the Carolina borders<br />
Story and photos by BRENDON VOELKER<br />
DEEP WITHIN THE LAKE<br />
Jocassee abyss lay the<br />
remnants of an abandoned<br />
Appalachian community<br />
dotted with roads, cemeteries,<br />
buildings, and layered history that dates<br />
back to indigenous cultures long forgotten.<br />
While recreational boaters, anglers, and<br />
paddlers cruise along the stunning 350-footdeep<br />
reservoir, others set out to explore<br />
ancient petroglyphs, remote waterfalls,<br />
and rare wildflowers. If you prefer<br />
adventures powered by your own two feet,<br />
then you’re in luck.<br />
One of the most acclaimed National Recreation<br />
Trails in the southeast, the Foothills<br />
Trail traces the North and South Carolina<br />
borders through the most scenic, wild, and<br />
rugged terrain you can find. Topping most<br />
lists as one of the best multi-day hikes to<br />
prepare for a longer outing, the trail offers<br />
numerous access points, short day hikes,<br />
and even wheelchair-accessible areas ensur-<br />
The Narrows on<br />
the Eastatoe.<br />
Clients on a<br />
guided hike<br />
with White Dot<br />
Adventures.<br />
46 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
Bad Creek Trailhead to<br />
Lower White Waterfalls.<br />
ing everyone can enjoy the trail in their own<br />
way. No matter what you’re into, this 77-mile<br />
footpath has something to offer everyone.<br />
The History<br />
Filled in 1973, the creation of Lake Jocassee<br />
was a joint project between the state of South<br />
Carolina and Duke Energy. The dam measures<br />
nearly one third of a mile and stands<br />
some 400’ tall. The lake, fueled by water<br />
from the Whitewater, Thompson, Horsepasture,<br />
and Toxaway rivers, also boasts many<br />
of the state’s fishing records. Understanding<br />
the lake’s history is key to understanding the<br />
evolution of the Foothills Trail.<br />
As the lake was developed, a pumped<br />
storage facility was also quietly proposed<br />
in the background. In simple terms, during<br />
times of low energy demand, surplus<br />
power can be used to pump water uphill<br />
into a separate reservoir at higher elevation.<br />
When needed, the water can then be<br />
diverted downhill to secondary turbines to<br />
provide a rapid burst of energy to the power<br />
grid. The strategy is especially useful on<br />
the warmest summer afternoons when additional<br />
energy is needed to keep air conditioners<br />
running, both for consumers and<br />
commercial businesses. Conversely, during<br />
extreme cold snaps, heaters can also<br />
put extra stress on the grid. It wasn’t until<br />
the proposal for the Bad Creek Project that<br />
the Foothills Trail really began its journey.<br />
A registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, the<br />
Foothills Trail Conference worked closely<br />
with Duke Energy, logging companies, and<br />
other vested entities to advocate for the<br />
creation of a public hiking trail through<br />
the corridor that was soon to have not just<br />
Chattooga River on<br />
The Foothills Trail.<br />
Jeremy Partin and<br />
Maddox on The<br />
Foothills Trail.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 47
local chatter<br />
Chattooga River on<br />
The Foothills Trail.<br />
one, but a second lake constructed even<br />
higher in the mountains. As environmental<br />
activists protested the massive project,<br />
conservationists rallied for the creation of<br />
a hiking trail to run alongside these lakes.<br />
The original organization has since rebranded<br />
as the Foothills Trail Conservancy<br />
and their website notes how trail construction<br />
began on Duke land in 1981. It’s vague<br />
when other sections of the trail were completed,<br />
but many segments were first established<br />
during the construction of the lakes.<br />
The Trail<br />
According to the Cherokee, Jocassee<br />
means “Place of the Lost One,” though<br />
you’d be hard pressed to get lost on the<br />
Foothills Trail. End to end, the trail both<br />
begins and terminates in South Carolina<br />
state parks where you can find full amenities<br />
such as campsites, restrooms, visitor<br />
information, and plenty of day hiking options.<br />
Numerous paved road crossings offer<br />
plenty of access, and those accustomed<br />
to driving unpaved roads can reach the<br />
more remote parts of the journey.<br />
For backpackers, the trail is most often<br />
divided into a 5 to 10-day trek. Though<br />
remote, the trail offers several segments<br />
with reliable cell reception if you need to<br />
amend your plans. While a popular undertaking<br />
for experienced backpackers or<br />
those planning a longer hike such as the<br />
48 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
Geronimo, trail<br />
dog for White Dot<br />
Adventures, on<br />
top of Sassafras<br />
Mountain.<br />
Continental Divide Trail or Appalachian<br />
Trail, the trail’s safety draws in a diversity<br />
of visitors including older hikers, women’s<br />
groups, and plenty of solo adventurers<br />
looking for a challenge.<br />
When you’re on the trail, one of the<br />
first things you’ll notice is the generous<br />
signage and elaborate construction that<br />
follows from start to finish. Large iron<br />
bridges have been installed over major rivers,<br />
overlook platforms offer unique vantages,<br />
and steep slopes are often defined<br />
by natural wooden and stone steps. The<br />
trail is maintained mostly by volunteers<br />
with the Foothills Trail Conservancy and<br />
the generous donors that help support the<br />
projects. In some situations, Duke Energy<br />
also supports projects involving more rigorous<br />
tasks on the trail, especially when it<br />
runs through their property.<br />
The Hike<br />
A complete thru-hike or hiking in sections<br />
allows you to enjoy everything the<br />
Foothills has to offer. Maps detail popular<br />
campsites, and adventurous trail runners<br />
even set their sights on completing the<br />
trail in one standing. On one such occasion<br />
in early <strong>2023</strong>, Asheville-based ultrarunner,<br />
Rachel Blinn, set the out-and-back<br />
FKT (Fastest Known Time) on the Foothills<br />
Trail, covering some 155 miles in just<br />
over 63 hours. She recalls Laurel Valley as<br />
her favorite section due to its diversity, remoteness,<br />
and fact that the only way to access<br />
that part of the trail is by boat. After<br />
her first experience on the trail in 2022,<br />
she “could tell there was something very<br />
special about it” and wanted to celebrate<br />
both the new year and her birthday with a<br />
special challenge.<br />
If a weekend adventure is calling your<br />
name, another option is to plan a shorter
outing, utilizing one of the many campsites<br />
along the way. If you’ve set your sights on<br />
a weekend trip, areas around the Chattooga<br />
River and Gorges State Park boast<br />
plenty of connecting trails to help plan a<br />
loop instead. With the help of the FTC,<br />
printed trail guides, and a little creativity,<br />
the options are endless.<br />
If you’re in search of a day hike, the<br />
Foothills offers access to several waterfalls,<br />
views, and other landmarks. Popular day<br />
hikes include Kings Creek Falls, Eastatoe<br />
Narrows, Virginia Hawkins Falls, Table<br />
Rock, and Upper Whitewater Falls, the tallest<br />
waterfall east of the Mississippi River.<br />
For those planning the entire trail, the<br />
Foothills Trail Conservancy website includes<br />
detailed information on each segment,<br />
detailed with flora and fauna you<br />
can expect to find, and a list of both volunteer<br />
and commercial shuttle services to get<br />
from one end of the trail to the other. The<br />
trail also makes a great shakeout hike for<br />
those planning a longer adventure.<br />
The Locals<br />
Kevin Bischof, superintendent of Gorges<br />
State Park in Sapphire, is no stranger to<br />
the Foothills Trail. Formerly stationed at<br />
Mount Mitchell, Kevin prizes Gorges for<br />
its abundant wildlife such as snakes and<br />
other reptiles. Hosting one of the largest<br />
concentrations of venomous copperheads<br />
and timber rattlesnakes in the south, the<br />
park remains one of his favorite places<br />
to explore. Several miles of the Foothills<br />
Trail traverse within park boundaries.<br />
While he’s not quick to divulge his favorite<br />
spot, he notes how it is “one of the<br />
best places in the park to see Oconee<br />
Bells," a wildflower only found in a few<br />
neighboring counties in the Carolinas.<br />
Kevin also values the Foothills as a “great<br />
opportunity to do some long-distance hiking…<br />
without the dedication and logistics<br />
needed for a longer trail” such as the Appalachian<br />
Trail, Continental Divide Trail,<br />
or Pacific Coast Trail.<br />
Jeremy Partin, an eastern Kentucky<br />
native, recollects on his favorite memories<br />
while hiking the Foothills. Little known to<br />
most, an abundance of native American<br />
petroglyphs lie just a few minutes from<br />
the trail as you make your way around<br />
Sassafras Mountain. As the highest point<br />
in South Carolina, the area is home to the<br />
endemic sassafras tree, the original source<br />
of root beer flavoring. Today, nearly all<br />
root beer is artificially flavored due to concerns<br />
of toxic byproducts, however, Native<br />
American cultures have used the tree for<br />
centuries to remedy a number of ailments.<br />
All in all, whether you’re into ancient<br />
petroglyphs dating back nearly 20,000<br />
years, or rare and protected wildflowers<br />
sought by botanists, consider the Foothills<br />
Trail for your next adventure. P<br />
Art Highlands Gallery<br />
521 North 4th Street<br />
Highlands, NC 28741<br />
845-612-3515<br />
www.arthighlands.com<br />
Artists added weekly<br />
Submissions Welcome<br />
Kings Creek<br />
Falls off The<br />
Foothills Trail.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 49
art seen<br />
Breaking the Mold<br />
Artist Mase Lucas explores the interdependence<br />
of all creatures<br />
By LISA GRAY YOUNGBLOOD » Photos by CHELSEA CRONKRITE<br />
EVEN AS A YOUNG CHILD,<br />
Mase Lucas knew art lay<br />
at her core. “It began with<br />
my next-door neighbor,” she<br />
explains, a smile alighting her<br />
face. “Her name was Louise, and she was<br />
my best friend. Her mother was an artist,<br />
and her home was all about exploring. She<br />
had a huge chalkboard with every color<br />
chalk imaginable, and we would spend<br />
hours drawing, creating elaborate stories<br />
around each sketch, laughing. I always<br />
drew horses. I was crazy about them.” She<br />
pauses, her brow furrowing, and adds,<br />
“When we finished, we just erased it and<br />
started over.” As an acclaimed studio artist,<br />
she no longer wistfully erases and moves<br />
on, but she can still see the beauty in it.<br />
Ingrained as art was in Mase’s psyche,<br />
the road from childhood art lover to successful<br />
professional artist was anything<br />
but direct. When Mase graduated from<br />
school in 1962, the options for women<br />
were more limited and tended toward<br />
teaching, secretarial work and nursing,<br />
none of which spoke to her passions. She<br />
simply did not fit the cultural mold of her<br />
time. But that didn’t much bother her. She<br />
thought it might be more fun to break a<br />
mold than contort herself to its contours.<br />
So, she hit the road, carrying inside her<br />
that uninhibited little girl who made up<br />
stories and drew them for her own joy, never<br />
needing a single one to last. Like erasing<br />
the board and starting all over, Mase and a<br />
posse of pals travelled across the country.<br />
From coast to coast, top to bottom, they set<br />
out to discover their world and themselves.<br />
“It was an adventure,” Mase says, her eyes<br />
wide and bright. “Not knowing what lay<br />
around the corner was the best part. We<br />
were young and unafraid, and everything<br />
seemed possible.” She worked as a movie<br />
projectionist at an art cinema, a deck hand<br />
on a Caribbean sailing ship, an assistant<br />
photo editor at McGraw Hill in New York<br />
City, a ski slope attendant, a go-go dancer,<br />
you name it—whatever paid the bills. The<br />
singular purpose of any job was to allow<br />
time for her adventure to unfold.<br />
50 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
Eventually, Mase settled for a while in<br />
Miami and, remembering that little girl<br />
who loved art, became a member of the<br />
South Florida Art Center. Her association<br />
with The Center changed how she saw<br />
art and her own future. “I was exposed to<br />
amazing artists from around the world,<br />
many from South America. Their work<br />
was bold and different, and it inspired me<br />
to open my mind and ponder possibilities<br />
beyond the literal.” But it wasn’t just the<br />
work that inspired her—it was the people.<br />
They were making their livings as artists.<br />
“This shifted the entire world for me. I had<br />
no idea such a thing was not only possible,<br />
but easily within grasp.”<br />
Shortly thereafter, she began selling<br />
her work on the art show circuit. “I was<br />
travelling the country again, but this time<br />
in a van, large canvases stacked carefully<br />
in the back. I went from one art festival to<br />
another, meeting loads of people.” For this<br />
journey, however, she was alone, but being<br />
alone was no more a problem for Mase than<br />
a cultural mold. Humble by nature, she will<br />
not admit to her own bravery, but the faith<br />
to try, to allow yourself to believe your work<br />
has meaning, takes extraordinary courage.<br />
In her early career, Mase focused on the<br />
figure, painting scenes of women engaged in<br />
everyday tasks. These paintings were traditional<br />
and likely reflected the role of women<br />
as she had witnessed it as a child. Eventually<br />
she moved to more abstract work, and<br />
although she admired it, it simply did not<br />
hold her attention, which was continually<br />
pulled back to her first love: horses.<br />
“Horses speak not only to me but to most<br />
people. They are creatures of profound<br />
appeal. A person does not need to own a<br />
horse or enjoy riding to see its beauty and<br />
strength. And the story—horses overflow<br />
with story. There is always a narrative.”<br />
Mase has received national acclaim for<br />
her horse paintings, which she describes<br />
as contemporary realism. Her work is now<br />
widely sold and exhibited and, against all<br />
odds, she has been a working artist for<br />
over 40 years. It ends up, the vision and<br />
passion of that little girl never died, even if<br />
her eye is now trained to look critically and<br />
edge closer to perfection.<br />
(Opposite): Artist Mase Lucas; With an Egret,<br />
36 x 36 Acrylic and Pencil on Canvas; (Top):<br />
Matriarch, 30 x 24 Acrylic on Canvas; Morning<br />
Revisited, 28 x 40, Acrylic on Canvas.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 51
art seen<br />
The decades of studying and painting<br />
horses deepened her connection to all creatures,<br />
and she now paints a variety of animals,<br />
often interacting with one another.<br />
“At the heart of my animal paintings is the<br />
observation that all sentient species possess<br />
basic emotional similarities such as<br />
maternal love and commitment, exuberant<br />
expressions of their own energy, enjoyment<br />
of comfort and trustworthy touch, and,<br />
conversely, fear and a potential for great<br />
suffering.” With this observation came the<br />
responsibility she feels toward all animals,<br />
domestic and wild, which “for better or<br />
worse, live their lives at our discretion.”<br />
Although beautiful, Mase’s work is<br />
neither sweet nor sentimental. It hides<br />
nothing. For example, in With a Crow, the<br />
crow sitting on the horse’s back is far from<br />
beautiful or endearing, but it emanates an<br />
intelligence as if it knows something we do<br />
not. It makes us lean in and feel—no small<br />
thing in a world dulled by pain, loss and<br />
polarization. There is a universality to it,<br />
a truth: we are all connected, humans and<br />
animals alike, and it is our responsibility<br />
to take care of each other.<br />
Even as her animal paintings evolved,<br />
her process has remained consistent. She<br />
is drawn “to the physicality of paint itself—the<br />
way it plays on the surface of the<br />
substrate, the way it interacts and defines<br />
itself.” To start, she covers the entire canvas<br />
with red oxide, which adds warmth and<br />
dimension to the paint colors. “I love how<br />
bits of red will pop through and give the<br />
painting depth. I use primarily big brushes<br />
and sponges but also pencil to break up the<br />
canvas and pull it away from pure realism.<br />
I have such fun with that.”<br />
Mase’s enthusiasm for art has never<br />
waned, but her desire to travel eventually<br />
morphed into a desire to settle, and she<br />
planted roots right here on the plateau. For<br />
the last 32 years, Mase has been a resident<br />
of Scaly Mountain. She knew nothing of<br />
western North Carolina before she moved<br />
here, but it was love at first sight. Her<br />
husband had come to the plateau to help a<br />
friend, and his enthusiasm for the area intrigued<br />
her. She decided to see for herself,<br />
a decision that changed her life. “Coming<br />
up the switchbacks from Dillard, I felt like<br />
I was coming home. I knew I had found my<br />
place.” How lucky we are to have her. P<br />
Mase’s art is on exhibit at Ann Lea Fine Art<br />
Gallery in Cashiers. To learn more, visit<br />
www.maselucas.com.<br />
Brethren,<br />
36 x 36 Acrylic and<br />
Pencil on Canvas<br />
With a Crow,<br />
36 x 36 Acrylic and<br />
Pencil on Canvas<br />
52 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
farming<br />
The Growing Season<br />
Trufflehunter Farms offers food to restore the body<br />
By LIESEL SCHMIDT » Photos by JASON GOLDEN<br />
WHILE JASON AND JACQUE<br />
Golden may describe<br />
their home-based farming<br />
venture as “a survivalist<br />
hobby run amok,” the 2.5<br />
acres that comprise Trufflehunter Farms<br />
are living, growing, thriving proof that<br />
hard work, dedication and passion can<br />
create something incredible.<br />
Initially begun from the seed of an idea<br />
and the desire to grow their own food on their<br />
land, the Goldens began their homesteading<br />
lifestyle back in Kansas City, where they<br />
learned the practices of micro-farming during<br />
their first years of marriage. Chicken<br />
coops in the woodshed and garden space on<br />
their property in the ‘burbs have turned,<br />
more than ten years and nearly a thousand<br />
miles later, into a fully-realized micro-farm<br />
known for its beautiful produce. But how<br />
they got here naturally comes with a story…<br />
“I’d moved the family in 2017 to the Highlands/Cashiers<br />
area to take a position with<br />
Edgens Herzog Architects in Highlands,”<br />
says Jason, who is a licensed architect,<br />
while Jacque is a homeschool mom to their<br />
three children as well as a violin teacher.<br />
“We bought our property the fall before<br />
COVID hit, and while we desired to homestead,<br />
we didn't have a clue that we would<br />
go so hard at it so quickly. The farm took<br />
off enough to pave the way for a modest seasonal<br />
business, which requires that I spend<br />
about 25 hours a week on farm tasks and<br />
markets during the growing season. When I<br />
started a private practice in 2022, the green<br />
grocery side to our life was not only a lifestyle<br />
choice but also provided us with a little<br />
bit of supplementary income, in addition to<br />
giving us opportunities to market our farm<br />
as well as my architectural business. Many<br />
weeks when we are out at farmer’s markets,<br />
I have signage up behind us that focuses on<br />
our small house plans—‘Trufflehunter Cottage’<br />
and ‘Nimblewill Cottage’—and spark<br />
Foggy April morning<br />
at Trufflehunter Farms<br />
with the Paperpot<br />
Transplanter.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 53
farming<br />
interesting conversations. The farmer’s<br />
markets have been a fun way for us to<br />
get to know our community and tell our<br />
story. People ask about the name, and we<br />
tell them. We branded the farm in 2020<br />
right as COVID was hitting. At the time,<br />
we were reading Prince Caspian by C.S.<br />
Lewis as the family bedtime story. Trufflehunter<br />
is the badger and is one of the few<br />
characters who exudes hope in a seemingly<br />
hopeless time. That spoke to us, and<br />
that's what we try to be.”<br />
Trufflehunter Farms can be found at the<br />
Cashiers and Highlands Farmer’s Markets.<br />
Having expanded from their original<br />
focus of microgreens, they now also grow<br />
other salad-based items such as Salanova<br />
butter lettuce, Hakurei turnips, parsnips,<br />
beets, and spring onions as well as a newly<br />
added crop of tomatoes for Jacque’s amazing<br />
Fermented Salsa. “I’m more of the green<br />
thumb, but Jacque wanted to create valueadded<br />
products last year,” Jason explains.<br />
“We would have leftover microgreens, and<br />
she realized that we had an opportunity<br />
to utilize them instead of wasting them.<br />
Since then, she has created quite a list of<br />
fermented products like mango salsas with<br />
cantaloupe microgreens, curry krauts and<br />
beet krauts with pea or sunflower microgreens,<br />
and apple krauts in the fall.<br />
“We chose to sell our microgreens live and<br />
in soil because they present so much more of<br />
their beauty that way,” he adds. “Now with<br />
Jacque bringing new products—not only<br />
her ferments but also her skin care products<br />
made with grass fed beef (suet) tallow, and<br />
local pork fat provided by a fellow farmer’s<br />
market vender—our brand is starting to<br />
center around natural health and beauty<br />
from the inside out. We openly share the story<br />
of Jacque’s recovery from MRSA-level antibiotics<br />
just after we moved here. She went from<br />
a size 8 to a size 0 because it knocked her<br />
gut so out of balance. She learned a way of<br />
healthy eating that has restored her, and we<br />
now share that knowledge with others. We<br />
believe that life begets life, simple as that.”<br />
While the farm may take a lot of work on<br />
top of the hours spent on architectural work<br />
and that of raising a family, “I've always<br />
wanted my children to have an understanding<br />
of the origins of good food and the work<br />
it takes to provide it,” Jason says. “Now<br />
with so many food quality problems—pesticides,<br />
GMOs, and the downstream health<br />
complications they create—those issues are<br />
becoming more important.”<br />
“The farm is part of our curriculum in<br />
homeschooling our kids,” adds Jacque. “It<br />
strengthens our family as we work together.<br />
We all earn money through this process,<br />
and the kids learn how to save, learn how<br />
to talk to customers, get to know a variety<br />
of people in our community, and just really<br />
learn the value of their own work. We are<br />
searching for ways to build community in<br />
Cashiers. This is important to us because<br />
we homeschool and don’t have the natural<br />
network families can develop at school. Selling<br />
at the farmer’s markets is one of multiple<br />
ways we are seeking to build community to<br />
benefit our family and others both on and off<br />
season.” More information on Trufflehunter<br />
Farms and Golden Design can be found at<br />
trufflehunterfarms.com and goldendesign.pro. P<br />
54 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
(Left): Grow shelves right before market;<br />
(Opposite, clockwise): Berkley's Polypore<br />
mushroom; Alister Golden with a particularly<br />
large specimen found on the property;<br />
Collection of Trufflehunter products<br />
combined with a customer dish; Trufflehunter<br />
rabbits feasting on broccoli microgreens.
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 55
southern drawl<br />
Fostering a Sense<br />
IT’S A CAROLINA BLUE-SKY<br />
day in Cashiers, and Ashlie Mitchell<br />
recommends we meet for our<br />
interview outside at the picnic tables<br />
near The Village Green playground.<br />
It’s a perfect suggestion from the Executive<br />
Director of The Village Green, who spends<br />
much of her time outside of work in the space<br />
she is tasked with nurturing and growing.<br />
“I’m one of many people here who love<br />
the outdoors and was drawn back to the<br />
plateau because of a love for nature and a<br />
56 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
of Community<br />
The Village Green’s Ashlie Mitchell exudes gratitude<br />
By DAWN LILES » Photos by CHELSEA CRONKRITE<br />
recognition of the importance of nature in<br />
our lives,” says Mitchell.<br />
Mitchell was tapped in 2021 to succeed<br />
venerated Executive Director Ann Self.<br />
Self successfully led the effort to make The<br />
Village Green the “Heart of Cashiers” since<br />
her appointment in 2012. “It was an incredible<br />
honor to be chosen to succeed Ann,”<br />
says Mitchell. “She’s an amazing leader,<br />
and she was able to step back, allowing my<br />
leadership skills to blossom—but she was<br />
always there for advice or questions.”<br />
The Village Green’s website describes<br />
the space as a 13.2-acre park located at the<br />
crossroads of Highway 64 and Highway<br />
107. Hosting thousands of visitors and over<br />
80 events each year, The Village Green is<br />
not only “The Heart of Cashiers” in its<br />
location but also in its ability to draw family<br />
and friends together, forming a strong<br />
sense of community. The Village Green is<br />
truly a park for the people.<br />
Among its many delights, visitors can<br />
stroll the paths of the park around grassy<br />
lawns, along wetlands and through the forest<br />
glade; enjoy a picnic lunch with friends<br />
and learn about raptors, honeybees, native<br />
plants and bears; celebrate the seasons;<br />
capture treasured moments with family<br />
and discover art, culture and regional heritage.<br />
The Village Green is also a perfect<br />
spot to host a wedding, rehearsal dinner,<br />
birthday party or reunion.<br />
Former Executive Director Self put in<br />
place many of the events and programs<br />
that have brought the community together,<br />
including Groovin’ on the Green, Goblins<br />
on the Green, Gobble on the Green,<br />
Fireworks Extravaganza on the Green<br />
and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting.<br />
“A few years ago, we added holiday village<br />
lights and left them up through February,”<br />
explains Mitchell. “It’s so nice during the<br />
dark and cold of winter to be able to keep<br />
those lights on as a beacon when you head<br />
into the crossroads.”<br />
Mitchell is a sixth-generation Jackson<br />
County (Glenville) resident on her mother’s<br />
side, and she was the first in her family<br />
to go to college. She remembers fondly her<br />
maternal grandma, Ada Crawford, who<br />
like many of that generation, was resourceful,<br />
gritty and no-nonsense. One of the<br />
things Mitchell loved about her grandma<br />
was that she “always had room at the table<br />
if you needed a plate and a listening ear.<br />
She was that safe place where I learned to<br />
be kind and generous to anyone in need.”<br />
A native of Macon County and the plateau,<br />
Mitchell graduated from Highlands<br />
High School and made her way to NC State<br />
in Raleigh, where she earned a degree in<br />
anthropology and developed an interest<br />
(Left:) Goblins on the Green, October 2022.<br />
PHOTO THOMAS TAULBEE
Ashlie Mitchell<br />
Executive Director,<br />
The Village Green,<br />
Cashiers<br />
» Hometown:<br />
Highlands, NC<br />
.» Education: Bachelor’s<br />
degree in anthropology at<br />
NC State University and<br />
a Master’s degree in<br />
Social Work at the University<br />
of Georgia<br />
» Favorite place(s) at the<br />
Village Green: The Village<br />
Play, Lewis Hall during<br />
community events and The<br />
Hayes Fairchild Garden.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 57
southern drawl<br />
in and passion for ethnobiology, the scientific<br />
study of dynamic relationships among<br />
peoples, biota and environments. “But I<br />
quickly realized that jobs for ethnobiologists<br />
may be hard to find,” laughs Mitchell,<br />
“so I decided to focus more on studying<br />
and understanding people and how they<br />
live their lives.”<br />
She headed to the University of Georgia<br />
(UGA) to earn her master’s degree in<br />
social work (MSW) and stumbled upon a<br />
new program the department was offering—nonprofit<br />
management. “I had never<br />
heard of nonprofit management, but I<br />
was immediately drawn to it because it<br />
involved a combination of all the things I<br />
was interested in and felt I could be good<br />
at, like marketing, fundraising, psychology,<br />
strategic planning and legal issues. I<br />
couldn’t believe I could have a career that<br />
included all of my interests.”<br />
She took the skills she developed at UGA<br />
and moved into various leadership roles at<br />
Mission Health, Nantahala Health Foundation<br />
and the Highlands Cashiers Health<br />
Foundation as Associate Director. “I learned<br />
58 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
so much and really enjoyed working with<br />
Rhonda Oakley (Director of Operations),<br />
Robin Tindall (CEO and Executive Director)<br />
and the HCHF Board of Directors.”<br />
One of the biggest surprises Mitchell<br />
has experienced at The Village Green is<br />
the level of engagement from the community,<br />
long-time friends and supporters, to<br />
just people coming through town. “Many<br />
people don’t realize we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit<br />
park system that receives no regional,<br />
state or federal funding.” The Village<br />
Green relies solely on the generosity of the<br />
community and gladly accepts donations of<br />
time, talent, and treasure, so they can continue<br />
to offer the programming and events<br />
that bring the community together.<br />
Funding sources also include the money<br />
raised from a main fundraiser The Village<br />
Green puts on every other year. This year will<br />
be the Joy Garden Tour – Beauty Beyond the<br />
Bend. The mid-<strong>July</strong> tour will be of four exquisite<br />
gardens on display along the historic 107<br />
corridor and the Zachary Tolbert Heirloom<br />
Garden. Tickets for the tour can be purchased<br />
online at villagegreencashiersnc.com.<br />
One of the cornerstones of The Village<br />
Green is Lewis Hall, a 5,400 sq. ft. beautifully<br />
designed space used year-round for<br />
civic, cultural and educational offerings<br />
and as a private event space. Former Board<br />
Chair Sue Lewis and her husband, Bill,<br />
made a generous donation of $500,000,<br />
erasing the debt for Lewis Hall.<br />
“To maintain the grounds here at The<br />
Village Green and bring the community<br />
free events and programs, we focus on<br />
breaking even, operationally,” explains<br />
Mitchell. “The Lewises’ incredible generosity<br />
allowed us to strategically focus on<br />
operations and capital improvements.”<br />
One trait you can’t help but notice when<br />
spending time with Mitchell is her immense<br />
gratitude not only for leaders she<br />
has worked with, but for the many community<br />
volunteers, her co-worker (yes, that is<br />
singular) and the board of directors of The<br />
Village Green.<br />
“There is such a sense of pride in this<br />
community and support of events. So much<br />
work goes into planning the events with<br />
only two actual staff members, but the<br />
support from the board, volunteers and<br />
committees is amazing.<br />
I’m thankful for so many people, particularly<br />
Shelby Batchelor, our community<br />
event and volunteer coordinator. She is<br />
kind, even-keeled and dedicated, and I<br />
cherish her and her abilities.”<br />
Even the landscaping crew who maintains<br />
The Village Green takes personal<br />
pride in the space. “We know we are not<br />
just a client,” says Mitchell, when talking<br />
about Nathan Stewart-Payne and his crew<br />
at Double Springs Landscaping, who have<br />
maintained the park for 10 years.<br />
Mitchell says the Cashiers community<br />
has changed a lot just since 2021 when she<br />
took the helm, mostly due to COVID-19<br />
and the real estate boom. “My job is to<br />
advance a strategic vision for The Village<br />
Green, while planning for sustainability,<br />
budgeting, fundraising and engaging donors<br />
and volunteers.”<br />
It’s a big job, and Mitchell is a realist,<br />
but she says she “teeters on the optimistic<br />
side.” She says that has its drawbacks, but<br />
I think most people who engage with her<br />
know her attitude is one of her greatest<br />
gifts to our community. P<br />
(Above:) Ashlie Mitchell, ED of the Village<br />
Green, on the Village Green Commons.
garden fine art fashion midsummer festival<br />
Painting the Town<br />
The Summer Colors Fine Art Show<br />
connects people of all ages<br />
See page 74<br />
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUMMER COLORS FINE ART SHOW<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 59
garden<br />
Natural Harmony<br />
Understanding plant communities for successful landscape design<br />
Story and photos by KRISTIN LANDFIELD<br />
AS A FERVENT PLANT LOVER,<br />
I’ve been known to brake<br />
abruptly when driving to observe<br />
a striking plant in someone’s<br />
landscape or on the side of the<br />
road. It helps to view plants in a variety<br />
of settings, to recognize that sincerely<br />
learning a plant means understanding how<br />
it behaves among other species in diverse<br />
milieux. It’s now summer in the mountains,<br />
and the roadsides are resplendent with<br />
wildflowers. Along with the signature cool<br />
evenings and dewy mornings, flowering<br />
plants are on full display. In sunny ditches<br />
along roadside streams, profuse strands<br />
of Penstemon, Eryngium and Lobelia<br />
(Above:) A carpet of Christmas fern, moss,<br />
Sedum ternatum, and mist flower form this<br />
ground layer at the Southern Highlands Reserve.<br />
60 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
species flower with summertime splendor.<br />
Sourwood trees (Oxydendron arboretum)<br />
and Summersweet (Clethra alinifolia) are<br />
now heavy with panicles of white blooms<br />
that call to butterflies, bees and feisty<br />
hummingbirds.<br />
For flower lovers, the arrival of the<br />
summer months marks a peak point in<br />
the year—the height of brilliance among<br />
showier species (most plants reproduce<br />
with flowers, but not all are obvious). Gardening<br />
with flowering plants is especially<br />
appealing here on the plateau, where,<br />
with our ample rainfall and clean air,<br />
herbaceous plants reward us with their<br />
fresh foliage and vibrant blooms. At a<br />
garden center, it's tempting to grab one or<br />
two of everything in flower. To be clear: I<br />
am not condemning such impulse per se;<br />
rather, I’m suggesting that we meet this<br />
impulse with a framework for how to best<br />
incorporate that urge into a successful and<br />
authentic landscape design.<br />
The southern Appalachian Mountains<br />
host one of the richest ecosystems in the<br />
temperate world. Biodiversity, in both<br />
variety of species and abundance of each,<br />
is robust and offers a dynamic palette of<br />
native plants to celebrate in our planned<br />
landscapes. As discussed in our April/May<br />
<strong>2023</strong> issue, there is an ever-growing need<br />
to incorporate more natives into our home<br />
and community landscapes. Our wild<br />
spaces are shrinking—an incontrovertible<br />
reality in <strong>2023</strong>. While ardent efforts to<br />
protect such spaces are of critical importance,<br />
supporting wild spaces at home is<br />
arguably our most effective means to safeguard<br />
these mountains and the creatures<br />
who inhabit them—including us. Fortu-
nately, our rich native plant palette allows<br />
us to do this beautifully, with joy and<br />
abundance rather than tedious sacrifice.<br />
I’m an unabashed lover of plants and varied<br />
garden styles, not a native plant purist.<br />
There are many circumstances in which a<br />
well-mannered ornamental plant, known<br />
to remain in a cultivated space, can be a<br />
brilliant addition to a garden. That said, I<br />
cannot overstate the importance of incorporating<br />
natives into our landscapes. Beyond<br />
haphazardly installing indigenous plants,<br />
however, it’s essential that we advocate for<br />
natives with aesthetics and efficacy. Frank<br />
Lloyd Wright advised his architecture students:<br />
"Study nature, love nature, stay close<br />
Top:) Wide swaths of Cinnamon fern and Hayscented fern create a floor-level community at<br />
Southern Highlands Reserve; A tapestry of blue gentian, Heuchera americana, sedum and moss<br />
cover the ground in lieu of dirt or mulch.<br />
to nature. It will never fail you." Wright<br />
was teaching his students to derive inspiration<br />
from the essence of organic forms<br />
and naturally occurring relationships, not<br />
to copy exactly what one sees—that would<br />
simply be the woods. When we garden, we<br />
are intervening. Often, it’s a place that has<br />
been previously disrupted, and one goal is<br />
to restore the site in an appealing way. In<br />
nature, naked soil is almost always the undesired<br />
result of a temporary disturbance.<br />
Subsequently, the system restores the soil<br />
by allowing plants to reclaim that space via<br />
decomposition, germination and proliferation,<br />
especially critical for erosion mitigation<br />
in the mountains.<br />
Hiking trails are vibrant classrooms to<br />
learn effective arrangement for planting<br />
design. Plants always exist in groups, never<br />
as single members. John Muir observed,<br />
“When we try to pick out anything by itself,<br />
we find it hitched to everything else<br />
in the universe.” Similarly, Dolly Parton<br />
sang about interwoven plant communities:<br />
“The hills were alive with wildflowers…<br />
And the flowers I knew/In the fields where<br />
I grew/were content to be lost in the crowd.”<br />
Plants live in interconnected communities<br />
whose distribution and morphology perform<br />
particular ecological functions within<br />
site-specific conditions. Constrained<br />
resources give rise to distinct characteristics<br />
of a plant community—a shady rocky<br />
area is only hospitable to members that<br />
have co-adapted to share resources under<br />
those conditions. At home, we can discern<br />
constraints that help inform which community<br />
of plants will be appropriate for<br />
the site we have. As with language, poetic<br />
structure that restricts prose can create a<br />
perfect framework for harmony.<br />
The more I think about ecologically responsible<br />
gardening, I realize that rather<br />
than a purist, perhaps I’m a gardenist—<br />
an advocate for more plants and more<br />
gardens overall—plenty more, then triple<br />
whatever number that is. A successful and<br />
lush planting is always more appealing<br />
than a skimpy one. The ground layer, lowgrowing<br />
matrices of plants that preserve<br />
our soil and feed our ecosystem, is rarely<br />
populated sufficiently in traditional planting<br />
schemes. It’s summer, though, so the<br />
forest floor is covered with ferns, sedges<br />
and asters. Let’s walk these woods and<br />
hillsides to understand the elegant relationships<br />
within communities of organisms.<br />
Let’s seek, with humility, to emulate<br />
their harmony. P<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 61
fine art<br />
Global Art<br />
Art Highlands Gallery offers diverse works sure to please art enthusiasts<br />
By JUDY ROYAL » Photos by CHELSEA CRONKRITE<br />
BEATA GOLA AND DR. STEVE<br />
Hinkey spent a year traveling<br />
42,000 miles in a camper<br />
visiting 1,000 art galleries and<br />
museums before ultimately<br />
picking the plateau as their place to settle.<br />
The couple’s journey—and trailer full of<br />
art collected along the way—served as<br />
inspiration for their new gallery.<br />
Art Highlands Gallery, formerly Invocative<br />
Fine Art, opened in November at 521<br />
N. 4th St. in Highlands and will have a<br />
grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony<br />
with the Highlands Chamber of Commerce<br />
on <strong>June</strong> 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. The<br />
gallery is currently showcasing 20 artists<br />
and adding new artists weekly.<br />
“Art is about transformation—all kinds,”<br />
Hinkey said. “It can awaken us, enliven us,<br />
endear us, support us, challenge us and<br />
enrich us. We specialize in fresh, inspirational,<br />
deeply moving art.”<br />
“Take Harry Moody’s art, for example,”<br />
Gola said. “One of the greatest living abstract<br />
painters, easy to walk by, stunning<br />
once it grabs you. A man commented, ‘I<br />
learned more about abstract art—who,<br />
what, why and how to experience it—in 15<br />
minutes with you than I had in 40 years<br />
collecting art. I went from I don’t get it<br />
to full-on appreciation.’ Our creators are<br />
revolutionary, produce really fun stuff and<br />
make you glad you collect art.”<br />
Florencia Clement de Grandprey stands<br />
in front of a carpet—Navajo, Persian,<br />
etc.—until a face appears, then takes five<br />
weeks revealing it with paint over the rug<br />
design. People love her work, Gola said.<br />
Michael Hayden, an encaustic artist, is<br />
at Art Highlands <strong>June</strong> 1-4. “You simply<br />
must come get the full experience,” Gola<br />
said. “He’s delightful, and you’ll become<br />
forever alert to encaustic wax technique.”<br />
Always on the hunt for new artists, Art<br />
Highlands welcomes solicitation. There is<br />
modern, contemporary, representational,<br />
still life, landscape, plein air, sculpture<br />
and collage.<br />
62 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
“You can become a new fan of art or add<br />
we should do. We picked a building people<br />
stunning work to your existing collection,”<br />
were iffy about and turned it into a gem.”<br />
Gola said. “There is such an abundance of<br />
As for the gallery’s name change, Hinkey<br />
art. Here, it’s a unity of diversity.”<br />
said he likes the word “invocative” because<br />
In addition, Hinkey draws live at the<br />
it suggests art that arises from a spiritual<br />
gallery, holds special events and teaches<br />
response rather than commercial intent,<br />
courses, while pros such as Barbara Jamison,<br />
Mark Bettis and Ann DerGara come to<br />
Art Highlands for pure simplicity. “I am a<br />
but they ultimately decided to change to<br />
explain their process and take you deeper<br />
fan of things that just roll off the tongue,”<br />
into their art—and all art.<br />
Hinkey said. “I don’t want the name of the<br />
Summer schedules are posted in local calendars<br />
and on www.ArtHighlands.com.“We’re<br />
Highlands is nice and clean.”<br />
business to confuse even one person. Art<br />
here to make a difference, to inspire, to have<br />
The gallery also offers classes and public<br />
just the right thing for you to take home,” Hinkey<br />
said. “Constantly changing, the curation<br />
“We’ve gotten really great responses from<br />
events and arranges private art showings.<br />
is exciting. You’ll get new ideas for hanging,<br />
architects, builders, interior designers and<br />
lighting and enhancing your collection.”<br />
realtors,” Hinkey said. “We just love that because<br />
we enjoy assisting with art placement,<br />
Other featured artists at Art Highlands<br />
include Clara Berta, Luis Sanchez, Suzan<br />
lighting and anything that helps bring out<br />
Obermeyer, Yari Ostovany, Fred Free, Allan<br />
Bealy, Sunny Redmond, Kim DerGar-<br />
Let us help you stage a shoot and gain ac-<br />
what each piece of art is about, in its place.<br />
abedian, Kyle Van Lusk, Charles Sherman<br />
cess to some of the world’s great treasures.”<br />
and Colette Fairman. “Our artists really<br />
The growth of the plateau should position<br />
match our vision,” said Hinkey, who also<br />
Art Highlands for lots of opportunities to<br />
displays his own digital art, printed on<br />
get its art into new places, Gola said. “It’s a<br />
multiple mediums and TVs in the gallery.<br />
great time for our area,” she said. “We’re going<br />
to do everything we can to have beauti-<br />
Hinkey and Gola work together to carry out<br />
their vision for the gallery and feed off each<br />
ful art that people can enjoy. We’d like to see<br />
other’s abilities in transforming the space.<br />
art incorporated more into the whole scene.”<br />
“We picked colors no one thought we should<br />
For information regarding upcoming events,<br />
pick,” Gola said. “We did floors no one thought<br />
go to www.ArtHighlands.com. Artist Meet &<br />
Greets: <strong>June</strong> 1-4, Michael Hayden; <strong>June</strong> 23,<br />
(Left:) Minaya by Florencia Clement de<br />
Mark Bettis; <strong>July</strong> 13, Barbara Jamison. Healing<br />
Theater with Dr. Hinkey, Spiritual Access<br />
Grandprey; (Above): Beata Gola and Dr.<br />
Steve Hinkey, co-owners and partners in Art<br />
Highlands Gallery; Abstract Art Thoughts No<br />
for Creatives Series and Health and Wellness<br />
556 by Harry Moody; Morning by Ann DerGara. Series held throughout <strong>June</strong> and <strong>July</strong>. P<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 63
A Summer Getaway<br />
R&R at Skyline Lodge<br />
ON HER: Mixed Stitch Ecru<br />
Dress $229; Sea People<br />
Shoes $499; Silk Scarf $199;<br />
Brackish Earrings $185, at<br />
TJ Bailey's, Cashiers, NC<br />
On Her: Black Tibetan<br />
Lamb Muff $249;<br />
Richard Grand Floral<br />
Cashmere Scarf $595;<br />
Mac Wide Leg Jean<br />
$249; Manto Lambskin<br />
Suede Jacket $1395;<br />
Volle Blanche Marah<br />
Fur Sneakers $319.<br />
On Him: Ruth Graves<br />
Baby Alpaca Scarf<br />
$345; Alpaca Wool<br />
Shirt Jacket $599; Raffi<br />
Cashmere Sweater<br />
$395; Smith Cotton<br />
Cashmere Shirt $225;<br />
Brax Corduroy Trouser<br />
$198; Alan Payne<br />
ON HIM: Maurizio<br />
Leather Boot $325.<br />
Baldassari Coat<br />
All from TJ Bailey’s<br />
$645; Basket<br />
in Cashiers and<br />
Weave Red Shirt<br />
Highlands.<br />
$369; Chino Slate<br />
Meyer Pant $269;<br />
Peter Millar Loafer<br />
$245, at TJ Bailey's,<br />
Cashiers, NC<br />
64 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
Minnie Rose White<br />
Short $161; Minnie<br />
Rose V-Neck Sweater<br />
$173; Minnie Rose<br />
Pink Cardigan $225;<br />
Crocodile and Bamboo<br />
Purse $222. at Wit’s<br />
End, Highlands, NC<br />
Photography: CHELSEA CRONKRITE<br />
Models: BETH GOODWIN and ADAM BRUDNICKI<br />
of Ursula Wiedmann Models<br />
Special thanks to THE SKYLINE LODGE for allowing us<br />
to shoot on location at their beautiful mountain lodge<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 65
IC Dress $214; Alisha<br />
D Necklace $59;<br />
Brighton Earrings $58;<br />
3 Brighton Bangles<br />
$42-62, at The Look<br />
Boutique, Cashiers, NC<br />
66 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
Alberto Makali Ruched<br />
Front Blouse $175; OO<br />
LA LA White Denim<br />
Jean with Gold Buttons<br />
$198, at Spoiled Rotten,<br />
Highlands, NC<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 67
One Shoulder Maxi Dress<br />
in Green Odisha $328;<br />
Rhodium Plated Cuff<br />
Bracelet $94; Rhodium<br />
Linked Medallion Hoop<br />
Earrings $52; 10MM Lapis<br />
Necklace with Medallion<br />
Shield $44, at Gracewear,<br />
Cashiers, NC<br />
68 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
La Vie Parisienne by<br />
Catherine Necklace $69;<br />
Walker and Wade Blue<br />
Print Dress $220, at<br />
A Jones, Cashiers, NC<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 69
midsummer<br />
Summer Solstice<br />
Sweet Nostalgia in the Southern Appalachians<br />
By KRISTIN E. LANDFIELD<br />
IT’S JUNE 2021, IN MACON COUNTY, NC, AND I CRUNCH ALONG MY GRAVEL DRIVEWAY AT NIGHT,<br />
dogs in tow, cold drink in hand and the tiny green eyes of spiders twinkling low in the woods. It was after 10:00 p.m.,<br />
late enough for the sun to have finally bid goodnight from the long summer day, but not so late that the unseen life of<br />
the woods had hushed its warm-weather cacophony. By then, the lightning bugs had been glowing their hellos to me<br />
for several weeks, so my appreciation had softened to that of a fond smile and nod to a friendly neighbor, rather than<br />
excitement for a new guest. It was more than a year into the pandemic, and I recognized the distinct sense of freedom I felt<br />
in the mountains, with the endless gulps of clean fresh air and plenty of coveted space for social distancing. I realized that<br />
my sense of autonomy was similar to that of a child in <strong>June</strong>, where the very word “summer” is tantamount to freedom and<br />
possibility, even while the earth spins on its axis, determined and unfaltering, and even though “lockdown” and “quarantine”<br />
had become common words in a new collective lexicon.<br />
Tis moonlight, summer moonlight,<br />
All soft and still and fair;<br />
The solemn hour of midnight<br />
Breathes sweet thoughts everywhere,<br />
But most where trees are sending<br />
Their breezy boughs on high,<br />
Or stooping low are lending<br />
A shelter from the sky…<br />
—Emily Bronte, from “Moonlight, Summer<br />
Moonlight”<br />
On clear nights such as those, with the<br />
real warmth of the summer season settling<br />
into the atmosphere, the night sky<br />
in the mountains feels close—like a low<br />
canopy overhead—then endless, as it pulls<br />
the eye and the imagination out towards a<br />
dizzying eternity.<br />
It's now high summer in the southern<br />
Appalachians—the peak season here<br />
on the plateau, with celebratory events<br />
every week and ever-growing numbers of<br />
fresh-air seekers enjoying the cool summer<br />
nights and lush vegetation of the Nantahala<br />
and Pisgah National Forests. The Appalachian<br />
Mountains are among the oldest<br />
in the world. There is a settled quality that<br />
captures the topography, its perennial<br />
rhythms made manifest with the passing<br />
of the seasons. The noisy frogs on our evening<br />
strolls, the quick-growing pace of grass<br />
in our lawns, or the early lavender light<br />
that warms alongside our morning coffee—they<br />
are all tiny threads intricately<br />
woven to the fabric of the cosmos. They’re<br />
PHOTO FER GREGORY<br />
70 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
The<br />
Menagerie<br />
of Creatures<br />
under the<br />
Moonlit Sky<br />
pennypollockart.com • pennywave@yahoo.com • 805-798-1418<br />
PHOTO KRISTIN E. LANDFIELD<br />
responses to the lengthening of days.<br />
This year, summer solstice in the Northern<br />
Hemisphere falls on <strong>June</strong> 21st. In<br />
our planet’s rotation around the sun, the<br />
summer solstice, also called the estival<br />
solstice, occurs when Earth's poles are on<br />
their maximum tilt towards the sun, thus<br />
the hemisphere closest experiences the<br />
longest day of the year. The further north a<br />
location is from the equator, the longer the<br />
daylight will persist. It’s a peak point, after<br />
which the length of days begins to shorten<br />
in its summer arc.<br />
Throughout recorded history, humans<br />
have celebrated this apex with traditions<br />
and rituals that honor the gifts of the sun<br />
and the extension of light. Here in the<br />
southern Appalachians, as with myriad<br />
traditions, solstice has been celebrated with<br />
bonfires, with music and dancing, and with<br />
feasts of summer crops, trout and sipping<br />
vinegar (“shrubs”). Solstice bonfires date<br />
back to Appalachian settlers’ western European<br />
ancestors in the Middle Ages, as well<br />
as the Cherokee traditions that preceded<br />
settlers’ arrival. For all cultures, solstice is<br />
a time to gather and savor the warmth and<br />
(Opposite): Fireflies in glass jar; (Above):<br />
Lake Rabun in the Southern Appalachians on<br />
a long summer day in 2022.<br />
Come visit Peak Experience for fine<br />
American handcrafts, including<br />
jewelry, pottery and great gifts!<br />
Suzy Landa<br />
Jewelry Trunk<br />
Show. Meet the<br />
Artist. <strong>July</strong> 21-22<br />
2820 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC | 828-526-0229 | Open Daily<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 71
midsummer<br />
ease of the summer months, recognizing<br />
that as the nights begin to lengthen again<br />
so, too, will everything else change.<br />
I now wonder if nostalgia is the real gift<br />
of summer’s warmth. For earlier humans,<br />
estival solstice meant a sense of freedom<br />
from the harsh struggle to sustain during<br />
winter. For we modern humans, protected<br />
from winter with Gore-Tex and central<br />
heat, the childhood magic of summer persists,<br />
almost as an archetype. Released<br />
from the confines of the school day and<br />
stringent bedtimes, the freedom to play<br />
outside until dark yields joyful abandon.<br />
Extra hours in a young life bring a<br />
sense of possibility and mystery; anything<br />
could happen. Throughout our short lives,<br />
the extended light of summer days, the late<br />
arrival of an inscrutable night sky, and the<br />
ancient traditions for summer solstice can<br />
evoke a longing that carries the innocence<br />
of childhood wonder—an innocence at least<br />
worthy of a bonfire celebration. P<br />
(Clockwise): Fireflies flying in a summer forest;<br />
Double rainbow in Pisgah National Forest<br />
during the 2022 summer solstice; Summer<br />
view from Webbmont property in Highlands.<br />
PHOTOS KRISTIN E. LANDFIELD; WUT.ANUNAI<br />
72 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
Who’d have thought wild horses and an untamed sea<br />
could bring you so much peace.<br />
Brilliant sunsets. Gentle breezes. Glimpses of wild horses across Taylor’s Creek. It’s hard to imagine a more peaceful<br />
setting than the Beaufort Hotel. Our venue combines the most luxurious accommodations and delicious hand-crafted<br />
cuisine with the vintage charms of North Carolina’s third-oldest town. So you can spend your time exploring the past and<br />
relaxing in the present. Where your Outer Banks adventure begins.<br />
2440 Lennoxville Road | Beaufort, NC 28516 | (252) 728-3000 | BeaufortHoteINC.com<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 73
festival<br />
Painting the Town<br />
The Summer Colors Fine Art Show connects people of all ages<br />
By LIESEL SCHMIDT<br />
AS ANYONE WHO HAS<br />
ever tried to find success as an<br />
artist knows, the payoff isn’t<br />
always swift in coming—and<br />
for some, it never comes. But<br />
even for the most talented and passionate,<br />
exposure is critical in making an artist<br />
successful.<br />
Over the years, art festivals and shows<br />
have become an important way for artists<br />
to gain the exposure they need to make a<br />
name for themselves and reach a wider audience<br />
than they would by simply displaying<br />
their pieces in galleries. These events<br />
are also often a great draw for visitors to<br />
the local area, making them beneficial to<br />
the larger community as well as its inner<br />
community of artists—and celebrating<br />
the way art makes us think and feel, both<br />
in creating and viewing it.<br />
An artist is not paid<br />
for his labor but for<br />
his vision.<br />
James McNeill Whistler,<br />
American painter<br />
For more than 40 years, the Highlands-<br />
Cashiers <strong>Plateau</strong> has hosted artists and<br />
given them a stage on which to showcase<br />
their talents during the annual Summer<br />
Colors Fine Art Show. Created by the Art<br />
League of Highlands-Cashiers (ALHC),<br />
the event, along with its sister show, the<br />
Fall Colors Fine Art Show, has been instrumental<br />
in offering artists the opportunity<br />
to sell their work to art lovers from<br />
near and far. From that initial handful<br />
Oil painting by<br />
Sara Crook, 24 x 18.<br />
Summer Colors Fine<br />
Art Show 2022.<br />
74 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
of artists, the event has grown to include<br />
more than 30 oil painters, watercolorists,<br />
mixed media artists, sculptors, photographers,<br />
jewelers and potters, garnering<br />
increasing attention for the quality fine<br />
art on display and the uniquely local feel<br />
of the show.<br />
Last year brought the advent of a few<br />
new features to the Summer Colors Fine<br />
Art Show: live music and a children’s art<br />
competition sponsored by Blick Art Supplies.<br />
“The children’s competition was such<br />
a special way of encouraging young people<br />
to make a connection to the art,” says Show<br />
Chair Colleen Kastner. “It was a simple<br />
idea: Let the child go through the show<br />
and pick the piece of art they like the best,<br />
then write down what they liked about<br />
it and draw their own sketch of it. I was<br />
delighted to see a group of teenage girls<br />
sketching one of my paintings, [featuring]<br />
a voluptuous woman with an attitude and<br />
the words, ‘I am not a toy for you to play<br />
with. I am not a fragile flower wilting in<br />
the sunlight. Don’t tell me who I am—who<br />
or what I can be.’<br />
“I asked the girls why they chose my<br />
painting, and they said they liked the message,”<br />
she says. “That was the highlight of<br />
the show for me. The fact that the positive<br />
and life affirming message in my work connected<br />
with those young women meant the<br />
world to me!”<br />
Clearly, the art show isn’t something<br />
that resonates only with adults—nor is the<br />
art. As a means of expression, it connects<br />
Visitor enjoying the 2022 Summer<br />
Colors Fine Art Show.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 75
festival<br />
people of all ages and walks of life, speaking<br />
to everyone in different ways. For that<br />
reason, the show draws thousands of buyers<br />
and art enthusiasts from the local area<br />
and beyond. “It’s a great networking and<br />
sales event for our artists and cultural<br />
event for locals and visitors,” says ALHC<br />
Chair John Bauknight, noting that last<br />
year’s event was the most successful ever.<br />
“It’s something the whole community benefits<br />
from.”<br />
“It’s such a fun, local experience to visit<br />
the gorgeous Sapphire Valley,” Kastner<br />
adds. “You can meet some great artists<br />
and see their work in person. Plus, we’re<br />
planning live music again, along with the<br />
children’s art competition. It’s also an<br />
indoor event, so we don't have to worry<br />
about rain."<br />
Held on <strong>July</strong> 22nd and 23rd from 10:00<br />
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day, the Summer<br />
Colors Fine Art Show is located at the Sapphire<br />
Valley Resort Community Center.<br />
Admission and parking to the event are<br />
free. ALHC artists to be featured this year<br />
include such oil painters as Sara Crook,<br />
Zach Claxton, Sue Taylor White, Peggy<br />
Marra, Terry Warren and Catherine Connolly<br />
Hudson; watercolorists, acrylic and<br />
mixed media artists such as Margie Bauer;<br />
and woodworkers like Jo Miler, in addition<br />
to sculptors, potters, glass artists and<br />
more. Visitors to the area may enjoy exploring<br />
the area, from various locally owned<br />
restaurants within walking distance of the<br />
event venue to the many stores, parks and<br />
restaurants a few minutes’ drive away in<br />
Cashiers. For more information, visit the<br />
Art League of Highlands-Cashiers website<br />
at artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com. P<br />
Local artist John Cannon<br />
working with student at<br />
the 2022 Summer Colors<br />
Fine Art Show.<br />
Bailey Cronkrite, Colleen<br />
Kastner and Avery<br />
Cronkrite at the 2022<br />
Summer Colors Fine Art<br />
Show. Children’s art<br />
competition.<br />
Student studying and learning from<br />
Colleen Kastner’s work as part of the<br />
children’s art competition.<br />
Sara Crook, art collection<br />
for the 2022 Summer<br />
Colors Fine Art Show.<br />
76 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
WOMEN IN BUSINESS<br />
To inspire our leaders of tomorrow,<br />
we asked these female entrepreneurs<br />
and business owners salient questions<br />
to learn more about their professional<br />
acumen, experience and talents.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 77
A JONES COMPANY<br />
AMY JONES<br />
828.743.1111 • @ AJONESCOMPANY<br />
Women<br />
In<br />
Business<br />
My businesses: A Jones Company is a fun, eclectic and inspiring gift shop. We carry women’s clothing,<br />
such as Johnny Was, Barefoot Dreams, Z Supply, Dear John Denim and Walker & Wade. We<br />
also sell handcrafted jewelry, home décor, entertaining provisions, barware and hostess gifts. Our<br />
motto is “Provisions for Fun Living,” and we pride ourselves in delivering goods that do just that.<br />
Cashiers Candy Shoppe carries upscale, handcrafted confections. We offer truffles, Toffee to Go,<br />
Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn and Jelly Belly Jellybeans.<br />
Best Business Advice I Ever Received: Follow your instincts. I have carried that advice with me when<br />
buying for the shop to decorating the shop to hiring.<br />
Words of Wisdom to Other Women: If you have a dream—a vision of what you want to do—just<br />
do it! Don’t let anyone else tell you that you don’t have the capabilities, the skill or the means to<br />
accomplish your dreams.<br />
The Secret to Good Business Is: Listen to your customers and treat everyone with respect and a<br />
cheerful heart.<br />
Why I love Doing Business in Highlands-Cashiers: I have made many very good friends on the plateau<br />
by getting to know them in the shop. It is truly a joy to come to work each day just to see who<br />
I can visit with! Also, I get to bring Daisy and Dash, my wonderful dogs, to work with me every day!<br />
There is a strong sense of community here that is hard to find.<br />
H<br />
LAURA MOSER ART<br />
LAURA MOSER<br />
480.414.5255 • LAURAMOSERART.COM<br />
H<br />
H<br />
My Business: Art Studio and Gallery<br />
Best Business Advice I Ever Received: Be yourself, be authentic.<br />
Words of Wisdom to Other Women: Be brave! Move forward! There are no failures, only<br />
learning experiences.<br />
Why I Chose This Career: I came from a graphic design background, designing for others. It<br />
was a big step to create work that came just from me. Being authentic in the work is hard<br />
but much more satisfying.<br />
The Secret to Good Business Is: Interacting with people who like my work. I love being at the<br />
gallery and talking to people about my work and the thought process behind it.<br />
You’d Never Guess That: I love keeping chickens and have built two chicken coops.<br />
Why I Love Doing Business in Highlands-Cashiers: The people here are so nice! The pace is<br />
much more relaxed than in the city.<br />
78 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
TJ BAILEY'S<br />
ANITA LUPOLI<br />
828.526.2262 • TJBAILEYS.COM<br />
Our Business: TJ Bailey’s is a boutique offering men’s and women’s clothing and fine jewelry.<br />
Words of Wisdom to Other Women: Believe in yourself. Act from your heart. Accept support.<br />
Why We Chose This Career: We love to empower people by dressing them for success. TJ Bailey’s exists to<br />
create a spirited environment for the best possible shopping experience. Customers leave feeling good.<br />
The Secret to Good Business Is: Our business is like a big family; we support our clients, each other and<br />
our community.<br />
Why We Love Doing Business In Highlands-Cashiers: We have devoted customers who come back year<br />
after year, and they become much more than clients to us.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 79
RUSTICKS<br />
STACIE PLATT<br />
Women<br />
In<br />
Business<br />
L-R, JEAN RAILEY, STACIE PLATT,<br />
HOLLY ST. ORES, JESSICA KENFIELD<br />
828.226.3324 • RUSTICKS.COM<br />
Our Business: Rusticks. We specialize in sophisticated, mountain chic furniture and interior design.<br />
Best Business Advice I Ever Received: I was very fortunate to work for Ann Sherrill, the founder of Rusticks. Ann was and continues to be a great mentor and friend. Ann<br />
taught me to always do the right thing. Be who you are and run your business the way you believe is best.<br />
Words of Wisdom to Other Women: I teach my daughter and other young women that they should believe in themselves. I tell them to live with integrity; to have confidence<br />
and conviction in their values and stay true to themselves. Also, it’s very important to surround yourself with people who support you and your goals. You should be that<br />
person for others, too.<br />
Why I Chose This Career: From a very young age, I have enjoyed interior design and furniture. My parents never knew how my furniture was going to be arranged when<br />
they walked into my room or what color I would paint the walls. There is something very magical about the power of the perfect space.<br />
The Secret to Good Business Is: Fantastic Customer Service. We treat everyone with the same courtesy and respect whether they are simply browsing through or purchasing<br />
furniture for a new home. Our customers are our friends. We love when they stop by the store to say hello and see what new goodies we have recently received.<br />
You’d Never Guess That: I am completely addicted to candy (except chocolate), and I love to exercise. Candy is always around at Rusticks. You do not need to be addicted<br />
to candy to be hired, but we will get you there soon enough!<br />
Why I Love Doing Business In Highlands-Cashiers: I love everything about the Highlands-Cashiers area. I know I am so lucky to live in this beautiful area and raise my<br />
family while pursuing the career I have always wanted. The majesty of this area and the wonderful people who call it home (or at least second home) is a combination<br />
that would be hard to find anywhere else.<br />
80 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
H<br />
H<br />
H<br />
DUTCHMANS<br />
CASUAL LIVING STORES<br />
STEPHANIE NIEUWENDIJK-BRAMBLE<br />
828.371.1154 • DUTCHMANSCASUALLIVING.COM<br />
Our Business: Dutchmans Casual Living Stores. Our business is to inspire the creative in everyone with color and an eclectic mix of<br />
furniture, home accessories and beautiful gifts.<br />
Best Business Advice I Ever Received: Always wait to hire the right person who is a good fit for you and your business.<br />
Words of Wisdom to Other Women: Never stop believing in yourself. There will be some tough times, but you can do it.<br />
Why I Chose This Career: I’m passionate about design and merchandising. It truly makes me happy inside.<br />
The Secret to Good Business Is: Definitely good customer service. Clients and customers will always remember the experience, good<br />
or bad.<br />
You’d Never Guess That: I was born in New Zealand and grew up in Australia.<br />
Why I Love Doing Business In Highlands-Cashiers: It’s a small, supportive community. And who doesn’t love this beautiful landscape?<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 81
Women<br />
In<br />
Business<br />
THE<br />
MOLLY GRACE<br />
KEDRA MCCALL<br />
828.526.8390 • THEMOLLYGRACECORP.COM<br />
Our Business: The Molly Grace, named after the owner’s mother and two<br />
daughters, is a small boutique right off Main Street in Highlands. Some<br />
consider us a gift store, but we carry clothing, jewelry, home goods, baby<br />
items and more! You can shop with us in-store or online.<br />
Best Business Advice I Ever Received: Have faith in yourself. If you believe<br />
you can accomplish it, it’s halfway done. Whatever goal you’re reaching<br />
for may take longer than you expect, but you’re perfectly capable of accomplishing<br />
it.<br />
Words of Wisdom to Other Women: Be exactly who you want to be. The retail<br />
world has so many outlets, but who’s to say you can’t draw all of your favorites<br />
together? Obviously, you have to reach your market, but you can make it representative<br />
of you at the same time. Brand yourself alongside your company.<br />
Why I Chose This Career: I was thankfully introduced to this career at a young<br />
age when my mother opened the business. I immediately fell in love with it. I<br />
was young, so I’ve gotten to grow alongside it and have developed a passion<br />
for it. I genuinely want to keep learning and growing.<br />
redFOX DESIGN SHOP<br />
MARLEE BERES<br />
864.784.5199 • REDFOXDESIGNSHOP.COM<br />
82 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
Our Business: redFOX Design Shop is broad in scope, pulling together all aspects of architecture:<br />
houses, offices, furniture, cabinets and more. It is a full spectrum design shop. The work is collaborative<br />
and has ambitions to be “aesthetic” and systematic in a way that serves its user.<br />
Best Business Advice I Ever Received: I feel like the important advice for this business, outside of the<br />
details of bookkeeping, is really just personal advice, and it’s a version of “never stop putting things in<br />
your brain.” Keep learning, thinking and growing. This business is manifested in curiosity about forms<br />
and materials and digital tools.<br />
Why I chose this career: It feels to me that “choosing” architecture happened when I learned it described<br />
what I was already interested in. I grew up on job sites, carefully entering future front doors<br />
on the wood planks the crew laid out over the sunken perimeter, climbing ladders to imagine second<br />
floors, and dodging material hoists. When I was older, I proudly delivered material to job sites, sometimes<br />
had to sweep up the night before a client came into town, and occasionally I would meet the<br />
client—there were so many different decision-making personalities. I could not have known what<br />
architecture would really be about then, but I starkly remember a stranger telling me that I would<br />
change my mind about the major I had chosen, and I resolved that I would not.<br />
Why I love doing Business in Highlands-Cashiers: I love doing business in Highlands-Cashiers because,<br />
hands down, there are some of the coolest clients here! I feel lucky and proud to be from Highlands, and<br />
it feels like full-circle moments when I get to work on people’s homes here.
H<br />
GRACEWEAR COLLECTION<br />
WENDY LUPAS<br />
828.507.7275 • GRACEWEARCOLLECTION.COM<br />
H<br />
H<br />
Our Business: Gracewear Collection is an inspirational brand of jewelry designed by<br />
founder Wendy Lupas and her sister, Mary Blackburn. The signature Shield of Faith design<br />
is trademarked and represents Ephesians 6: 10-18, which directs us to put on the<br />
Full Armor of God daily. Our boutique in Cashiers features Gracewear, beautiful apparel<br />
brands, inspirational gifts and original abstract art.<br />
Best Business Advice I Ever Received: My pastor, Gary Hewins of CBC Highlands, once<br />
told me to “Start Small but think BIG.” I have not always heeded this advice as I tend to<br />
sometimes do the opposite, but after many trials and errors over the years, I am doing<br />
my best to trust God and run Gracewear by this message in the scripture, Zechariah 4:10.<br />
Words of Wisdom to Other Women: Do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.<br />
There are many resources available to help you along the way. Also, embrace that there<br />
is nothing that is “below you” to do in your business—from cleaning the bathrooms to<br />
working directly with the customers. Your presence in every area of your business sets<br />
the standard for your business culture.<br />
Why I Chose This Career: Gracewear was truly an evolution through a series of life’s<br />
trials. After my husband suffered a life-threatening illness, I felt God calling me to share<br />
with women the meaning of Grace (unconditional love and forgiveness to bring you freedom).<br />
Our business has transitioned in many directions, however, sharing the powerful<br />
message of our brand through our jewelry, whether online, wholesale, or in our boutique,<br />
is truly the foundation and glue that holds the company together.<br />
The Secret to Good Business Is: Absolutely LOVE what you do! (most days!)<br />
You’d Never Guess That: The Gracewear concept started as a marriage ministry.<br />
Why I Love Doing Business in Highlands-Cashiers: Hands down, I LOVE this community<br />
for the people! During COVID, I closed the boutique for a season. I cannot tell you how<br />
much I missed our precious and loyal customers! I was called to re-open a much smaller<br />
boutique so I could continue to share about Gracewear with both our longtime customers<br />
and many new ones!<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 83
H<br />
H<br />
Women<br />
H<br />
In<br />
Business<br />
JANNIE BEAN FINE<br />
CUSTOM JEWELRY<br />
JANNIE BEAN<br />
828.526.5858 • JANNIEBEAN.COM<br />
My business: I am an “old-fashioned” jeweler with a full-service business, including repair,<br />
appraisal, restoration, redesign and new pieces.<br />
Best Business Advice I ever Received: Be a woman of integrity. Work hard. Don’t give up.<br />
Words of Wisdom to Other Women: Be yourself—a beautiful, unique and special person<br />
made in God’s image.<br />
Why I chose this career: I was an art and design major in college, and this was a good fit.<br />
The Secret to Good Business Is: Honesty and caring about your customers.<br />
You’d never know that: I’m still doing this after over 40 years! But … when having so much<br />
fun, why quit?<br />
Why I Love Doing Business In Highlands-Cashiers: The people are lovely. Very welcoming!<br />
PEAK EXPERIENCE<br />
VICTORIA INGATE<br />
828.526.0229 •FACEBOOK.COM/PEAKEXP<br />
@ PEAKEXPERIENCEHIGHLANDS<br />
Our Business: Peak Experience. A gift shop featuring American handcrafts and antiques. Some of our most<br />
popular items are estate jewelry and pottery.<br />
Best Business Advice I Ever Received: I love this quote from Martha Stewart. “When you are through changing,<br />
you’re through.” Being able to change and adapt can be difficult, but that is how we move forward in life.<br />
Words of Wisdom to Other Women: My words of wisdom are to remember that no one is perfect. Juggling a<br />
career, family and just life can feel overwhelming at times. Do your best and take a little time for yourself.<br />
The Secret to Good Business Is: Listening to your customer, learning from your mistakes and being organized.<br />
I am constantly working on the last one!<br />
You’d never know that: We are coming up on our 25th year of business!<br />
Why I Love Doing Business In Highlands-Cashiers: I love doing business here because of the community—<br />
and it’s a beautiful place to live. I enjoy seeing our loyal customers every season and meeting new people<br />
all the time.<br />
84 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
Next Steps for hiking legend Jennifer Pharr Davis<br />
By CARLA BECK<br />
hiking<br />
Speaking for the Trees<br />
AS NORTH CAROLINA CELEBRATES THE YEAR OF THE TRAIL, FAMED HIKER, AUTHOR, AND<br />
successful businesswoman Jennifer Pharr Davis shares how trail life shaped her view of herself and the world<br />
around her. Although a native North Carolinian, Pharr Davis didn’t explore the vast outdoor recreational<br />
opportunities of this region until tackling her first thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in 2005, a journey of<br />
discovery that she documented in her first book Becoming Odyssa: Epic Adventures on the Appalachian Trail: “I<br />
used to think that people perceived me based on how I looked, but now that I don’t see my face, I feel like people perceive me by<br />
how I treat them—that is, by what I say to them and how well I listen. Now I feel beautiful when I make other people smile.”<br />
Jennifer Pharr Davis<br />
hiking with son, Gus.<br />
PHOTO BREW DAVIS<br />
Since her first A.T. thru-hike, Pharr Davis<br />
has clocked more than 14,000 miles on six<br />
continents, established a lucrative outdoor<br />
adventure company, launched a professional<br />
speaking business, and authored<br />
nine books. Her dream was to “engage people<br />
with the outdoors,” and now her aspirations<br />
include exploring the “intersection of<br />
politics and conservation.” After 20 years<br />
of work and life experience, Pharr Davis<br />
looks forward to learning more about how<br />
to make large-scale change happen as she<br />
works toward earning a Master’s of Public<br />
Affairs from the University of California,<br />
Berkeley. Shifting into the world of policy<br />
and politics may appear to be drastic for<br />
someone who is at home in nature, but<br />
Pharr Davis acknowledges that hiking<br />
forced her to adapt, leading her to overcome<br />
the fear of the unknown, and to grow,<br />
learn, and give back to her environment. It<br />
is precisely the desire to grow that sparked<br />
her recent decision to sell her Ashevillebased<br />
Blue Ridge Hiking Company, which<br />
she began over 15 years ago. “I knew I<br />
wouldn’t be personally growing if I stayed.”<br />
Pharr Davis explains that she and her<br />
husband Brew Davis maintain an effective<br />
work-life balance by considering everything<br />
through the filter of one question:<br />
“Is this good for our family?” The couple<br />
strives to raise their two children, tenyear-old<br />
Charley and six-year-old Gus,<br />
with a sense of adventure that naturally<br />
lends itself to flexibility with transitions.<br />
In 2013, the couple hiked with daughter<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 85
hiking<br />
Charley in all 50 states, and in 2017,<br />
Pharr Davis completed the Mountains-to-<br />
Sea Trail while nursing her newborn son.<br />
For some, hiking while nursing an infant<br />
might sound unusual or perhaps even<br />
impossible, but in her second book, Called<br />
(Above): Jennifer Pharr Davis and her children, Charley and Gus, on a family backpacking<br />
trip. (Opposite): Jennifer Pharr Davis sets a new World Record for the Fastest Thru-Hike of the<br />
Appalachian Trail.<br />
86 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
Again: A Story of Love and Triumph, Pharr<br />
Davis chronicles her 2011 record-breaking<br />
Appalachian Trail thru-hike in which she<br />
discovered how “impossible” is simply a<br />
matter of perspective: “Somewhere along<br />
the journey I learned that much of what<br />
I thought was impossible was simply<br />
very, very difficult.” The wit, wisdom, and<br />
grit she learned from traversing rocky<br />
pathways and coping with unpredictable<br />
natural elements carry her into this new<br />
adventure as she prepares for lessons from<br />
a different kind of “trail.”<br />
The words “policy” and “politics” connote<br />
images of paperwork and dreadfully<br />
long timelines for change; however, a more<br />
optimistic view includes “possibilities.”<br />
This resonates<br />
with Pharr Davis’<br />
motivation for<br />
pursuing a degree<br />
in public affairs.<br />
“I want to understand<br />
how to create<br />
change within<br />
a narrow set of<br />
expectations.” For<br />
her, conservation<br />
includes protecting<br />
the land and<br />
the people who<br />
live on and around<br />
it. In her more<br />
recent book, I Come from a Place, Pharr<br />
Davis illustrates that historically the Appalachian<br />
region is one of kinship where<br />
neighbors naturally rely on one another<br />
for survival: “The strong sense of selfreliance<br />
in these hills is rivaled only by<br />
a dependence and appreciation of one’s<br />
neighbors. The people of Appalachia are<br />
proud, often too proud, and unable to ask<br />
for help. But, because of that, generosity<br />
abounds. This is a region where you don’t<br />
have to ask to receive.”<br />
Within this context, Pharr Davis shares<br />
that she wants to “tell stories of strong<br />
women” who care for their neighbors, such<br />
as her own neighbor Lavonda who is “one<br />
of the toughest women I know.” Our individual<br />
actions affect our communities and<br />
our society as a whole; therefore, we must<br />
ask ourselves, “What is best for our neighbor?”<br />
This means moving from a place<br />
of individuality to one of collaboration, a<br />
place where more hope exists. “There is<br />
room enough in these hills for differing<br />
ideas and styles to be defined and combined.<br />
This is a land of life and creation,<br />
a long ridge of possibilities.” (I Come from<br />
a Place).<br />
Selling Blue Ridge Hiking Company<br />
frees up fifty percent of Pharr Davis’ work<br />
time, allowing her to “reclaim her voice”<br />
as a writer and advocate for change. Over<br />
PHOTO BREW DAVIS
GROUP PHOTO SERENA SMITH' PHOTO OF JENNIFER PHARR DAVIS, KEITH WRIGHT<br />
the years, she worked diligently to ensure<br />
that both of her businesses, Blue Ridge<br />
Hiking Company and JPD Trailblazer<br />
Speaking & Writing, promoted sustainability<br />
initiatives. For example, in the past<br />
two years, her hiking company planted a<br />
tree for every person who booked a hike<br />
with them, and when she books a flight to<br />
give a talk, she offsets the carbon emissions<br />
by donating to clean energy nonprofits,<br />
as well as offering to speak for free at<br />
a school in the area. Last summer, she<br />
and her family partnered with Sawyer<br />
Products, a Florida-based water filtration<br />
company, on an international service trip.<br />
They traveled to remote villages in Fiji<br />
to ensure the proper use of home water<br />
filtration systems and to follow up on how<br />
the established systems were working.<br />
On an Instagram post during the trip,<br />
Pharr Davis commented on her concerns<br />
about traveling with young children<br />
while also including them in the service<br />
work, “I worried they might make everything<br />
harder, but they actually made it so<br />
much easier. They connect with people<br />
immediately.”<br />
Connections and community are at the<br />
heart of what Pharr Davis hopes to promote<br />
through her speaking, writing, and<br />
advocacy efforts. Although businesses<br />
may fear losing profits if they establish<br />
environmentally friendly policies, Pharr<br />
Davis explains that she found as she focused<br />
on creating “healthy places” and<br />
enacting sustainability initiatives, her<br />
businesses' long-term profits improved.<br />
Change doesn’t come without challenges,<br />
and this summer, she’ll trade the cool<br />
mountain air of Western North Carolina<br />
for the warm, dry breezes of California<br />
where she will sacrifice precious family<br />
time in the short term as she begins<br />
her studies at Berkeley. Referencing the<br />
six-week separation from her loved ones,<br />
Pharr Davis noted that she discussed it<br />
with her children by sharing from one of<br />
their favorite children’s books, The Lorax<br />
by Dr. Seuss, wherein the Lorax states<br />
that someone has “to speak for the trees.”<br />
In 2020 when the world was consumed<br />
by the chaos of the pandemic, Pharr Davis<br />
released Positive Forward Motion, a short<br />
film about the significance of connecting<br />
with nature. “Time and time again, I saw<br />
the trail give people what they needed.<br />
This is a form of beauty, and encouraging<br />
people to find beauty and make time for<br />
beauty in their lives is important.” Com-<br />
ing from a place of practical experience<br />
uniquely positions her to use her voice to<br />
make a positive difference and encourage<br />
others to encounter the transformative<br />
power and beauty of the environment.<br />
Earning a Master’s degree in Public Affairs<br />
is the next step in her journey to<br />
speak from a place of knowledge and understanding<br />
as she champions “all living<br />
things.” P<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 87
The Cowgirl Way<br />
40 Something Cowgirls know exactly who they are<br />
By LIESEL SCHMIDT » Photos by CAROLE SHEPARDSON<br />
THE DICTIONARY DEFINES A COWGIRL AS A GIRL OR WOMAN WHO TENDS TO AND HERDS CATTLE,<br />
often on horseback. But the more accurate definition would tip its cap to the ethos these women live by, the spirit that<br />
defines them and makes them so unique. “To be a true cowgirl is to demonstrate love openly; give encouragement<br />
and take criticism; be a shoulder to lean on; catch others when they fall; give all you can give; be humble, helpful,<br />
and honest; be truthful but kind; be a leader; be strong but sensitive; be a role model for the here-and-now as well<br />
as for the future of society; and be a human with compassion, concern, and care.”<br />
88 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
Those words sum up the cowgirl mentality—and<br />
for the women of 40 Something<br />
Cowgirls, those are characteristics that<br />
bind them in sisterhood and give them an<br />
incredible bond that has seen some of them<br />
through intense struggles. Created in 2010<br />
by Kristi Williams of Breckenridge, Texas,<br />
the organization was born of Williams’s desire<br />
to encourage and inspire middle-aged<br />
women like herself to reclaim their passions<br />
and their lives for themselves. She found<br />
that she was surrounded by amazing women<br />
in their 40s—as well as their 50s and<br />
60s—wanting to literally “get back in the<br />
saddle and have fun for themselves.” These<br />
women were wives, mothers, and careerwomen<br />
who had spent years putting their<br />
energies into everyone else, and together,<br />
they became the 40 Something Cowgirls.<br />
More than a decade later, those original<br />
women have turned into 65 chapters<br />
nationwide, with two chapters in North<br />
Carolina. “Our chapter has approximately<br />
24 members,” says Tammy Stingone, current<br />
Queen and former Princess of the<br />
Franklin, NC chapter. “We have retired<br />
nurses, retired teachers and bus drivers,<br />
business owners, active working nurses, a<br />
nurse practitioner, mothers, a lawyer, and<br />
retired law enforcement ladies. Our age<br />
group ranges from mid-40s to mid-70s.<br />
(Above:): Lynda Palmer, Princess of 40 Something<br />
Cowgirls, Franklin Chapter, on horse Marie.<br />
Coweeta Lab, Nantahala National Forest.
Tammy Stingone, current<br />
Queen of the Franklin Chapter<br />
of 40 Something Cowgirls, with<br />
horse Marie. Coweeta Lab,<br />
Nantahala National Forest.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 89
“The 40 Something Cowgirls is a unique<br />
social group and organization that focuses<br />
on empowering women,” she adds. “It is<br />
a woman’s group that has no boundaries<br />
or limits on what women can do or accomplish<br />
with the support of other women with<br />
similar goals, dreams, and admirations to<br />
challenge themselves—whether with their<br />
horses or in their lives in general. The<br />
cowgirl mentality is hard-working and<br />
independent, takes self-responsibility, is<br />
kind, and cares for others and themselves<br />
without drama or harshness.”<br />
At just over three years old, the Franklin<br />
chapter is a relatively new one, formed<br />
by a former cowgirl who had been a chapter<br />
member in Georgia. Considering the<br />
growing number of women riding and doing<br />
shows and events in WNC, she decided<br />
to form the first ever chapter in North<br />
Carolina. Stingone joined at the inception<br />
of the chapter in January 2020 and shortly<br />
after became the princess of the chapter,<br />
stepping down in late 2022. She was reinstated<br />
in <strong>2023</strong> to help save the chapter<br />
when their acting queen stepped down for<br />
personal reasons.<br />
Headed by queens and princesses—<br />
Williams was a Disney princess at Walt<br />
Disney World in the 1980s—each chapter<br />
typically holds formal meetings once a<br />
month, ranging from horse events, community<br />
events, trail rides, dinners and<br />
lunches. “Fun comes naturally when you<br />
Nancy Smith and Big<br />
John. Coweeta Lab.<br />
Nantahala National<br />
Forest.<br />
Big John.<br />
have real women with real life experiences<br />
who can laugh at themselves and<br />
with others,” Stingone says. “We share<br />
our stories—the fun ones as well as life’s<br />
heartaches. We have fun whether we’re<br />
with our horses or anything else we go and<br />
get into. We have new riders, old riders,<br />
and non-riders alike—and we just wing it.<br />
All of us have realized that life is short, so<br />
we go and make it happy and have fun and<br />
give back to others.”<br />
In fact, giving back to others is a mis-<br />
90 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
sion for 40 Something Cowgirls. Their<br />
self-proclaimed duty is “to change the lives<br />
and mindsets of horsewomen globally. We<br />
encourage adventure and personal growth<br />
through empowerment and support to<br />
build a global sisterhood. By creating the<br />
greatest, strongest, most genuine form<br />
of an international sisterhood, we can<br />
change the world.”<br />
To that end, the Franklin chapter annually<br />
cosponsors with the Macon County<br />
Horse Association at the annual Macon<br />
County Spring Coggins Clinic with Dr.<br />
Jessica Scruggs. “We volunteer to assist<br />
in yearly vaccinations and testing horses<br />
for neurological diseases that are contagious<br />
and deadly,” says Stingone, who is<br />
also an avid fundraiser and volunteer for<br />
the American Heart Association. “This<br />
test, called a ‘coggins,’ is required by all<br />
states for horses taken to trails, events, or<br />
across state lines. We also assist with canine<br />
vaccinations during this clinic. This<br />
past March, we vaccinated and tested 64<br />
horses from seven counties and two states<br />
in addition to 15 dogs and one sweet cat.”<br />
They also have members that volunteer<br />
and donate to local shelters, including the<br />
local Humane Society; county animal control;<br />
and Double OO Farm in Robbinsville,<br />
a 501(c)(3) horse rescue non-profit. For<br />
more information, visit 40somethingcowgirls.com.<br />
This may be just the organization<br />
you’ve been looking for. P<br />
Tammy Stingone on Marie,<br />
with her dog Foxy; Peggy<br />
Brown on DD; and Laura<br />
Smith on Patches. Nantahala<br />
National Forest.<br />
Big John.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 91
The <strong>Plateau</strong>’s Wild Places<br />
The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust protects what we hold dear<br />
By LISA GRAY YOUNGBLOOD » Photos by ANDREW RENFRO<br />
THE HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS LAND TRUST (HCLT) IS THE OLDEST LAND TRUST IN NORTH CAROLINA AND<br />
among the first 20 in the United States. Its mission is to preserve and protect valuable natural resources for all generations. It<br />
began in 1883 as the Highlands Improvement Association (HIA) and, through various acquisitions and conservation easements,<br />
increased its reach and impact to cover the entire plateau. As a nationally accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit land conservation<br />
organization, HCLT has been strategically conserving our most ecologically vital lands for well over a hundred years.<br />
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread,<br />
places to play in and pray in,<br />
where nature may heal<br />
and give strength to the body and soul.<br />
John Muir<br />
Sunset as seen from<br />
the Satulah Mountain<br />
Summit looking west to<br />
the Appalachian Trail.<br />
92 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
For the last 17 years, HCLT has been<br />
under the stalwart leadership of Dr. Gary<br />
Wein, a beloved figure on the plateau who<br />
has been integral to HCLT’s growth and<br />
success. From 2015 to 2021 alone, HCLT<br />
increased land protection by 38% but only<br />
increased its budget and operating expenses<br />
by 15%, which is wonderful but not sustainable.<br />
Thanks in large part to Dr. Wein, HCLT<br />
now protects over 3800 acres on the plateau<br />
with aspirations to protect much more.<br />
On <strong>June</strong> 30, however, Dr. Wein will step<br />
down, and HCLT will have a new Executive<br />
Director, Lance Hardin. An avid hiker<br />
and history enthusiast, Hardin has plans<br />
of his own. With a wealth of nonprofit experience,<br />
Hardin intends to focus on HCLT’s<br />
strategic conservation of the plateau’s<br />
iconic properties. “Our beloved natural<br />
resources face unprecedented challenges<br />
due to changing demographic, climate<br />
and economic forces,” he explains. “There<br />
has never been a more important time for<br />
HCLT’s mission.”<br />
At this passing of the torch, we wanted<br />
to reflect upon what HCLT means to the<br />
plateau. How exactly has it impacted<br />
our lives? To answer this question, we<br />
highlight some of the most ecologically<br />
significant properties currently under its<br />
stewardship. Understanding the value of<br />
these sites can help us look into the future<br />
and renew our commitment to support the<br />
organization that supports us.<br />
Keep in mind that HCLT is not a regulatory<br />
agency. It cannot bring enforcement<br />
actions against noncompliant actors. Rather,<br />
it acts as a perpetual steward of the<br />
land, which means it must acquire rights<br />
to that land first. HCLT does this in three<br />
ways: creation of conservation easements,<br />
donation or occasional purchase of lands<br />
in fee simple, and bequests. All of these<br />
require funding, a dedicated staff and<br />
committed volunteers. This is where we<br />
come in. As ordinary citizens and property<br />
owners, there is much we can do to support<br />
HCLT.<br />
McKinney Meadow<br />
Butterfly Weed<br />
(asclepias tuberosa),<br />
being pollinated by<br />
a carpenter bee, a<br />
native pollinator.<br />
Fritillary butterfly<br />
visiting a flowering<br />
Ironweed (Veronia<br />
noveboracensis)<br />
Grasshopper among<br />
Juncus and other<br />
herbaceous species in<br />
the wetland portion<br />
of McKinney Meadow.<br />
In the heart of downtown Cashiers, this<br />
stretch of land holds not only history but a<br />
biodiversity that has made it a designated<br />
stop on the Butterfly Highway, a statewide<br />
conservation restoration initiative that<br />
aims to restore native pollinator habitats<br />
to areas impacted by urbanization, land<br />
use change and agriculture.<br />
This site stands at the entrance to the historic<br />
107 corridor in Cashiers, home to three<br />
National Register of Historic Places properties:<br />
High Hampton, Church of the Good<br />
Shepherd and the Zachary-Tolbert House.<br />
It was for sale and likely would have been<br />
purchased for commercial development, but<br />
the community rallied around preservation<br />
efforts and raised money for its purchase.<br />
Historically, this property was the site of<br />
the McKinney Boarding House, where early<br />
19th century prominent figures like John C.<br />
Calhoun stayed when visiting the area. It is<br />
rumored that on one of Senator Calhoun’s<br />
visits, a travelling postman stopped in for<br />
the night only to find there were no beds.<br />
Not to be deterred, the postman turned to<br />
the Senator and said, “Move over thare old<br />
Horse, and let’s spoon.”<br />
Community icon Granny Allen, known for<br />
her generosity toward workmen, also lived<br />
on the property until her home was demolished<br />
in the early 1970s.<br />
But perhaps its greatest magic is in what<br />
it offers today. HCLT manages the property<br />
as a wildflower meadow, for which the site<br />
is particularly well-suited. Natural groundwater<br />
discharge has created a wetland that<br />
teems with life, and the land’s topographic<br />
characteristics, including impacts from its<br />
previous uses and plantings, have resulted<br />
in diverse vegetation. This network of native<br />
flowering plants, critical to HCLT’s restoration<br />
efforts, supports butterflies, bees,<br />
birds and other pollen and nectar dependent<br />
wildlife, which in turn support us.<br />
Our local native pollinators, including 174<br />
species of butterflies, 13 species of bumblebees<br />
and the Ruby-throated hummingbird,<br />
are responsible for pollinating important<br />
fruit and vegetable crops that are a vital<br />
link in the comprehensive food web. Unfortunately,<br />
these pollinators are threatened<br />
due to habitat loss, invasive plants and pesticides,<br />
which makes properties like McKinney<br />
Meadow invaluable. By protecting these<br />
pollinators and preserving their habitat, we<br />
are protecting our future.<br />
Edward Baker Preserve<br />
The Edward Baker Preserve is a 64-acre<br />
site on Laurel Knob Road with an intact<br />
second-growth forest and rudimentary<br />
trails. A second-growth forest is a forest<br />
or woodland area that has regenerated<br />
through largely natural processes after<br />
human-caused disturbances such as timber<br />
harvest or agricultural clearing or<br />
equivalently disruptive natural phenomena.<br />
These forests provide habitat for native<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 93
species, preserve watersheds and restore<br />
connectivity between ecosystems.<br />
This site will be HCLT’s first public<br />
hiking trail in Cashiers and is a potential<br />
site for a pocket meadow, a sustainable<br />
approach to gardening for wildlife. Pocket<br />
meadows are small, native plantings<br />
inspired by the natural landscape that<br />
offer the same ecological benefits of wild<br />
meadows but on a smaller, more manageable<br />
scale. This type of gardening supports<br />
insects and recreates an ecological web as<br />
it rebuilds a sustainable habitat. In addition,<br />
headwater seeps on the property provide<br />
wetland habitat, which is abundant in<br />
animal and plant life.<br />
The property will also serve as a buffer<br />
to developed spaces, critical at this time<br />
of proposed development in Cashiers, and<br />
preserve green space, which positively impacts<br />
all communities. This site could well<br />
become our own mini-Central Park, preserving<br />
what we so love about living here.<br />
Satulah Mountain<br />
As the first purchase of HIA, which would<br />
eventually become HCLT, one could argue<br />
that it all started here. This land had been<br />
slated to become a hilltop hotel, but HIA<br />
knew it could serve a better, long-term<br />
purpose, and it raised $500 to purchase<br />
the 56 acres outright. This purchase protected<br />
the right of people “to behold the<br />
beauties of the sunset, starlit heavens, and<br />
the glories of the sunrise.”<br />
At 4543 feet, Satulah Mountain is one of<br />
the tallest peaks of the Blue Ridge Escarpment<br />
and is often referred to as an “island<br />
in the sky.” It is also home to a number of<br />
rare and unusual plant species including<br />
granite dome goldenrod, Hartweg’s locust<br />
and dwarf juniper. The trees at the ridgetop<br />
forest are likely close to 300 years old<br />
even though conditions have dwarfed them<br />
to deceivingly small heights and girths. In<br />
addition, the land is dominated by ericaceous<br />
shrub species including rhododendron,<br />
azalea, huckleberry and mountain<br />
laurel.<br />
The trail on Satulah Mountain is over<br />
100 years old, and visitors can explore the<br />
old stone house used by the earliest hikers.<br />
In fact, there is much history here, for this<br />
is where Highlands was born. The rock at<br />
the summit, where the Forest Service Fire<br />
Tower once stood, is the very spot where<br />
Samuel Kelsey, founder of Highlands, was<br />
inspired to found the town.<br />
As a registered North Carolina National<br />
94 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
Pink lady slippers<br />
(Cypripedium acaule)<br />
in bloom on hiking<br />
trail in Edward Baker<br />
Preserve.<br />
Stag's-horn clubmoss<br />
(Lycopodium clavatum)<br />
found in abundance<br />
at Edward Baker<br />
Preserve.<br />
Heritage site, the property holds historical<br />
and future cultural significance. The<br />
North Carolina National Heritage Program<br />
is a program of the Division of Land<br />
and Water Stewardship within the North<br />
Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural<br />
Resources. By gathering and sharing<br />
information about rare species and natural<br />
Boys & Girls Club teens volunteering<br />
at Edward Baker Preserve to help<br />
build hiking trails.<br />
communities, this program ensures public<br />
access to information needed to weigh the<br />
ecological significance of natural areas and<br />
to evaluate potential ecological impacts of<br />
conservation and development projects. In<br />
other words, it helps us grow in a way that<br />
is sustainable and preserves the spirit and<br />
integrity of these mountains.<br />
Dixon Woods<br />
Dixon Woods is one of the flattest hikes in<br />
Highlands, allowing those who cannot or<br />
do not wish to tackle the rougher terrain<br />
to enjoy our beautiful landscape. Located<br />
at the headwaters of the Cullasaja River,<br />
the site is lush with vegetation and animal<br />
life and has an on-site pond that serves as<br />
a breeding site for salamanders, a species<br />
critical to the ecosystem.<br />
In addition, HCLT is developing a<br />
wildlife pocket meadow that will provide<br />
pollinator habitat, vegetation for wildlife<br />
and respite for two-legged visitors. Once<br />
complete, the pocket meadow will provide<br />
a beautiful clearing next to a stream. With<br />
picnic tables and abundant wildflowers,<br />
this will no doubt become a favorite site for<br />
locals and visitors alike.<br />
These are only four of the many sites<br />
over which HCLT acts as steward, but they<br />
are good examples of why HCLT’s work is<br />
critical here on the plateau. We need to protect<br />
our wild places. These places support<br />
the web of life by protecting flora and fauna<br />
of all make, including our precious pollinators.<br />
The connected parks and green spaces<br />
offer innumerable health benefits by promoting<br />
physical activity and connecting us<br />
with nature. And let’s not forget the birds.<br />
The National Audubon Society and Bird<br />
Life International have designated the plateau<br />
as one of the most important bird areas<br />
of the world. Birds of high conservation<br />
priority, including the Black-throated blue<br />
warbler, Canada warbler, Golden-crowned<br />
Kinglet hooded warbler, Rose-breasted<br />
Grosbeak and the Red-breasted nuthatch,<br />
thrive in these mountains.<br />
If the mountains speak to you, speak<br />
back by supporting HCLT. Whether it is<br />
time, land or resources, we can all do our<br />
part. Think of this as a gift to your children<br />
and grandchildren—and their children and<br />
grandchildren. It is a promise to future<br />
generations that the beauty and integrity of<br />
the plateau will endure. It is a gift that will<br />
outlast us all. It is a legacy of love. P
Whiteside Mountain<br />
as seen from the<br />
Satulah Mountain<br />
Summit.<br />
HCLT hosts family-friendly<br />
education events such as this<br />
Bio-Blitz at the Dixon Woods<br />
pocket meadow to educate and<br />
empower the next generation<br />
of environmental stewards.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 95
NESTLED COMFORTABLY ON CASHIERS’<br />
corridor, among tall trees that seem to tickle the<br />
sky, sits a High Hampton home with a charming<br />
personality and story. Aptly named “The Pines at<br />
High Hampton,” the home’s history and reputation<br />
are uniquely entwined with Cashiers, as both the town and the<br />
home have hosted generations of families and are balancing<br />
change and modernization while staying grounded and being<br />
respectful to their roots.<br />
Built in 1955, the home is not original to High Hampton, but<br />
it was a High Hampton original. To many people who had been<br />
long-standing members of the club, there was something about<br />
the property in question that left them a little puzzled. Some<br />
were, frankly, put off by the house in the beginning. “When I<br />
96 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
History<br />
in a Home<br />
The Pines at High Hampton<br />
both breaks and creates<br />
tradition<br />
By BRITTANY CONLEY<br />
Photos by CHELSEA CRONKRITE<br />
was a kid, I was not crazy about it being brick. It seemed out of<br />
place,” says Beth Townsend, co-owner of McKee Properties and<br />
the agent who oversaw the most recent sale of the home. Now<br />
Beth sees the home in a renewed light. “But it is so well built, and<br />
the way it ‘ranches’ over the land it sits on is nice. Over the years<br />
I have learned to appreciate different [styles] over cookie-cutter<br />
homes. With mid-century modern being a thing recently, this<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 97
house had a resurgence,” she adds, specifically noting how much<br />
she loves the original metal-framed windows. Beth began coming<br />
to the Highlands-Cashiers <strong>Plateau</strong> at 12 years old, after her parents<br />
built a house in High Hampton. For such a common building<br />
material, it may seem odd that anyone would have such strong<br />
opinions about a brick home, but at the time, new homes rarely<br />
used brick in Cashiers–and especially High Hampton–with most<br />
homes having an aesthetic that would more seamlessly blend in<br />
with the woodland atmosphere.<br />
Further contributing to the home’s rather quirky reputation<br />
was the part-time resident who commissioned the home in the<br />
first place: a Florida cattle farmer and citrus grove owner by the<br />
name of Mary Keene, a philanthropist–and a bit of an enigma,<br />
too. “She had an impact here,” says Ann McKee Austin, co-owner<br />
of McKee Properties and a local legend herself. “I understand she<br />
had a private plane, which was unusual for anyone up here at<br />
that time. She'd fly back and forth to Florida in that plane.” While<br />
Mrs. Keene split her time between the Sunshine State and Appalachia,<br />
her generosity and contributions can still be felt around<br />
the Highlands-Cashiers <strong>Plateau</strong>. “She was a strong supporter of<br />
the Hampton Learning Center, which later evolved into Summit<br />
Charter School,” says Ann.<br />
As controversial as the brick ranch might have been when it<br />
was newly built, it did not stop Mrs. Keene from finding her place<br />
within the community. Ann McKee Austin recalls carefree childhood<br />
summers at the property when horseback riding lessons at<br />
High Hampton would culminate in the lush meadow right outside<br />
98 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
the Keene home in a large riding ring where kids would practice<br />
jumps. But the equestrian fun didn’t stop there. Gymkhanas,<br />
an event of horseback races and games, were routinely held on<br />
Sunday afternoons in the same meadow. “There would be a kind<br />
of family tailgate atmosphere, and lots of games on horseback<br />
with prizes,” says Ann, who recalled a couple of games involving<br />
whistling with saltine crackers and riding with an egg on a spoon<br />
while trying not to drop it.<br />
PHOTO JOHNNY KRAWCHECK
PHOTO JOHNNY KRAWCHECK<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 99
With the passing of time, the home also passed hands. Beloved<br />
parties like the gymkhanas faded away and became fond<br />
memories shared between longtime friends over iced tea on the<br />
front porch during warm summer evenings. While things were<br />
changing at the aging Keene House, Cashiers saw its fair share of<br />
changes happening as well, with many new families coming into<br />
the area. Beth Townsend credits the plateau’s superb climate and<br />
small-town atmosphere, along with the abundance of outdoor recreational<br />
pursuits as among the top reasons for such a boost to<br />
the population.<br />
Among those who found themselves drawn to the Highlands-<br />
Cashiers <strong>Plateau</strong> were Bill and Misty Brennan, full-time residents<br />
of Chattanooga, Tennessee. After visiting the area, they,<br />
like many others, felt a deep connection with it and bought a vacation<br />
home in Highlands. While that home served their family<br />
well, they longed to be closer to High Hampton to enjoy the many<br />
amenities they and their children had come to love. “We’d been<br />
looking with Beth on and off for a couple of years. We weren’t<br />
exactly sure what we wanted,” says Misty Brennan. Ultimately,<br />
it was the home’s proximity both to town and High Hampton that<br />
won over the Brennans.<br />
At the time the Brennans purchased the home, it was already<br />
undergoing a massive renovation project. However, there were<br />
some additional renovations necessary to give the home the precise<br />
feel the Brennans wanted. “We wanted light and airy, while<br />
still remaining cozy. I wanted a lightened Ralph Lauren vibe, if<br />
that’s a thing,” says Misty, who is drawn to older homes with a lot<br />
of character–which this one has in spades. Preserving bits of the<br />
home’s original charm, such as using knotty pine and stone, as<br />
well as maximizing the natural light, played a major role in the<br />
renovation decisions the new owners made.<br />
One of the biggest changes the Brennans made was altering<br />
the master suite rather dramatically. “I didn’t like how the original<br />
master suite was in the middle of the three bedrooms, and it<br />
had the least amount of natural light,” says Misty. To solve this,<br />
the Brennans transformed the original, attached garage into the<br />
master suite of their dreams and added a detached garage.<br />
Continuing the home’s tradition of being an impeccable spot<br />
for outdoor entertainment, the Brennans also added a dreamy<br />
backyard patio and cozy outdoor fireplace. These additions, however,<br />
were not easy. “The original plans evolved because we were<br />
renovating during COVID, so we weren’t able to get the materials<br />
or furnishings we wanted in a timely manner,” says Misty, a<br />
frustration shared by many who took on home renovation projects<br />
during that time. But the Brennans forged on, working as<br />
best they could from their home in Chattanooga with those who<br />
handled the renovation. “Overall, we’re happy with the project,”<br />
says Misty, citing the family’s excitement whenever they’re able<br />
to come to High Hampton for some well-earned relaxation and to<br />
enjoy the many programs the club holds for members throughout<br />
the year. “My son is doing a golf camp this summer, so we’ll be<br />
enjoying it for that time. We really just appreciate the quiet time<br />
of relaxing, hiking, playing golf and pickleball, and the occasional<br />
evening out for a nice dinner,” says Misty.<br />
100 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
The home, now affectionately known as The Pines at High<br />
Hampton, is, in a way, a mirror for Cashiers itself, with its interesting<br />
origin stories, its evolution, and its consistency as a beacon<br />
for hospitality and tradition. The Brennans, through McKee<br />
Properties, have opened their home to families who wish to make<br />
their own High Hampton traditions and memories. For more information<br />
on this beautiful vacation rental opportunity, please<br />
visit www.McKeeRentals.com.<br />
(Clockwise):) Den, looking out onto stone back deck; Guest bedroom;<br />
Entryway and sitting room; Master bedroom with sitting area; Stone<br />
back deck with stunning woodland view.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 101
Spend a Year<br />
in the Mountains<br />
of Highlands-Cashiers North Carolina<br />
February / March 2020<br />
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12<br />
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Make Your Outdoor<br />
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102 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
dining review in the kitchen restaurant guide<br />
Highlands Tavern offers<br />
a culinary adventure<br />
Pink tuna tartar atop pickled cucumber slices, topped with<br />
a tangle of bright green seaweed salad and orange masago<br />
PHOTO CHELSEA CRONKRITE<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 103
Ambitious Artistry and<br />
Pristine Execution<br />
Highlands Tavern offers a culinary adventure<br />
By KAY WEST » Photos by CHELSEA CRONKRITE<br />
Highlands Tavern<br />
205 South 4th Street, Highlands<br />
828.526.9002<br />
Open Friday to Tuesday<br />
5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.<br />
ANYONE WHO WALKS INTO<br />
Highlands Tavern expecting<br />
a beer and a burger won’t<br />
be disappointed. In fact,<br />
they’ll be rewarded with<br />
a broad repertoire of craft beers and a<br />
praiseworthy construction of the American<br />
classic. A mix of brisket and short rib is<br />
patted into a ball, pressed down to a<br />
substantial puck-sized patty on the flattop<br />
grill, then placed between two halves of a<br />
brioche bun spread with fermented black<br />
garlic, a house-pickled green tomato on the<br />
bottom and a slice of gruyere cheese and<br />
confit tomato on top.<br />
Don’t ask for fries; Highlands Tavern has<br />
no freezer or fryer in their compact kitchen.<br />
A trio of side options—potato salad, spicy<br />
cucumbers and Vietnamese glass noodles—hint<br />
at the delightfully unexpected<br />
dishes to come from chef Kimmy Vos.<br />
The young chef’s most enthusiastic<br />
cheerleader and consistent taste-tester/<br />
quality control expert is local bar/restaurant<br />
veteran (4118 Kitchen + Bar) Ryan<br />
Aydelotte. The professional partners<br />
opened Highlands Tavern on August 6,<br />
2022, nearly a year after signing the lease<br />
on the shotgun space that had been a private<br />
bar, vacant since Covid. Aydelotte was<br />
approached once by the building’s landlord<br />
to do something with it, turned him down,<br />
reconsidered and brought Vos, who was<br />
bartending at 4118 and private cheffing for<br />
Old Edwards Inn off-site events, with him.<br />
Aydelotte has traveled all over the world,<br />
settled in Florida, visited Highlands for<br />
over 20 years and became a full-time<br />
Franklin resident eight years ago. Vos’s<br />
family moved from Ft. Lauderdale to Highlands<br />
when her father became caretaker<br />
of the King Mountain Club. As soon as<br />
she graduated high school, she moved to<br />
(Above:) Pink tuna tartar atop pickled cucumber<br />
slices, topped with a tangle of bright green<br />
seaweed salad and orange masago, served<br />
with avocado puree and sprinkled with delicate<br />
spring flowers; (Right;) Exterior of Highlands<br />
Tavern in downtown Highlands.<br />
Charlotte to study culinary at Johnson &<br />
Wales University. Recruited from there<br />
by the Compass Group, parent company of<br />
the world’s largest food service organization,<br />
she was an executive chef for two of<br />
their restaurants by the time she was 22,<br />
oversaw their southeast region, landed in<br />
Florida and worked multiple positions with<br />
Sysco before returning to the plateau six<br />
years ago to be closer to family.<br />
She was not impressed when she and<br />
Aydelotte made their first site visit. “When<br />
I first walked into the back, there was<br />
104 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
an office and storage space, and I kind of<br />
freaked out,” Vos remembers. “There wasn’t<br />
even water back there. I didn’t know how<br />
we would build a kitchen in that space.”<br />
But build it they did, and Vos oversaw a<br />
total transformation of the front to what<br />
is now evocative of an early 20th century<br />
tavern–long, copper-topped bar, tin ceiling,<br />
wood floors and walls covered with<br />
torn sheets of brown paper and shellacked.<br />
“She is responsible for how this whole place<br />
looks, from the bar and dining room to the<br />
bathrooms,” boasts Aydelotte.<br />
Vos says she approaches every day in the<br />
kitchen like Iron Chef. “I like doing what I<br />
(Above:) A brisket and short rib patty served on a brioche bun with fermented black garlic, housepickled<br />
green tomato, gruyere cheese and confit tomato. (Left:) Octopus Ceviche. Tender tendrils of<br />
twice-braised octopus nestled on bibb lettuce, strewn with buttery avocado, blood orange segments,<br />
pickled shallot and a touch of citrus dressing; Focaccia of the day. Big crusty hunks of bread studded with<br />
whatever Chef Vos finds tasty—in this case butternut squash, cranberries and pumpkin seeds—perfectly<br />
salted and served with miso butter, olive tapenade or chutney; Peanut butter cup cheesecake jar.<br />
call ethnic fusion. I’m happy with all genres<br />
as long as I can impact a lot of flavor.”<br />
While pondering the menu, order the focaccia<br />
of the day to share; big crusty hunks<br />
of bread studded with whatever strikes Vos<br />
as tasty—recently butternut squash, cranberries<br />
and pumpkin seeds—and a perfectly<br />
salted top, served with balls of miso butter<br />
and olive tapenade, or maybe a chutney.<br />
Traditionalist diners can expect to be<br />
challenged a bit by Vos’s twist on conventional<br />
items like the lemongrass chicken<br />
sandwich, topped with that confit tomato<br />
(kudos for not using off season tomatoes)<br />
and spicy chili aioli; a marinated flank<br />
steak sandwich; wedge salad with smoked<br />
bacon marmalade rather than bacon bits.<br />
Vos eschews the predictable vegetarian<br />
portobello mushroom sandwich and instead<br />
roasts jackfruit with house barbecue<br />
sauce, meaty enough to convince Aydelotte<br />
it was pork. The arugula salad with a<br />
fan of red wine-poached pear, medallions<br />
of dried fig, candied walnuts, two balls of<br />
burrata and a balsamic glaze is a standout,<br />
but come summer produce, it will be one of<br />
many dishes that change out seasonally.<br />
Vos sources heavily from local farmers,<br />
forages for mushrooms and greens, and<br />
tends a home garden from which items<br />
will make their way to the Tavern kitchen.<br />
The bio-degradable palm leaf bowls and<br />
plates–the lack of space for a dishwasher<br />
precludes the use of china–are a compatible<br />
canvas for her ambitious artistry and<br />
pristine execution.<br />
Culinary adventurists will be delighted<br />
to dig into her passion for bright, clean<br />
Asian products, which also lend themselves<br />
to beautiful presentations, vibrant<br />
with color, lovely in their refinement. The<br />
prettiest is a glistening round of pink tuna<br />
tartar set atop pickled cucumber slices,<br />
topped with a tangle of bright green seaweed<br />
salad and orange masago, beside a<br />
swoosh of pale green avocado puree sprinkled<br />
with delicate spring flowers.<br />
Tuna tataki is crusted with black sesame<br />
seeds, briefly seared on the flattop, sliced<br />
and served with rounds of watermelon radish,<br />
seaweed salad, wasabi aioli and ramekin<br />
of ponzu. Her red Thai curry chicken is<br />
the word-of-mouth hit of the menu and she<br />
makes oodles of it weekly to meet demand.<br />
My vote for most creatively realized dish<br />
goes to the octopus ceviche—tender tendrils<br />
of twice-braised octopus nestled on bibb lettuce,<br />
strewn with buttery avocado, blood<br />
orange segments, pickled shallot and just<br />
before serving, a touch of citrus dressing.<br />
Vos provides dried fruits, flowers and bitters<br />
for the bartenders, who in turn have<br />
developed a delectable repertoire of sublime<br />
craft cocktails and thoughtful mocktails.<br />
Aydelotte and Vos modestly credit the<br />
near immediate success of Highlands Tavern<br />
to its location across the street from<br />
Old Edwards Inn. But it’s their shared<br />
expression of hospitality and Vos’s undeniable<br />
talent in the kitchen that earn their<br />
restaurant a place on Highlands’ dining<br />
out map for locals and visitors alike. P<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 105
Throw a Local Lū‘au<br />
Your Foolproof Guide to Hosting a Heavenly Hawaiian Feast<br />
106 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
By FANNY SLATER<br />
Photos by CARIN HALL<br />
It was a puzzling text exchange differentiating potato chips and flower necklaces— the<br />
Lay’s® vs. leis debate—which reminded me that not everyone is lucky enough to have a sibling who lives in<br />
Hawaii. In 2004, my big sister Sarah became enchanted by the island of Oahu (can you blame her?) and the<br />
tropical paradise has been her home ever since. With countless visits to her exotic abode under my belt, I<br />
knew my palate was perfectly qualified to recreate some of Hawaii’s most classic cuisines. The recipes in<br />
this issue pay tribute to exactly that—and who doesn’t love a lu’au?
Nothing screams early summertime in Highlands-Cashiers like an outdoor bash—and we all know a wicked<br />
heatwave is on the horizon—so I gathered my favorite humans for a good old-fashioned Hawaiian fiesta. I<br />
encourage you to do the same. The following recipes are written for approximately 10 hungry guests, so<br />
adjust the math as needed for your custom crowd.<br />
As an homage to the famous shrimp trucks of the North Shore, I perfumed crispy prawns with garlic butter.<br />
To wash them down: frothy passionfruit painkillers over pebble ice—some spiked with boozy floaters and<br />
others stirred with zero-proof rum.The leasing office at my apartment complex wasn’t too keen on me<br />
digging a traditional underground imu, so I turned to my Dutch oven for prepping fall-apart pork. I leaned<br />
on liquid smoke, Himalayan pink salt and banana leaves for tender meat with an earthy flavor. Also on<br />
deck: chicken and pineapple kabobs bathed in coconut milk and lime marinade, an unpredictable twist on<br />
the predictable macaroni salad present at every Hawaiian party, and bouncy brown butter mochi infused<br />
with sweet Meyer lemon.<br />
Coconut bras sold separately.<br />
Passion Fruit Painkiller<br />
Yield: 10 drinks<br />
Ingredients<br />
15 ounces dark rum<br />
(or sub non-alcoholic rum like Ritual)<br />
10 ounces passion fruit juice<br />
5 ounces fresh pineapple juice<br />
5 ounces fresh orange juice<br />
5 ounces lime juice<br />
1 15-ounce ounce can cream of coconut<br />
(such as Coco Lopez)<br />
Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish<br />
Directions:<br />
1. In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine<br />
the rum, passion fruit juice, pineapple<br />
juice, orange juice, lime juice and coconut<br />
cream. If you’re using an NA rum, add 4<br />
drops of orange bitters and splash of apple<br />
cider vinegar for a little more burn.<br />
2. Shake vigorously until chilled.<br />
3. Tuck a few tall pineapple leaves in a highball<br />
glass and then fill to the top with pebble ice.<br />
Strain the drink into the glass and then garnish<br />
with freshly grated nutmeg.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 107
North Shore Garlic Shrimp<br />
Serves 8-10<br />
Ingredients<br />
1 cup all-purpose flour<br />
2 tablespoons paprika<br />
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper<br />
2 teaspoons salt<br />
2 pounds shrimp (preferably large or<br />
extra-large), deveined but still in their shells<br />
2 sticks unsalted butter<br />
2 heads garlic, chopped (about 8 tablespoons)<br />
2 tablespoons olive oil<br />
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish<br />
Lemon wedges, for garnish<br />
White rice, for serving<br />
Directions:<br />
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne and salt.<br />
Pat the shrimp dry, add them to the bowl and then toss to coat.<br />
Set aside.<br />
2. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the<br />
garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and<br />
toasted, about 3-5 minutes. Pour the garlic butter into a bowl<br />
and return the pan to the stove.<br />
3. Turn the heat to medium and add the oil. Working in batches to<br />
avoid overcrowding, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook<br />
until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side (depending on<br />
their size). Pour the garlic butter back over the shrimp and cook,<br />
tossing to thoroughly coat them in the butter, for an additional<br />
30 seconds.<br />
4. Pour the shrimp and sauce over a platter of white rice and garnish<br />
with parsley and lemon wedges.<br />
108 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
Coconut-Lime Chicken Skewers with Charred Red Onion & Pineapple<br />
Serves 8-10<br />
Ingredients<br />
2 13.5-ounce cans unsweetened coconut milk<br />
6 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided<br />
4 tablespoons fish sauce<br />
Zest and juice of 4 limes, plus lime wedges<br />
1/4 cup Asian hot sauce (chili garlic sauce or<br />
sriracha)<br />
2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic<br />
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger<br />
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro,<br />
1/4 cup dark brown sugar<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, divided<br />
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided<br />
4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs,<br />
cut into 1-inch cubes<br />
Bamboo skewers<br />
2 medium red onions, cut into 1-inch pieces<br />
4 cups chopped fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes<br />
Directions:<br />
1. In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, 4 tablespoons of the<br />
oil, fish sauce, lime zest and juice, hot sauce, garlic, ginger,<br />
cilantro, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.<br />
Set aside and refrigerate about 2 cups of the marinade and add<br />
the rest to a large bowl or resealable zip-top bag.<br />
2. Add the chicken to the bowl or bag and marinate in the fridge for<br />
up to 4 hours. While the chicken is marinating, soak the skewers in water.<br />
3. Preheat a grill to medium and spray the grates with non-stick<br />
cooking spray. Toss the onions and pineapple with the remaining<br />
2 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.<br />
4. Evenly thread the chicken, onions, and pineapple onto the skewers.<br />
5. Grill, rotating occasionally and brushing with the remaining<br />
marinade until the red onions and pineapple are lightly charred<br />
and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 170°F,<br />
about 10-15 minutes.<br />
6. Transfer the skewers to a platter and garnish with lime wedges<br />
and cilantro sprigs.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 109
Kālua Pork Sliders slow-cooked with Lemongrass Slaw<br />
Approximately 30 sliders (2-3 per person)<br />
Ingredients<br />
4-5 pound boneless skinless pork shoulder<br />
1 tablespoon pink Himalayan sea salt<br />
1 teaspoon garlic powder<br />
1 teaspoon onion powder<br />
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar<br />
2 tablespoons vegetable oil<br />
1 package banana leaves, thawed if frozen<br />
and rinsed<br />
2 cups stock, dark beer, or water<br />
2 tablespoons liquid smoke<br />
1 1/4 cups Lemongrass Aioli<br />
1/4 cup pineapple juice, plus more to taste<br />
8 cups shredded red cabbage<br />
(about 1 small head)<br />
8 cups shredded green cabbage<br />
(about 1 small head)<br />
30 Hawaiian sweet rolls (slider size),<br />
sliced and lightly toasted<br />
110 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
Directions:<br />
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.<br />
2. Pat the pork dry with paper towels and then season with the salt,<br />
garlic powder, onion powder and brown sugar, pressing to make sure<br />
the spices adhere.<br />
3. Add the oil to a large, heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot like a Dutch oven<br />
over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the pork and sear<br />
until browned all over, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the pork to<br />
a plate then deglaze the pot with the stock and liquid smoke, scraping<br />
the bottom to pull up any brown bits. Remove the pot from heat.<br />
4. Lay out several pieces of the banana leaf (enough to wrap the pork)<br />
and place the pork fat side up in the center. Fold the corners of the<br />
leaves over and around the pork to encase it. Carefully transfer the<br />
banana leaf-wrapped pork seam-side down in the pot with the liquid.<br />
5. Roast until the pork is fall-apart tender and reaches an internal<br />
temperature of 190-195°F, about 3-4 hours. Rest the pork for 1 hour in<br />
the banana leaf and then transfer to a cutting board and discard the leaves.<br />
6. While the pork is roasting, make the slaw. Add the lemongrass aioli<br />
to a large mixing bowl and whisk in the pineapple juice, adding<br />
more to taste if you’d like it sweeter. Add the red and green shredded<br />
cabbage, toss to combine, and season to taste with additional salt.<br />
Refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the sliders.<br />
7. Shred the pork, transfer to a mixing bowl, and toss with a few tablespoons<br />
of the cooking liquid from the pot. Season to taste with additional salt.<br />
8. Assemble the sliders by heaping even portions of the pulled pork onto<br />
the bottom buns and then topping with a generous portion of the<br />
slaw and the top buns.
Celebrating<br />
40 Years of<br />
Fine Dining!<br />
Enjoy international cuisine while<br />
overlooking beautiful Lake Sequoyah.<br />
Book Reservations by phone<br />
or online with RESY<br />
Open nightly, 5:30-9pm<br />
PHOTO CHELSEA CRONKRITE<br />
Curried Chicken<br />
served with jasmine<br />
rice and papadum at<br />
Highlands Tavern.<br />
American<br />
Ready to Eat?<br />
Use our restaurant listings to find the best<br />
eating and drinking on the plateau.<br />
4118 Kitchen + Bar (H) 64 Highlands<br />
Plaza, 828-526-5002. With a casual dining<br />
ambience, this New American cuisine eatery<br />
offers a delectable menu that changes seasonally,<br />
using fresh, local ingredients. Craft<br />
cocktails, beer and wine. Lunch and dinner<br />
Tue-Sun.<br />
Brunch HQ (H) 137 Main St., 828-820-8686.<br />
A breakfast and lunch café serving locally<br />
sourced American fare, fresh baked goods<br />
and house-squeezed juices. Open Wed-Mon.<br />
Cornucopia Restaurant (C) 16 Cashiers<br />
School Rd., 828-743-3750. A cozy open-air<br />
cottage is a local staple, serving an American<br />
menu of soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees.<br />
Try their Savannah crab cakes, trout<br />
piccata, chicken pot pie or famous house<br />
Reuben. Lunch and dinner, seasonally.<br />
Panthertown Cafe (T) 16614 Rosman Hwy,<br />
828-883-5551. A casual and family-friendly<br />
eatery serving country-style breakfast and<br />
lunch. Eggs, bacon and biscuits, and tasty<br />
burgers and sandwiches. 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.<br />
Mon-Fri (Sat-Sun seasonally).<br />
Mica’s Restaurant & Pub (S) 25 Logan<br />
Creek Trail, 828-743-5740. A down-home tavern<br />
serving American cuisine like NC rainbow<br />
trout, filet mignon and prime rib. Burgers,<br />
sandwiches, soups, salads and pizza. Large<br />
covered patio with a fire pit and live music. Full<br />
bar, beer and wine. Lunch and dinner daily.<br />
Mountain Fresh Grocery & Wine Market<br />
(H) 521 E. Main St., 828-526-2400. An upscale<br />
grocery and specialty shop that offers a deli,<br />
grill, wood-fired pizza, bakery, butcher and<br />
wine. Stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner<br />
daily, enjoy a glass of wine or craft beer, or take<br />
home a dinner-to-go during winter season. Catering<br />
and custom cakes are available.<br />
Primary Restaurant + Bar (H) 310 Main St.,<br />
828-526-3555. A contemporary American eatery<br />
with classy digs and a large bar area. Salads,<br />
burgers and sandwiches for lunch and entrees<br />
for dinner. Try the braised lamb shank, sesame<br />
seared ahi tuna and Carolina trout. Full bar,<br />
wine and beer. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat.<br />
The Hidden Valley Tavern (S) 3638 US-64,<br />
828-866-3144. High end food from down to earth<br />
people. Blend of American and Italian Cuisine.<br />
For lunch, try the Penne Alla Vodka or Salmon<br />
Piccata. For dinner, try the pecan-crusted trout<br />
or the fillet. Closed Sunday and Monday.<br />
Locations: (C) Cashiers; (H) Highlands; (S) Sapphire; (SM) Scaly Mountain;<br />
(T) Lake Toxaway<br />
1536 Franklin Road, Highlands<br />
828-526-2338<br />
ontheverandah.com<br />
Blue Hound<br />
BARBECUE<br />
NOW OPEN!!<br />
7420 Dillard Rd<br />
Scaly Mountain<br />
(at Highlands Outpost)<br />
Classic BBQ<br />
Delicious Sides<br />
Homemade Puddin'<br />
Supр-fast and<br />
Friendly Sрvice!<br />
www.bluehoundbarbecue.com<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 111
Whiteside Brewing Co. (C) 128 Hwy 107,<br />
828-743-6000. Serving up American pub-grub<br />
with handcrafted beers that change seasonally.<br />
Wings, paninis, soups, salads, burgers and<br />
sandwiches. Try the Whiteside burger, salmon<br />
BLT or the Reuben. Large outside seating<br />
area and several TVs for watching your<br />
favorite sports. Lunch and dinner, Thur-Tue.<br />
Asian<br />
Asia House (H) 151 Helens Barn Ave., 828-<br />
787-1680. Authentic Asian eatery serving<br />
Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes, including<br />
sushi, hibachi, soups and curry. Kani<br />
salad, red snapper, beef and scallops and red<br />
curry chicken are some of the favorites. Full<br />
bar. Lunch and dinner. Closed on Wed.<br />
Bakery<br />
Cake Bar (H) Town Square, 828-421-2042.<br />
A cozy speakeasy for the sweet-tooth, offering<br />
decadent handcrafted desserts, wines by<br />
the glass, cappuccino and espresso. Live jazz<br />
on the weekends. Savor on-site or take-out.<br />
Highlands Coffee Shop (H) 384 Main St.,<br />
828-200-9308. A coffee shop with bagels<br />
flown in from New York, locally-made cinnamon<br />
rolls, authentic Welsh Cakes and a variety<br />
of pastries. Open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.<br />
Sugar Cloud Baking Company (C) 113<br />
Hwy 64-E, 828-774-9709. An award-winning<br />
bakery and wedding cake boutique. Specializing<br />
in gourmet cupcakes, donuts, Macarons,<br />
cookies, handcrafted pies and custom<br />
cakes. Follow on social media for hours.<br />
Bar/Pub<br />
Highlands Wine Shoppe (H) 269 Oak St.,<br />
828-526-4080. A cozy wine shop with a cellar<br />
collection of rare and hard-to-find wines. Sample<br />
up to 16 wines at the Napa Wine Station.<br />
Gift baskets and Riedel glassware. Open daily.<br />
Satulah Mountain Brewing Company<br />
(H) 454 Carolina Way, 828-482-9794. Producing<br />
a premium craft beer, the brewery offers<br />
8 high-craft beers in their taproom. Try<br />
the Tuckasegee Gold or the Sunset Saison.<br />
Open Thur-Sat.<br />
Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company<br />
(S) 50 Slicers Ave., 828-743-0220. A pubstyle<br />
eatery overlooking Sapphire Mountain<br />
and the golf course. Small plates, salads,<br />
pub grub and entrees. Try the smokehouse<br />
burger, steak frites or a wood-fired pizza.<br />
Full bar, wine and several craft beer selections.<br />
Lunch and dinner, Thur-Sun.<br />
112 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
SlopeSide Tavern (S) 217 Sapphire Valley<br />
Rd., 828-743-8655. Enjoy a menu where<br />
traditional tavern favorites get a little twist.<br />
Full bar with wine and large selection of local<br />
beers. Indoor and outdoor seating, dog friendly.<br />
Open every day but Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.<br />
Live music every Thursday from 6 - 9 p.m.<br />
The FIX Restaurant Bar & Lounge (S)<br />
3093 US-64, 828-743-7477. Sapphire's spot<br />
for upscale bar food enhanced with sports bar<br />
amenities. Serves a casual breakfast, lunch and<br />
brunch while dinner brings in a finer dining experience.<br />
Winter hours vary. Closed Tuesdays.<br />
The High Dive (H) 476 Carolina Way, 828-<br />
526-6400. A late-night bar where the locals<br />
and visitors come for libations and stay for<br />
the fun. Enjoy karaoke on Tuesdays and live<br />
music on Fridays. Tue-Sun beginning at 4 p.m.<br />
The Ugly Dog Pub (C) 25 Frank Allen Rd.,<br />
743-3000; (H) 294 S. 4th St., 828-526-8364.<br />
Two locations that offer a casual and relaxed<br />
atmosphere, serving American pub grub,<br />
like chef-created burgers, sandwiches, salads<br />
and soups. Full bar, regional craft beers<br />
and wine. Live music with top talent weekly.<br />
Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch.<br />
Barbecue<br />
Blue Hound BBQ (SM) 7420 Dillard Rd.,<br />
Southern Appalachian BBQ crafted from<br />
locally-sourced meats, produce, and wood.<br />
Open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday-Saturday.<br />
Everything made from scratch and<br />
with love on the smoker.<br />
Cashiers Valley Smokehouse (C) 281 Hwy<br />
64 W, 828-547-2096. The perfect casual spot to<br />
kick back and enjoy a great meal of honestto-goodness<br />
pit cooked barbeque pork, chicken<br />
or beef, with homemade sauces for every<br />
taste. Their home cooked sides will make you<br />
reminisce of bygone days, with Sunday dinner<br />
tables laden with vegetables, homemade<br />
potato salad, slaw and baked beans.<br />
Highlands Smokehouse (H) 595 Franklin<br />
Rd., 828-526-3554. Enjoy real pit barbecue,<br />
including pulled pork, brisket, ribs and classic<br />
Southern sides. Also offering tasty burgers,<br />
tacos, stew and vegetarian. Full bar and beer.<br />
Lunch and dinner, Wed-Mon.<br />
On The Side Barbeque (C) 78 Hwy 64-E,<br />
828-743-4334. Located at the Cashiers Farmers<br />
Market, this take-out eatery serves sandwiches<br />
like pulled pork, smoked turkey, beef<br />
brisket and egg salad. Take home ribs and<br />
BBQ by the pound and sides. Open seasonally.<br />
Bistro<br />
Bistro On Main (H) 270 Main St., 828-526-<br />
2590. Classic, polished bistro located inside<br />
The Main Street Inn, featuring elevated<br />
American fare and outdoor dining. Appetizers,<br />
soups and sandwiches for lunch, and<br />
dinner includes trout, steaks, salmon and<br />
lobster bisque. Lunch and dinner seasonally.<br />
Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar (H) 465 Main<br />
St., 828-787-2990. Enjoy handcrafted Neapolitan<br />
wood-fired pizza, cast-iron sandwiches,<br />
small plates and salads in a modern Mediterranean<br />
eatery. Try the Polpette (homemade pork<br />
meatballs), cast-iron grilled cheese or choose a<br />
tomato-based or olive oil-based pizza baked to<br />
perfection. Lunch and dinner, Wed-Mon.<br />
Zookeeper Bistro (C) 45 Slab Town Rd.,<br />
828-743-7711. Casual dining for breakfast and<br />
lunch, serving American dishes like caramel<br />
apple French toast and Western omelet, or try<br />
the Slabtown burger or Jackson County club.<br />
Beer and wine. 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tue-Sun.<br />
Café<br />
Bella’s Junction Café (SM) 20 Old Mud<br />
Creek Rd., 828-526-0803. A casual dining<br />
café serving American fare. Salads and<br />
sandwiches for lunch, like salmon BLT and<br />
Reuben, and for dinner try a homemade<br />
pizza or the stuffed flounder, prime rib or<br />
lobster ravioli. Lunch Thur-Sat, dinner Fri-<br />
Sat, Sun brunch.<br />
Blue Bike Café (H) 423 N. 4th St., 828-<br />
526-9922. A casual breakfast and lunch café<br />
offering breakfast all day, and tasty burgers,<br />
sandwiches and salads for lunch. Try<br />
the grilled portabella with sweet potato tots<br />
or the smoked chicken salad. Open daily 7<br />
a.m. - 3 p.m., closed Wed.<br />
Buck’s Coffee Café (C) 6 Hwy 107 S., 828-<br />
743-9997. The local’s hangout most mornings,<br />
offering fresh brewed coffee and tea,<br />
along with breakfast, lunch and dessert<br />
items. Try the egg & cheese English muffin<br />
or a grilled Panini. Open daily 7 a.m. to 6<br />
p.m.<br />
Calders Coffee Café (H) 384 Main St.,<br />
828-200-9308. Calders serves up fine classic<br />
coffee, tea, wine and food. Select from<br />
breakfast and lunch sandwiches like ham<br />
and cheese croissants or smoked salmon.<br />
Fressers Courtyard Café (H) 470 Oak St.,<br />
828-526-8847. A small take-out café with patio<br />
tables offering delicious baked goods, hearty
urgers and sandwiches, and their famous<br />
thick-cut Fresser fries. Full-service catering is<br />
available. Lunch and dinner seasonally.<br />
Deli/Ice Cream<br />
Crossroads Custard & Cold Brew (C) 45<br />
Slab Town Road, A-6, 828-743-1888. Experience<br />
the house-made, rich, soft-serve custard<br />
available in 24 flavors. Also serves shakes,<br />
smoothies, cold brew coffee, floats, sandwiches,<br />
bagels and more. Closed Mondays.<br />
Kilwins (H) 341 Main St., 828-526-3788. An<br />
old-fashioned confectionery serving original<br />
recipe ice-cream, hand-crafted chocolates,<br />
Mackinac Island fudge, handmade sweets<br />
and gift baskets. Try top sellers like turtle<br />
fudge or milk sea-salt tuttles. Open daily.<br />
SweeTreats (H) 115 S. 4th St., 828-526-<br />
9632. A craft ice-cream shop and deli that<br />
has been a family gathering place for over<br />
30 years. Soups, salads and specialty sandwiches<br />
like the Muffaletta, French dip and<br />
torta de carnitas are crowd favorites. Or try a<br />
delicious milkshake, sundae or frozen yogurt.<br />
Lunch and dinner daily.<br />
Fine Dining<br />
New American Cuisine<br />
Seasonal menus showcasing regional products<br />
Open daily for lunch and dinner • Sunday brunch<br />
Craft cocktails, beer & wine<br />
$6 smash menu provides the most affordable lunch in town!<br />
64 Highlands Plaza, Highlands NC<br />
828-526-5002 • 4118kitchen-bar.com<br />
Canyon Kitchen (S) 150 Lonesome Valley<br />
Rd., 828-743-7967. An upscale restaurant<br />
serving New American cuisine in a rusticchic<br />
ambience. Enjoy a four-course meal with<br />
selections like flounder crudo, duck boudin,<br />
seared diver scallops and apple foster cheesecake.<br />
Full bar and extensive wine list. Dinner<br />
Wed-Sun, May-Oct.<br />
Highlands Tavern (H) 205 South 4th St.,<br />
828-526-9002. An upscale, eclectic tavern<br />
that will blow your socks off. Be sure to order<br />
the focaccia while studying the ever-changing<br />
menu. Enjoy your culinary adventure. Dinner<br />
Friday to Tuesday 5 to 11 p.m.<br />
Lakeside Restaurant (H) 531 Smallwood<br />
Ave., 828-526-9419. A fine dining experience<br />
within a cozy cottage on Harris Lake, offering<br />
fresh seafood and American fare. Local rainbow<br />
trout, Carolina grouper and Marylandstyle<br />
crab cakes are favorites. Extensive wine<br />
list. Dinner Tue-Sun.<br />
Listen live anywhere,<br />
anytime!<br />
Now streaming our<br />
broadcast on<br />
WWW.WHLC.com<br />
Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden<br />
(H) 445 Main St., 828-787-2525. Awarded the<br />
AAA Four-Diamond Award, Madison’s offers<br />
a seasonal, farm-to-table fine dining service<br />
in the elegant Old Edwards Inn. Enjoy lush<br />
dishes like Painted Hills beef ribeye and Sunburst<br />
trout, along with an extensive wine list.<br />
Lunch and dinner daily.<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 113
Midpoint Restaurant (H) 332 Main St.,<br />
828-526-2277. An eco-friendly restaurant<br />
using local farm-to-table practices. A global<br />
culinary team offers an inventive menu, like<br />
lemon crisp calamari, chicken tikka masala,<br />
sea bass aw mawk and Spanish paella. A<br />
good selection of wines to pair with your<br />
meal. Dinner nightly.<br />
On The Verandah (H) 1536 Franklin Rd.,<br />
828-526-2338. An upscale eatery offering international<br />
cuisine and seafood, with a romantic<br />
atmosphere overlooking Lake Sequoyah. Enjoy<br />
dishes like spicy Thai coconut shrimp, filet<br />
mignon, Creole chicken and seared scallops.<br />
Extensive wine list. Dinner nightly, seasonally.<br />
Ristorante Paoletti (H) 440 Main St., 828-<br />
526-4906. Enjoy refined Italian dining in an elegant<br />
European-style atmosphere. Handmade<br />
pasta, veal, beef, lamb, elk and several fresh<br />
seafood dishes comprise the extensive menu.<br />
Over 850 wines to pair with your meal. Earned<br />
Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence<br />
since 1987. Dinner nightly, seasonally.<br />
Bridge at Mill Creek (H) 445 N St., 828-<br />
526-5500. A high-end, farm to table atmosphere.<br />
Enjoy lunch or dinner in casual luxury.<br />
Menu includes mains ranging from burgers<br />
and salads to NC trout and Delmonico rib eye<br />
stake. Small plates include crispy brussels<br />
and shrimp tartine. Mon-Thu 11 a.m. - 2:30<br />
p.m., 5 - 9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.,<br />
5-11 p.m.; Sunday brunch 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.<br />
The Library Kitchen & Bar (S) 184 Cherokee<br />
Trail, 828-743-5512. An historic upscale<br />
eatery with a casual and modern vibe, serving<br />
dishes with German influences from Michelinstar<br />
trained Chef Johannes. Try the pistachio<br />
crusted Georgia quail or the coriander sautéed<br />
Carolina trout. Full bar, wine and beer. Catering<br />
available. Dinner Tue-Sat.<br />
The Orchard Restaurant (C) 905 Hwy<br />
107 S., 828-743-7614. A restored farmhouse<br />
serving southern-inspired American cuisine<br />
with an elegant, rustic ambience. Try the<br />
trout Chattooga, Grimshawe’s ribeye or apple<br />
bourbon pork osso buco. Full bar, extensive<br />
wine list and beer. Dinner Wed-Sat.<br />
The Restaurant at the Greystone (T)<br />
220 Greystone Ln., 828-966-4700. Situated<br />
inside The Greystone Inn, the restaurant<br />
offers breathtaking views of Lake Toxaway<br />
and mountains. Enjoy a seasonal menu<br />
from award-winning Chef Sean, like Bouillabaisse<br />
and pomegranate and molasses<br />
glazed duck breast. Breakfast, lunch and<br />
dinner daily, seasonally.<br />
114 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
The Ruffed Grouse Tavern (H) 270 Main<br />
St., 828-526-2590. Enjoy a locally sourced,<br />
seasonal menu, craft cocktails, extensive<br />
wines and a curated selection of craft beers<br />
and ales by the wood burning fireplace in<br />
the eclectic tavern or outside on the wrap<br />
around terrace. (Dec-May) Breakfast, lunch<br />
and dinner served Wed -Sat, brunch on Sunday.<br />
(<strong>June</strong>-Nov) Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner<br />
Tues-Sat, brunch on Sunday.<br />
Native Prime Provisions (C) 69 Cashiers<br />
Shopping Center Ingles Plaza, 828-743-<br />
3743. Come enjoy a gourmet lunch at the<br />
Chef's Counter. Menu changes daily as the<br />
chef uses only the freshest ingredients.<br />
Entrees often include sushi, lobster rolls,<br />
tempura fish and veggies, gumbo, peel and<br />
eat shrimp and filets. Lunch only. Wed-Sun.<br />
Wild Thyme Gourmet (H) 343 Main St.,<br />
828-526-4035. An upscale eatery serving<br />
Asian-influenced American cuisine. Specialty<br />
dishes include spicy stir-fry waterfall<br />
beef tenderloin, herb crusted rack of lamb<br />
and salmon with Vidalia onion crust. Wine<br />
list won Wine Spectator Award of Excellence<br />
in 2018. Lunch and dinner daily.<br />
Winslow’s Hideaway (C) 33 Village Walk<br />
Way, 828-743-2226. Fine dining in the heart<br />
of Cashiers, serving authentic American<br />
cuisine. Try the trout Winslow, Manhattan<br />
bone-in strip or roast Long Island duckling.<br />
Full bar. Dinner Tue-Sat.<br />
Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro (H)<br />
474 Main St., 828-526-3807. Enjoy an eclectic<br />
menu of German, American and Cajun cuisine<br />
by nationally recognized Chef Wolfgang. An<br />
intimate and upscale bistro serving up dishes<br />
like Venison Au Poivre, pecan crusted shrimp<br />
and roast loin of lamb. Award-winning wine<br />
list. Dinner nightly, seasonally.<br />
Italian/Pizza<br />
Slab Town Pizza (C) 45 Slab Town Rd.,<br />
828-743-0020. Enjoy New York style pizza<br />
with handmade dough and fresh toppings.<br />
Build your own pie or choose from one of<br />
their specialty pizzas. Calzones, salads and<br />
sandwiches. Beer and wine. Lunch and dinner,<br />
Tue-Sun.<br />
The Pizza Place of Highlands (H) 365<br />
Main St., 828-526-5660. A community staple<br />
since the mid ‘70s, offering an extensive<br />
menu selection of pizza, calzones, sandwiches,<br />
salads and a kid’s menu. Lunch and<br />
dinner, Mon-Sat.<br />
Villa Amato (T) 15887 Rosman Hwy, 828-885-<br />
7700. Classic homemade Italian fare like eggplant<br />
parmesan, lasagna, penne vodka, pizza, Stromboli<br />
and calzones. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.<br />
Mexican<br />
Chile Loco (C) 45 Slab Town Rd., 828-743-<br />
1160. Casual dining in a friendly atmosphere,<br />
serving authentic Mexican fare. Tacos, soups,<br />
fajitas, tortas, steak, chicken and specialties<br />
like chalupas, tostadas and chimichangas. Full<br />
bar, beer and wine. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.<br />
El Azteca Rainforest Bar & Grill (H) 72 Highlands<br />
Plaza, 828-526-2244. Authentic Mexican<br />
cuisine using fresh, local ingredients, featuring<br />
ceviche, tacos, fajitas, enchiladas and burritos.<br />
Full bar, beer and wine. Lunch and dinner daily.<br />
El Manzanillo (C) 30 Hwy 64-E, 743-5522; (H)<br />
30 Dillard Rd., 828-526-0608. Two locations<br />
offering authentic Mexican cuisine. Burritos,<br />
fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas, steak, chicken<br />
and seafood. Margaritas, wine and beer. Lunch<br />
and dinner daily.<br />
Las Margaritas (C) 127 Hwy 64-E, 828-745-<br />
6900. Traditional Mexican cuisine with the<br />
freshest of ingredients. Don't miss the fabulous<br />
margaritas, and venture out to try the Californiainspired<br />
Mexican cuisine. Open daily.<br />
Los Vaqueros (H) 30 Dillard Road, 828-482-<br />
7040. Fantastic, authentic Mexican cuisine using<br />
only the freshest ingredients. For a nice surprise,<br />
try the shrimp cocktail. Open daily.<br />
Pescado’s Highlands Burritos (H) 226 S. 4th<br />
St., 828-526-9313. A lively burrito eatery, serving<br />
up specialty burritos like roast pork and garliccilantro<br />
steak. Tacos, quesadillas and homemade<br />
soups. Lunch Mon-Sat.Main St., 828-526-5660.<br />
Take-Home Meals<br />
Dusty’s Rhodes Superette (H) 493 Dillard<br />
Rd., 828-526-2762. A 2nd generation, family<br />
run specialty foods store, with a butcher shop,<br />
deli, sundries, take-home prepared meals, wine<br />
and gifts. Tue-Sat.<br />
Rosewood Market (H) 117 Franklin Rd., 828-<br />
526-0383. A fixture in Highlands for homemade,<br />
prepared foods to-go and catering. Choose from<br />
over 150 menu items with local favorites like<br />
lemon-caper chicken or baked halibut.<br />
The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering (H)<br />
350 S. 5th St., 828-526-2110. Short on time?<br />
Come in for high-quality, made-from-scratch<br />
take-home meals. Also offering full-service catering<br />
for any occasion. Open seasonally.
REAL ESTATE FORUM | Special Advertising Feature<br />
494 East Ridge Road<br />
Cashiers<br />
New construction in the gated community of<br />
Cedar Hill and only minutes from downtown<br />
Cashiers, the thoughtful design of this home<br />
offers a 180° mountain view with stunning<br />
sunsets. The great room has cathedral ceilings,<br />
a stone fireplace, beautiful beam work, and<br />
French doors that open to the upper-level<br />
stone terrace. The owner’s suite features more<br />
mountain views, a morning bar, an expansive<br />
walk-in closet, and a luxury spa bathroom<br />
with soaking tub, stand-alone shower, double<br />
vanities, and a double-sided fireplace that can<br />
be enjoyed from the bath or bedroom.<br />
MLS# 101476 | Offered for $3,650,000<br />
Mary Abranyi<br />
(828) 226-9818<br />
MeadowsMountainRealty.com<br />
160 Pipers Court<br />
Highlands<br />
Built with the latest design and construction<br />
techniques ensuring that it is both beautiful and<br />
functional, the interior of this wonderful home is<br />
designed for an easy flow throughout. The living<br />
room is filled with natural light and provides<br />
ample space for entertaining guests. The kitchen<br />
is a chef’s dream with upscale appliances, ample<br />
counter space, and plenty of storage. The main<br />
floor master suite has a vaulted, beamed ceiling<br />
and boasts a private bath with a double vanity,<br />
a large, tiled shower, and outfitted closet. With<br />
its comfortable seating and dining areas, the<br />
screened porch is sure to become the favorite<br />
place to gather.<br />
MLS# 101619 | Offered for $3,595,000<br />
The Michaud/Rauers Group<br />
(828) 526-1717<br />
MeadowsMountainRealty.com<br />
415 Foreman Road<br />
Highlands<br />
This 5+ acre property is surrounded by a<br />
meandering creek and features a couple of<br />
charming waterfalls. The cabin has been fully<br />
renovated with a new roof, flooring, electrical,<br />
and plumbing. The home is insulated, ensuring<br />
maximum energy efficiency. New Jeldwen<br />
windows and solid core doors have been installed<br />
throughout. The cabin's interior boasts ship lap<br />
walls, wood floors and ceilings. The bright, airy<br />
bedrooms have generous closets and easy access<br />
to the upscale bathroom, complete with modern<br />
finishes. The property can be subdivided into four<br />
parcels, each with a five-bedroom septic permit,<br />
and within walking distance to Mirror Lake.<br />
MLS# 101949 | Offered for $1,995,000<br />
The Michaud/Rauers Group<br />
(828) 526-1717<br />
MeadowsMountainRealty.com<br />
220 Sherwood Forest Road<br />
Highlands<br />
This almost new home is less than a five-minute car<br />
ride from downtown Highlands. The living room is<br />
filled with natural light and provides ample room<br />
for entertaining. The kitchen has upscale appliances,<br />
ample counter space, and plenty of storage for all<br />
your cooking essentials. The great screened porch<br />
allows you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.<br />
The three bedrooms are spacious and feature large<br />
windows. The main floor master suite has a vaulted,<br />
beamed ceiling and boasts a private bath with double<br />
vanity, a large, tiled shower and outfitted closet.<br />
Upstairs, guests will have their own privacy with two<br />
en suite bedrooms plus a family room.<br />
MLS# 101539 | Offered for $1,795,000<br />
The Michaud/Rauers Group<br />
(828) 526-1717<br />
MeadowsMountainRealty.com<br />
MeadowsMountainRealty.com<br />
34 Spruce Lane<br />
Highlands<br />
This contemporary mountain home is located at the<br />
end of a cul de sac within the Highlands Falls Country<br />
Club. Recently remodeled by local designer Darren<br />
Whatly in collaboration with kitchen designer Ann<br />
Sullivan, the main level boasts an open floor plan<br />
with a split bedroom design, and kitchen. The great<br />
room features hardwood floors and a stone fireplace,<br />
complemented by clerestory windows that provide<br />
natural light. Additionally, two of the three bedrooms<br />
on the main level provide direct access to the<br />
expansive deck. The lower level showcases a motherin-law<br />
suite with a private bath and kitchenette, as<br />
well as a family room with another fireplace and a<br />
second deck that runs the entire length of the house.<br />
MLS# 101747 | Offered for $1,595,000<br />
The Michaud/Rauers Group<br />
(828) 526-1717<br />
MeadowsMountainRealty.com<br />
214 Fairway Villas<br />
Highlands<br />
Highly sought-after upper level end unit at<br />
Highlands Country Club Fairway Villas. This three<br />
bedroom, two bath condo is within walking<br />
distance of the clubhouse and overlooks the first<br />
fairway. A fully equipped kitchen with plenty<br />
of space for entertaining, and a wood-burning<br />
stone fireplace in the living area make this home<br />
perfect for those late night summer gatherings.<br />
Conveniently located within minutes of Main Street<br />
in Highlands. Membership to Highlands Country<br />
Club is by invitation only. Do not miss out on this<br />
opportunity as these units rarely come up on the<br />
open market.<br />
MLS# 101752 | Offered for $1,350,000<br />
Brooks Kittrell<br />
(828) 230-4453<br />
MeadowsMountainRealty.com<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 115
REAL ESTATE FORUM | Special Advertising Feature<br />
00 Hwy 107 S<br />
Cashiers<br />
A rare opportunity to acquire this premier Cashiers,<br />
NC acreage located on the prestigious Hwy 107S<br />
corridor just 3 minutes from town! Much of the<br />
land is nearly level featuring a creek and stream<br />
running through it, and an elevated area offering<br />
great homesites with gentle topography and<br />
beautiful views of Chimneytop Mountain, Rock<br />
Mountain, Big Sheepcliff and others. This property<br />
would make a beautiful private estate close to<br />
Wade Hampton, High Hampton, and Chattooga<br />
Club. This land also offers excellent commercial,<br />
residential or mixed use development potential<br />
with its excellent location, frontage on Hwy 107S,<br />
gentle topography, and views.<br />
MLS 101855 | Offered for $6,900,000<br />
Liz Harris<br />
828.342.3194<br />
liz@cashiers.com<br />
346 Triple Farm<br />
Cashiers<br />
This gorgeous estate is located in the beautiful<br />
Silver Run Reserve, just five minutes from<br />
Cashiers. It features a brand new 6-bedroom<br />
home scheduled for completion at the end of<br />
<strong>2023</strong>. The gentle lot boasts incredible views of<br />
Whiteside Mountain that sweep through the<br />
trees and beyond into the Meadows of Silver<br />
Run Reserve. Silver Run Creek flows just below<br />
the house providing excellent fishing, natural<br />
plunge pools, and wading areas for children. This<br />
home is located an easy walking distance to all of<br />
Silver Run Reserve’s wonderful amenities and is<br />
a convenient location within the community yet<br />
tucked back in the acreage for ultimate privacy.<br />
MLS 101991 | Offered for $6,500,000<br />
Liz Harris<br />
828.342.3194<br />
liz@cashiers.com<br />
288 Cherokee Views<br />
Cashiers<br />
This chic circa 2014 home is perched on a kid and<br />
dog-friendly lot adjoining a private park, and has a<br />
mountain view. It’s in the heart of High Hampton,<br />
on the “original” side of the neighborhood, an<br />
easy walk to the Club and Inn. The home features<br />
two bedrooms on the main level; the master bath<br />
has a soaking tub, shower and double vanities and<br />
water closets. An interesting architectural angle to<br />
the home is best experienced upstairs where there<br />
is a loft game room and two en suite bedrooms;<br />
the fifth bedroom is set up as a fun four-sleeper<br />
bunk / tv room with a bath. Details include two<br />
stone fireplaces, shiplap walls, hardwood floors, and<br />
unexpected pops of color in each room.<br />
MLS 101511 | Offered for $3,650,000<br />
Beth Townsend<br />
828.421.6193<br />
beth@cashiers.com<br />
113 Lake Court<br />
Highlands<br />
This beautiful mountain home located within<br />
the gated community of Cullasaja Club boasts<br />
4 bedrooms and 5 and a half baths. The master<br />
bedroom, on the main level has his and her baths,<br />
separate closets, and a laundry room nearby. The<br />
kitchen contains a gas range, many built-ins, a<br />
spacious pantry, and a lovely breakfast room with<br />
sun-lit windows and doors out onto the deck. The<br />
home has a 2-car garage, readily accessible from the<br />
main floor. Upstairs is one bedroom with an ensuite<br />
bath, and downstairs is a large spacious den with<br />
fireplace, two bedrooms and 2 baths. Below this<br />
lovely home is beautiful, serene Lake Cullasaja.<br />
MLS 101675 | Offered for $2,500,000<br />
John Barrow, 828.506.9356<br />
john@cashiers.com<br />
Sandy Barrow 478.737.9664<br />
sandy@cashiers.com<br />
116 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
23 Chattooga Wood Road<br />
Cashiers<br />
This classic High Hampton cottage was completely<br />
renovated in 2021. The great room opens onto a<br />
spacious stone terrace and the dining room opens<br />
onto a covered sitting porch looking toward the golf<br />
course on the 1st hole green. The cottage boasts 2<br />
beautiful stone fireplaces, one in the keeping room<br />
off the kitchen and the other in the large great<br />
room. All the light fixtures and window coverings<br />
are of designer quality. The master bedroom has a<br />
walk-in closet and en suite bath with separate tub<br />
and shower. Two guest rooms share an updated<br />
bathroom. A bunkroom and additional bathroom<br />
are at the other end of the house.<br />
MLS 101616 | Offered for $2,100,000<br />
John Barrow, 828.506.9356<br />
john@cashiers.com<br />
Sandy Barrow 478.737.9664<br />
sandy@cashiers.com<br />
1177 Windover Drive<br />
Cullowhee<br />
Topping out at 4310 elevation, the prime building<br />
site on this 80+ acre estate parcel has tremendous<br />
views to the east and long range "rifle views"<br />
to the N,S and W. Already in place on this tract,<br />
a strong well, underground power and a small<br />
"bath house" with sink, shower and toilet. Gather<br />
the family around the expansive firepit and take<br />
in the cool mountain evenings. The lower pasture<br />
contains approx. 8 acres of fenced and unfenced<br />
land. The gated Snowbird neighborhood is<br />
approximately 1250 acres and is known for its large<br />
tract layout, family and dog friendly lifestyle and<br />
miles of private trails lacing through deep woods,<br />
open rolling fields, streams and waterfalls.<br />
MLS 101547 | Offered for $1,840,000<br />
Beth Townsend<br />
828.421.6193<br />
beth@cashiers.com
150 Zermatt Circle Highlands<br />
Highlands<br />
Located in the heart of the Great Blue Ridge<br />
Mountains, this beautifully renovated home<br />
is within walking distance to downtown<br />
Highlands. This home offers two master<br />
bedrooms with en-suite baths, flex space on<br />
the main floor, and an oversized loft space with<br />
a kitchenette. Guests will feel pampered while<br />
enjoying dinner and drinks by the fire in the<br />
main dining/living area or around the outdoor<br />
fire pit.<br />
MLS# 99077 | Offered for $1,895,000<br />
Darlene Conley<br />
(404) 427-2448<br />
394 High Pinnacle Road<br />
Glenville<br />
Turkey Ridge, the Plauche' Estate, nestled on<br />
nearly 24 acres of unrestricted land & located<br />
15 minutes from downtown Cashiers, was the<br />
lifelong dream of Dr. Herbert Plauche'. The<br />
sanctuary is surrounded on 2 sides by 727 acres<br />
of conservation land. The 3BR/2-1/2 BA main<br />
house was sited for sunsets & was crafted from<br />
hand-hewn logs disassembled from a turnof-the-century<br />
stagecoach way station from<br />
TN. The estate also includes a 4BR/2 BA guest<br />
cabin, and open-air pavilion.<br />
MLS# 99145 | Offered for $4,200,000<br />
Julie Osborn<br />
(828) 200-6165<br />
and<br />
Pat Allen<br />
(828) 200-9179<br />
1701 Cherokee Mountain Trail<br />
Murphy<br />
Everyone is searching for a mountain home<br />
with breathtaking views and this home has<br />
exactly what you are searching for! Amazing<br />
open concept kitchen, granite countertops,<br />
stainless steel, appliances, convection oven,<br />
5 burner gas top stove, beautiful cabinets,<br />
and pantry! Main level primary bedroom with<br />
a walk-in closet. New walk-in tile shower<br />
and claw foot tub. The living room features<br />
a wood-burning soapstone stove. Main level<br />
sunroom!<br />
MLS# 100356 | Offered for $474,000<br />
Taylor Gremli<br />
(828) 644-4002<br />
59 Whiteside Cove Road<br />
Cashiers<br />
Beautiful home located in the prestigious High<br />
Hampton Club community. The large one-story<br />
house contains four bedrooms and four full<br />
baths, with three bedrooms having their own<br />
en suite bathroom. The many extras include a<br />
generously sized laundry room and oversized<br />
two car garage. Deed restrictions on the lot<br />
end in 2025, allowing even more opportunity<br />
for the owners. Don’t miss your chance to see<br />
this incredible, private home in a premier club<br />
of the area! $1,525,000<br />
Kyle McKim<br />
828-200-0454<br />
highlandsproperties.com<br />
Lot 17, Lone Chimney Drive<br />
Cashiers<br />
One of the best lots in Pinchot, this private<br />
and beautiful 5.13 acres is located in the<br />
heart of this prestigious gated community.<br />
With spectacular long-range mountain views,<br />
property is flat with easy topography and has<br />
a great home site overlooking a quiet, open<br />
and fenced pasture area. Membership to<br />
Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club is available<br />
with approval upon the purchase of this<br />
property. $880,000<br />
Kyle McKim<br />
828-200-0454<br />
Highlandsproperties.com<br />
731 Ravenel Ridge Road<br />
Highlands<br />
Rare listing on Ravenel Ridge with an eastern<br />
panoramic view. There are two bedrooms and<br />
a den/media/bedroom with a full bath in the<br />
main house. A 4th bedroom/apt. is located<br />
above the oversized 2 car garage. Many fine<br />
details are located in this custom home built by<br />
John Lupoli. Whole house generator powers<br />
house and guest house. $2,995,000<br />
Myrna Moore<br />
828-371-2446<br />
Highlandsproperties.com<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 117
travel<br />
The Country Music<br />
Hall of Fame and<br />
Museum<br />
Musically Inclined<br />
The perfect weekend in Nashville<br />
By KATIE MCELVEEN<br />
Before I visited Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, I imagined<br />
some sort of rhinestone-paved Yellow Brick Road studded with life-sized figures of Johnny Cash,<br />
Taylor Swift and other country music legends, all clad in authentic stage costumes. There would,<br />
of course, be music blaring in the background.<br />
That assumption ended the moment I stepped into the guitarshaped<br />
building, where I discovered a multi-sensory experience<br />
that utilized photos, videos, artifacts and even wonderfully huge<br />
wall-mounted diagrams to trace the origin of country music from<br />
its 18th-century roots (really!) to the present.<br />
I had no idea, for instance, that it was Hollywood that added<br />
the Western component to country music or that cross pollination<br />
between country and rock artists started in the late 1950s,<br />
not the 1970s as I’d thought. I left the museum with tremendous<br />
appreciation and admiration of the talent and innovation of country<br />
music’s artists and songwriters. Oh, and I was humming, too.<br />
118 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum isn’t Nashville’s<br />
only museum devoted to music. There’s also the Musicians Hall<br />
of Fame & Museum, which pays tribute to the musicians who<br />
played on famous recordings; RCA Studio B and museums devoted<br />
to Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline<br />
and George Strait. The newest entry is the National Museum of<br />
African American Music, which opened in 2021 and looks deeply<br />
into the 400-year evolution of Black music in America.<br />
We started in the Roots Theater, where a film sets the stage for<br />
the experience, linking Black music to the arc of history. From<br />
there, galleries use photos, videos and artifacts to take a deep
The Country Music<br />
Hall of Fame and<br />
Museum.<br />
National Museum<br />
of African American<br />
Music<br />
dive into various genres of Black music like gospel, rap and soul.<br />
A sense of history comes courtesy of innovative listening stations,<br />
which offer an auditory journey through the musical sphere of<br />
hundreds of Black artists—their peers, their followers and those<br />
who had influenced them.<br />
But while music might be the banner that identifies Nashville,<br />
it has also shaped the city, drawing thousands of creative types—<br />
some musicians, some not—who have opened restaurants, galleries<br />
and shops in neighborhoods all over the metro area.<br />
For visitors like me, that influx of creativity means there’s a<br />
huge variety of cool, off-beat and interesting things to eat, drink<br />
and do in Nashville. There’s a slew of new hotels, too, including a<br />
235-room Four Seasons, where programs like private songwriter<br />
sessions and VIP access to the Gibson Guitar Garage translates<br />
the brand’s signature elegance through a musical lens. ONE Hotel<br />
might be the site of Nashville’s hottest rooftop bar, but the<br />
welcoming guest rooms are as hushed as they are comfortable.<br />
Even better, the luxury property is focused on sustainability,<br />
both in design and operations. For guests, that means rooms<br />
filled with live plants, in-room water dispensers and organic body<br />
products from the British brand Bamford that smell like a summer<br />
garden.<br />
Where to Shop & Eat<br />
Legendary record and book shop Grimey’s also serves as a smallscale<br />
music venue, hosting local groups who play on a small stage<br />
in the back. Up the road but a world away, it was hard not to get<br />
lost in the gorgeous artwork at the elegant LeQuire Gallery,<br />
where a shy shop goat clickety-clacks around the gallery doing<br />
her best impression of a shop dog.<br />
I wish I’d had more time to shop at ABLE, which got its start<br />
selling scarves made by women coming out of the sex trade in<br />
Ethiopia. As the company grew, it began to offer sustainable jobs<br />
to more and more women, who, today, design and create jewelry,<br />
handbags, clothing and shoes in Ethiopia, Brazil, Mexico, China,<br />
Portugal and Nashville.<br />
I ate well in Nashville, too, starting at Chauhan Ale & Masala<br />
House, where chef Maneet Chauhan’s mashup of Indian and<br />
Southern cuisines—nachos made from spicy keema and crispy<br />
Indian papadi instead of tortilla chips; fritter-like Nashville<br />
hot cauliflower pakora—was a delicious departure from what<br />
I thought would be a weekend of Southern fare. Dinner at the<br />
Nashville location of Butcher & Bee was another explosion of<br />
flavors, some familiar, others not, but all delicious. As innovative<br />
dishes like citrus salad with creamy labneh and pepper jelly<br />
vinaigrette; whipped feta with fermented honey and an amazing<br />
pastrami-spiced tri-tip roast appeared on the table, I was glad we<br />
were eating family style.<br />
I spent one entire day eating food prepared by Chef Sean<br />
Brock, who got his start cooking in Nashville, became a legend<br />
in Charleston with the restaurant Husk and, in 2014, returned<br />
to Nashville.<br />
My first two meals were combined into a brunch of champions<br />
at Brock’s kid-friendly Joyland that included an egg, bacon<br />
and cheddar sandwich on a meltingly soft biscuit, a malted<br />
milkshake, part of a cheeseburger and too many fries to count.<br />
Dinner was at Audrey, which Brock opened in 2021 as an ode to<br />
his grandmother, who taught him both to taste and to cook. Her<br />
legacy lives on at the restaurant, which serves perfect iterations<br />
of classic Appalachian dishes, but with dashes of brilliance that<br />
transform each dish from simple to sublime. Truffles, it turns out,<br />
give chicken and dumplings a shot of umani that make a great<br />
dish better; horseradish sabayon bathes oysters in silky warmth<br />
that still allows their sweetness to shine through. Desserts were<br />
deceivingly simple, like my butternut squash, which had been<br />
roasted in maple syrup until it couldn’t hold another drop. It arrived<br />
warm, atop a pool of homemade butterscotch pudding, with<br />
a scoop of butter pecan ice cream melting alongside. Instead of<br />
putting the dish over the edge, the accompanying drift of whipped<br />
cream served, oddly and happily, as a palate cleanser.<br />
Like many creative types who have made Nashville their home,<br />
Chef Brock found himself drawn back to the city by its energy<br />
and spirit. “There’s a lot of creative momentum in Nashville right<br />
now,” he says. “For people with big dreams, it’s the place to be. P<br />
Grimey’s<br />
New & Preloved<br />
Music record<br />
store<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 119
the last reflection<br />
Burger Night Your Way<br />
How to pull-off burger night at home<br />
By ANNE WOLFE POSTIC<br />
BURGER KING DEBUTED<br />
its iconic “Have it your way”<br />
tagline around the time I<br />
was born. They toyed with it<br />
over the years and recently<br />
adopted a variation, “You rule.” If you’ve<br />
streamed anything recently, or watched<br />
actual television, you’re probably humming<br />
that catchy new song about the Whopper<br />
right now. Sorry. But here’s the point:<br />
everyone should enjoy a burger however<br />
they like it best, especially at home. And<br />
I agree! Cheese, no cheese, fancy toppings<br />
or nothing but the classics, veggie, turkey,<br />
beef, or whatever protein you love — I<br />
support you. As the long, lazy days of<br />
summer offer plenty of opportunities for<br />
burger night, I thought I’d share my way.<br />
Maybe you’ll learn something new, or<br />
maybe you love where you are.<br />
First of all, let’s talk about the meat. For<br />
beef burgers, 70 percent lean, 30 percent<br />
fat makes for the juiciest patty. That can<br />
be hard to find, so look for meat that’s at<br />
least 15 percent fat. When you shape your<br />
patties, avoid overworking the meat to<br />
avoid a dry crumbly burger. Conventional<br />
wisdom suggests adding salt and pepper<br />
before you shape the burgers. I disagree,<br />
because salt draws moisture out, so I add<br />
them just before cooking. Do feel free to<br />
add any other seasoning before shaping<br />
the patties.<br />
Next up: cheese. I prefer to shape each<br />
burger around the cheese, rather than<br />
place it on top at the end of cooking. This<br />
method prevents it from sliding off into<br />
the grill or pan and also leaves it delightfully<br />
melty. And there are no rules about<br />
what kind of cheese to use: bleu, cheddar,<br />
Swiss, brie, gouda, Havarti, whatever. Of<br />
course, I have no beef with the perennial<br />
southern favorite, pimento.<br />
On to the toppings. Once again, you<br />
rule! Tomato, lettuce, pickles, and onions<br />
are great. Depending on the day, some<br />
of our favorite options are caramelized<br />
onions, sautéed mushrooms, avocado,<br />
120 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com<br />
pineapple, pickled jalapeños, pickled red<br />
onions, tzatziki, sprouts, bacon, fried egg,<br />
kimchi, guacamole, coleslaw, shredded<br />
and pickled daikon and carrots for a bánh<br />
mì vibe…the list goes on. An array of condiments<br />
is also key, including the classics<br />
like mayo, mustard and ketchup, as well<br />
as all the hot sauces.<br />
As for cooking, though burgers from the<br />
grill are the standard, grilling isn’t always<br />
the best option. Maybe it’s raining, or the<br />
propane tank is empty, or you hate the<br />
idea of standing over a hot grill. For your<br />
consideration: the grill pan. Usually cast<br />
iron, often enameled, the pan has ridges<br />
to provide that delightful char-grilled<br />
look. Burgers in a pan are so easy you may<br />
never fire up the grill again. Heat the pan<br />
on high until flicking a little water on it<br />
sizzles, add a little butter or oil to prevent<br />
sticking. Turn the heat down to medium<br />
and sear your burgers a minute or two<br />
on each side. Put the pan in a pre-heated<br />
350-degree oven to finish the burgers<br />
to your liking. We usually skip the oven<br />
since we prefer meat on the rare side, so<br />
a couple of minutes on each side on the<br />
stove suffices. For medium rare, internal<br />
temperature should be 120 to 125 degrees,<br />
130 to 135 for medium, and 150 to 160 for<br />
well done.<br />
In the final stretch, we have buns. Ciabatta,<br />
classic, croissant, doughnut, brioche,<br />
pretzel…all good. Do you! (But you already<br />
knew that.)<br />
The most important thing about home<br />
cooked burgers is that you enjoy them. Really.<br />
That’s it. Burger night is fun, low-key,<br />
and delicious. You don’t need fancy china,<br />
unless you’re into that. No need to dress<br />
up, because a juicy burger loaded with your<br />
favorite toppings will stain your tuxedo in<br />
a flash. Just drop a stack of napkins near<br />
the toppings so people can grab as many as<br />
they need. You may want to take a minute<br />
to ice down your favorite cool beverages<br />
and pick a playlist, but that’s as complicated<br />
as it should get. Bon appétit! P<br />
PHOTO PIXABAY
Custom Home Building on the<br />
Highlands-Cashiers <strong>Plateau</strong><br />
Blue Star Ranch, Cashiers NC<br />
Highlands & Cashiers, NC<br />
828.743.0724<br />
Located at 17 Old Cashiers Square, Highway 107 South in Cashiers<br />
www.ChinquapinBuilders.com<br />
Scott Westendorf, Owner/General Contractor<br />
<strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 3
Highlands Properties<br />
INTEGRITY | SINCERITY | CREDIBILITY<br />
Representing Buyers and Sellers for 25 Years<br />
in the Highlands/Cashiers Market<br />
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken,<br />
over-civilized people are beginning to<br />
find out that going to the mountains<br />
is going home—that wilderness is a<br />
necessity.” – John Muir<br />
Let us help you find your piece of Heaven on the Highlands/Cashiers plateau<br />
R E A L T O R S ®<br />
450 N. 4th Street, Highlands, NC | 828.526.5522 | highlandsproperites.com<br />
4 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com
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