Plateau Magazine Feb-March 2024

February / March 2024 

Antique 

Car Museum 

Estes-Winn Boasts an 

Unbeatable Collection 

$4.50 US 

Stellar 

Staycations 

For an Adventure 

Close to Home 

Texas is 

Calling 

Winter 

Splendor 

in Big Bend 

Young 

Mountain Magic 

Stubborn 

Seeds 

Cradle 

of Forestry 

February/March 2024 | 1

2 | ThePlateauMag.com

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symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. 



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February/March 2024 

49 

The Pioneer Preservationist 

Dr. Carl Schenck, the Vanderbilts 

and the Cradle of Forestry 

By F.B. Robinson 

52 

Greening the Plateau 

Green Mountain Builders does its 

part one fine home at a time 

By Dawn Liles 

62 

Stellar Staycations 

Where to stay when you want an 

adventure close to home 

By Marianne Leek 

59 

Texas is Calling 

Big Bend offers unique 

winter splendor 

By Brendon Voelker 

PHOTO BRENDON VOELKER 


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$4.50 US 

Departments » February/March 2024 

17 

Buzz 

17 When Nature 

Becomes Art 

Brendon Voelker merges 

adventure and art 

18 Events 

Your guide to planning 

your social calendar 

22 Newsmaker 

Young Mountain Magic inspires 

and delights audiences 

26 Local Chatter 

The Beauty of the 

Cullasaja Gorge 

28 Health 

The mystery and 

power of journaling 

30 Art Seen 

Nature-inspired sculptures 

by Brendon Voelker 

34 Southern Drawl 

Irv and Eleanor Welling 

live the path of service 

37 69 

Well Styled 

37 Antique Car Museum 

Estes-Winn boasts a 

top-notch car collection 

38 Home 

A visionary modern 

mountain home in sync 

with Mother Nature 

43 Fashion 

Hip, chic and cozy are 

the looks for this season 

46 Vintage Cars 

Asheville’s Estes-Winn 

Antique Car Museum 

is a hidden gem 

Food+Drink 

69 Shrimp Sauteed 

in Garlic and Oil 

Stubborn Seeds has 

delicious surprises 

for your palate 

70 Dining Review 

Stubborn Seeds offers 

an international 

culinary celebration 

72 In the Kitchen 

Wintery veggie dishes 

sure to soothe the soul 

77 Libations 

A botanist and a brewery 

come together to 

save our wild places 

80 Restaurant Guide 

The best spots for eating 

and drinking 

86 

Travel 

86 Reflect and Explore 

in France 

Normandy is filled with 

atmospheric small towns, 

gorgeous landscapes and a 

remarkably relevant history 

Fundamentals 

14 Reader Services 

16 Editor's Letter 

84 Real Estate Forum 

88 The Last Reflection 


Cullasaja Gorge • Journaling • The Cradle of Forestry ThePlateauMag.com 

Antique 

Car Museum 



Young 


Stubborn 

Seeds 

Stellar 

Staycations 


Close to Home 

Cradle 

of Forestry 

Texas is 

Calling 

Winter 

Splendor 

in Big Bend 

26 

ON THE COVER » 

Vintage Cars at Estes-Winn 

Antique Car Museum 

Photo by Ryan Theede 

Photography 



CEO & Publisher 

Robert Sweeney 

Executive Director of Operations 

Emily Sweeney 

■ ■ ■ 

Managing Editor 

Lisa Gray Youngblood 

■ ■ ■ 

Quality is not our goal...It is our Standard 

Account Executive 

Sales: 843-822-0119 

Art Director 

Carl Turner 

Travel Director 

Katie McElveen 

Graphic Designers 

Andrea Spaeth 

Shanna Thomson 

Carl Turner 

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home project can be filled with excitement and anxiety. This is why we 

dedicate ourselves to making the entire process, from the foundation to the 

roofline, as satisfying and pleasurable of an experience as it should be. 

Contributing Writers 

Barbara Banks, Carla Beck, Brittany 

Conley, Marianne Leek, Dawn Liles, Katie 

McElveen, Jennifer McKee, Anne Wolfe 

Postic, F.B. Robinson, Liesel Schmidt, Julie 

Schott, Brendon Voelker, Kay West 

Photographers 

Chelsea Cronkrite, Chris Handley, F.B. 

Robinson, Ryan Theede Photography, 

Carole Shepardson, Brendon Voelker 

■ ■ ■ 

Customer Service 

Local Office: (404) 226-7567 

Corporate Office/Subscriptions: 

(843) 856-2532 

Westmark Construction Company of North Carolina, LLC 

Custom Construction | Renovations | Remodeling 

20 Continental Drive | Sapphire NC | 828.743.4124 

WestmarkConstructionNC.com | GCL #75453 

Plateau Magazine (Vol. 5, No. 1) is 

published 6 times per year by DueSouth 

Publishing, LLC. The entire contents of 

this publication are fully protected and 

may not be reproduced, in whole or part, 

without written permission. We are not 

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NC 

CASHIERS, • POINT CANOE 32 - SINCE 1992 - 

Your Destination For 

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from the editor 


Cullasaja Gorge • Journaling • The Cradle of Forestry ThePlateauMag.com 


Antique 

Car Museum 



$4.50 US 

Young 


Stubborn 

Seeds 

Stellar 

Staycations 


Close to Home 

Cradle 

of Forestry 

Texas is 

Calling 

Winter 

Splendor 

in Big Bend 

Give the gift 

that lasts 

all year long... 

a subscription to 

Subscribe Online Today 

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or scan the QR Code 

to order. 

A Winter Balance 

Winter on the plateau is quiet, and we 

tend to follow its gentle rhythm, allowing 

time for much needed rest and recovery. 

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t sprinkle 

in a little adventure. 

Perhaps a staycation is in order. Who 

wouldn’t enjoy a few days of pampering 

or a delightful change of scenery? Maybe 

an afternoon at Whiteside Brewery sipping 

a craft beer created with local ingredients 

sustainably foraged by a famous 

botanist? How about dinner at Stubborn 

Seeds, where your palate can travel to 

Spain without ever getting on a plane? If, 

however, you feel the itch to travel, the 

warmth and jaw-dropping beauty of the 

Big Bend region of Texas may be just the 

ticket. If you want to stay closer to home, 

consider a drive along the Callasaja Gorge 

or a day trip to Asheville or Brevard. 

My personal adventure will be a literacy 

project through The Boys & Girls Club of 

the Plateau. Spreading literacy has been a 

life-long passion of mine, and I am excited 

for this opportunity. It does mean, however, 

that it is time for me to leave Plateau. 

Being managing editor of Plateau has 

been a pleasure—and an adventure. As I 

admitted in an earlier editor letter, I accepted 

this job in hopes of rekindling my 

imagination, as well as my curiosity for 

this place I call home. It wasn’t that I had 

forgotten its beauty—it is hard to imagine 

anyone could lose sight of that—but 

I had settled into something of a malaise. 

Perhaps it was the lingering doldrums of 

COVID, or maybe I had lived here just long 

enough to settle on all my favorite spots, 

those everyday amenities around which 

we build our quiet lives. Whatever it was, 

I had begun to feel sleepy in my own life. 

As editor, I had the opportunity to take a 

closer look at life here, to lean in, to learn, 

and to ask lots of questions. Each question 

generated more questions, and I wanted 

answers to them all. And suddenly, I was 

awake again. The history of the plateau 

is layered and rich, and life here is ever 

evolving. The same is true of its people. 

Artists, entrepreneurs and culinary experts 

abound. Trails and views and other 

hidden gems are endless. With each story, 

I felt inspired and grateful. I enjoyed them 

all, but the ones about protecting our natural 

resources and our people touched me 

forever. I deeply appreciate being even a 

small part of those conversations. 

The new editor will have her own vision 

for the magazine. It will be different from 

mine—and that is a good thing. Change is 

the only constant, and welcoming it, welcomes 

growth. I cannot wait to see what 

she does. 

Thank you all for reading and reaching 

out with your comments, story ideas and 

support. It has been a joy to peek inside 

the treasure trove that is the plateau. 

Lisa Gray Youngblood 

Managing Editor 

editor@theplateaumag.com 

We welcome your comments. Please send 

us your feedback or story ideas by emailing 

us at editor@theplateaumag.com 

Find Us Online! 

Visit us on our website at 

theplateaumag.com 

facebook.com/plateaumag 

instagram.com/plateaumag 


Your Local Rundown on News and Culture 

Sculptures 

Inspired by 

Nature 

Brendon Voelker turns 

adventure into art 

See page 30 

PHOTO BRENDON VOELKER 


Shop 

Our Line-up of 

Top Brands 

Free People 

Mother Denim 

Z Supply 

AG 

Citizens 

Shu Shop 

Vintage Havana 

Joe’s 

Hudson 

Steve Madden 

Diba True 

Matisse 

In Business for 37 Seasons! 

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

The Great Outhouse Races 

February 17 

An absolute not-to-be-missed event in Sapphire. The Great Outhouse Races have 

been named a “Top 20” Event in the Southeast for February by the Southeast 

Tourism Society. Come watch as Outhouse Teams race down the slopes in homemade 

outhouses. Festivities include food, a full bar and live music. 11:30 a.m. to 

5:00 p.m. Live music at Slopeside Tavern from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sapphire 

Ski Lodge, 127 Sapphire Valley Road, Sapphire, NC. 

Event Calendar 

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

on what to do and explore. 

Best Winter Wishes 

from Your Friends at 

The Look Boutique 

of Cashiers 

137 N. Highway 107, 

Cashiers, NC 

828-200-9573 


ON-GOING 

Walker Tuft’s Satellites and 

Salamanders IV Exhibit 

Running to May 11 

Come to The Bascom to enjoy this thoughtprovoking 

exhibit. Tuft explores the intricate 

tapestry of their legacies as a queer white 

artist from the southern US. This exhibition 

turns a pair of satellites that measure the 

earth’s melting ice into an escape pod, climbing 

wall and vertical forest. Orbiting around 

these satellites, cut text works, sculptures and 

films invite visitors to consider our interconnected 

histories and cultures. Free Exhibition 

Reception on March 23 at 5 p.m. The Bascom, 

323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC. Free. 

The Bascom’s Annual Emergence Exhibit 

Running to April 27 

Come enjoy The Bascom’s Southeastern Studio 

Programs Annual Emergence Exhibit. One of 

the most highly anticipated and visited annual 

exhibits featuring the artwork of emerging artists 

and their instructors from colleges and universities 

all over the southeast. A free public 

reception celebrating the 68 Emergence Artists 

will be held on March 23 at 5 p.m. The Bascom, 

323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC. Free. 

Ice Skating in the Park 

Thursday to Sunday through March 

The Highlands Parks & Recreation managed 

Ice Skating in the Park is a highlight in the 

winter months on the plateau. Come enjoy 

this fun, familyfriendly 

adventure. 

Coffee and 

hot chocolate 

available for purchase. 

Thursdays 

3:30 to 8:00 p.m., 

Fridays 3:30 to 10:00 pm, Saturdays 1 to 

10:00 p.m. & Sundays 1 to 5:00 p.m. Kelsey- 

Hutchinson Founders Park, 411 Pine Street, 

Highlands. $5 with or without skates.

Highlands 

Town Square 

828.526.2262 

TJBAILEYS.COM 

Cashiers 

95 Hwy 107 S. 

828.743.8855 


Highlander Mountain House 

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays 

Wine Wednesdays—Enjoy ½ off select bottles 

of wine with purchase of an entrée. Locals 

receive 20% off. Burgers & Blues every 

Thursday--$20 burgers and select draft beer 

with live blues music. Bluegrass Brunch 

every Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Locals receive 

20% off. Highlander Mountain House, 

270 Main Street, Highlands. 

FEBRUARY 

Build Something Beautiful 

From Cozy Cabins to Luxury Estates, we Help You 

Build the Home of Your Dreams 

87 Chestnut Square, 

Cashiers . 828-743-5864 

lehotskyandsons.com 

Custom Homes | Remodels & Renovations | Additions 

Love Letters at the Highlands PAC 

February 1-4 & 8-11 

A play by A. R. Gurney that was a finalist 

for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama. The play 

centers on two characters, Melissa Gardner 

and Andrew Makepeace Ladd, III. Using 

the epistolary form, they sit side-by-side at 

tables and read the notes, letters and cards 

from over 50 years. They discuss the hopes, 

ambitions, dreams, disappointments, victories 

and defeats that have passed between 

them throughout their separated lives. For 

more information or to purchase tickets, 

visit highlandsperformingarts.com. Shows 

at 7:30 p.m. General Admission tickets $25 

& Tables $35. 

National Theatre Live at the 

Highlands PAC 

February 3 & 24 

The Highlands 

PAC offers onscreen 

showings of 

National Theatre 

Live performances. 

Saturday, February 

3, SKYLIGHT 

by David Hare. One of the most successful 

NTL performances of all times. Featuring 

Carey Mulligan & Bill Nighy. February 24, 

VANYA. Andrew Scott (Fleabag) brings multiple 

characters to life in Simon Stephens’ 

radical new version of Chekhov’s Uncle 

Vanya. Filmed live during its sold-out run at 

London’s West End. For more information or 

to purchase tickets, visit highlandsperformingarts.com. 

Shows at 1 p.m. Tickets $20. 

Great Art on Screen (GAOS) at the 

Highlands PAC 

February 9 & March 8 

On February 9, enjoy THE IMMORTALS: 

The Wonder of the Museo Egizio, a journey 

among the most beautiful archeological finds 

of Egypt. On March 8, enjoy BORROMINI 

AND BERNINI: The Challenge for Perfection, 

a journey into the great beauty of Ba- 


oque Rome when the city was the centre 

of modern art and where every ambitious 

painter, sculptor and architect had to be. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, 


at 5:30 p.m. Tickets $15. 

MARCH 

Books & Bites at the Hudson Library 

in Highlands 

March 6 

Come enjoy wine and cheese and an author 

talk with writer Karen Spears Zacharias, 

who will discuss her latest novel, No Perfect 

Mothers. Books will be available for purchase 

and signing. Sponsored by the Hudson 

Library Board. The Hudson Library, 554 

Main Street, Highlands. 4 p.m. Open and 

free to the public. 

MET Opera at the Highlands PAC 

March 9 & 23 

March 9, LA FORZA DEL DESTINO. Yannick 

Nezet-Sequin conducts Verdi’s grand 

tale of illfated 

love, 

deadly 

vendetta 

and family 

strife with 

stellar soprano 

Lise 

Davidsen. 

March 23, ROMEO ET JULIETTE. Two 

singers at the height of their powers. Radiant 

soprano Nadine Sierra and tenor sensation 

Benjamin Bernheim come together as 

the famous star-crossed lovers. For more 

information or to purchase tickets, visit 

highlandsperformingarts.com. Show at 12 

p.m. Tickets $26.07. 

Squabbles at the Highlands PAC 

March 28-31 

This hilarious play pits a father-in-law 

against a mother in a comedic succession 

of squabbles. Jerry Sloan is a successful 

writer of advertising jingles married to an 

equally successful lawyer. Living with the 

happy couple is the not-so-happy Abe Dreyfus, 

Jerry’s curmudgeon father-in-law, and 

Jerry’s mother, Mildred, and the two cannot 

stand each other. You will enjoy one hilarious 

confrontation after another. Written by 

Marshall Karp and directed by Scott Ewing. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, 


at 7:30 p.m. General Admission tickets $25 

& Tables $35. P 

Spring 2024 

follow us 

on instagram 

@witsend65 

828.526.3160 

382 Main Street 

Highlands, NC 


newsmaker 

The Universal Language 

of Music 

Young Mountain Magic inspires and delights audiences 

By JENNIFER MCKEE 

CHILDREN AND MUSIC ARE 

an unpredictable and often 

amusing combination – ask 

any music teacher. Sometimes, 

youngsters fall flat and seek 

other pursuits. Occasionally, however, they 

strike a perfect chord, and young prodigies 

are born. So it is with three 14-year-old 

Cashiers-area boys who have learned 

to wow audiences with their dynamic 

performances. They call themselves 

“Young Mountain Magic,” and their band 

has been delighting local crowds for the 

past two seasons. The boys’ names are 

Rainier Finley, Maddox Wilson, and Ayden 

Chappell. This is their story. 

Rainier (fiddle) and Maddox (guitar) 

started playing music together during 

their elementary years at Summit Charter 

School. Rainier says he became enthralled 

with the fiddle at about age five after attending 

music festivals with his parents. 

He remembers especially loving Earl 

Scruggs, and although Scruggs was a banjo 

player, Rainier keyed in on the fiddles in 

his band. His parents set him up with a 

Suzuki-method teacher, and he was off and 

running, initially learning classical violin 

techniques. It wasn’t long before Rainier 

picked up bluegrass fiddle and grew to the 

point where he could perform solo, starting 

with the Summit’s Got Talent show as his 

first gig. With an enormously supportive 

audience, he quickly became comfortable 

with onstage playing. But he confesses that 

he found playing alone to be boring and ungratifying. 

He was delighted to discover a 

fellow young music pioneer, Maddox Wilson. 

Maddox grew up with music and comes 

from a long line of musical ancestors. Some 

of his earliest memories are of his grandmother, 

mother, and aunt playing and 

singing gospel and folk music. His great 

grandfather, Lethal Lavaughn Brown, was 

a renowned mandolin player, and Maddox’s 

first instrument was his grandfather’s 

banjo. His “career” began when Maddox 

started playing the guitar and singing in 

church, where like Rainier, he had a warm 

and receptive audience. As a third grader, 

he joined Junior Appalachian Musicians 

(JAM) at Blue Ridge School, playing his 

grandmother’s full-sized Gibson guitar. He 

could barely reach over the top of the guitar 

to the strings, but he was determined! 

(JAM quickly provided him with an appropriately 

sized “Baby Taylor.”) It wasn’t 

long before Maddox grew proficient on the 

guitar and became curious about the mandolin. 

He now plays both instruments well. 

The two boys became fast friends and 

consummate budding musicians, performing 

as “A Picker and a Fiddler.” By now 

they were both active in Blue Ridge JAM, 

which provided them with opportunities to 

perform for a variety of audiences as part of 

a larger band. Although JAM’s emphasis is 

on old-time music, the boys expanded their 

horizons and experimented with folk, jazz, 

rock, country, and classical music, adding 

vocal harmonies, occasional harmonica, 

and even writing some of their own songs. 

Rainier is quick to add that they hope to 

Young Mountain Magic at Heritage Day at 

Western Carolina University. September 2023. 

Left to right: Ayden Chappell, Rainier Finley 

and Maddox Wilson. 

PHOTO ROBIN TANNER 



newsmaker 

write songs with meaning – not just fluff. 

Ayden Chappell rounds out the trio. He 

hails from Pickens, SC. Unlike the other 

two boys, he didn’t become interested in 

playing music until the ripe old age of 

nine, but he quickly made up for lost time. 

An old-time instruments workshop at 

the Pickens County Library captured his 

imagination, and it wasn’t long before he 

was taking banjo lessons and participating 

in Young Appalachian Musicians (YAM), 

a South Carolina sister organization to 

JAM. Ayden’s interest in music rekindled 

his parents’ enthusiasm from when they 

were younger, and his mother confesses 

that they now have instruments all over 

their walls. Both Maddox and Rainier 

agree that finding Ayden was one of the 

best things that ever happened for their 

band. They are both quick to say, “He’s 

amazing!” In fact, Ayden has won several 

awards, including first place in the Galax 

Fiddler’s Convention Youth (bluegrass 

banjo) Division. Although banjo is Ayden’s 

instrument of choice, he also plays guitar, 

mandolin, dobro, and upright bass. 

When asked who their strongest musical 

influences are, the boys all credited their 

instructors first, but also named several 

well-known musicians. Among them are 

Darren Nicholson and Buddy Melton of Balsam 

Range, Earl Scruggs, Dan Reno, Billy 

Strings, Larry Sparks, the Osborne Brothers, 

and Neil Young. In addition, they all 

have unwavering support from their families. 

Robin Tanner, Rainier’s mother, does 

much of the boys’ booking and managing. 

She loves the fact that bluegrass is a nurturing 

genre, with adults who are eager to mentor 

and a strong gospel/Christian element. 

Over the past two years, the Young 

Mountain Magic musicians have played 

for weddings, music festivals, local restaurants, 

private parties, and even political 

events: either separately, together, or participating 

in other bands. Ayden has played 

for SC senators and the governor. All three 

boys have spent time instructing younger 

students through the JAM and YAM 

programs. For them, music is a calling, a 

drive, and a universal language. P 

(Top): Young Mountain Magic during a 

break at a live performance at Happ's Place 

in Glenville. Fall 2023. Left to right: Ayden 

Chappell, Rainier Finley, and Maddox Wilson; 

(Bottom): Rainier Finley and Maddox Wilson, 

front and center, performing with Blue Ridge 

JAM at Cashiers Leaf Festival. Fall 2022. 

PHOTO JENNIFER MCKEE; FERRIS CHAPPELL 


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local chatter 

Dry Falls 

Waterfall Row 

The Beauty of the Cullasaja Gorge 

Story and photos by BRENDON VOELKER 

ALL 469 MILES OF THE 

Blue Ridge Parkway aside, 

the Cullasaja Gorge between 

Franklin and Highlands 

is arguably one of the most 

beautiful drives in all of western North 

Carolina. Whether you are into waterfalls, 

enjoy quiet fishing opportunities, or simply 

want to cruise the road for a scenic drive, the 


beauty of the gorge will demand your attention. 

From Franklin, note the vehicle restrictions 

within the gorge due to a particularly 

narrow section alongside the cliff. There 

are no height limitations in place though 

the road is not open to traditional commercial 

vehicles or semi-trucks. As you enter 

the gorge from the bottom, be mindful of all 

signs and warnings lest you become stuck 

or faced with heavy fines. Remember that 

those relying on the roadway as a commute 

also face delays when blocked. Highways 

64 and 28 share the corridor as you pass 

by two gas stations not far from Franklin. 

While the entire roadway could be navigated 

in 45 minutes, consider topping off your 

gas tank in town as the prices are generally 

more affordable than on the plateau.

The first waterfall of the drive may be 

the most impressive, though one of the 

more difficult ones to visit as the pull-out is 

barely wide enough for a couple of cars, and 

the views are often restricted by foliage in 

the summer. Cullasaja Falls, the largest 

of the waterfalls in the gorge, earned its 

name from an indigenous word meaning 

“place of the honey locust,” though a few 

sources note the sweetgum trees that you 

also find nearby. Massive pines, hemlocks, 

sassafras, maples, oak, and even a few 

chestnut saplings are common sightings 

along the way. The variety makes for an 

extremely colorful drive in the fall as the 

leaves change. Local photographers, such 

as the Renfro family, have managed to capture 

this waterfall’s beauty. 

Not far uphill, Quarry Falls lies along 

the river and offers visitors easy views and 

plenty of swimming opportunities. Although 

there are no lifeguards or warning signs, 

a few ropes and a faint path to the river 

make this one accessible for visitors of most 

ages. Known by some locals as “Bust Your 

Butt Falls,” there are endless opportunities 

for photos and a plentiful selection of 

wildflowers to view throughout the summer. 

Ahead, the Cliffside Lake Recreation Area 

is marked to the left and offers the perfect 

opportunity to enjoy lunch, go fishing, or 

utilize restrooms should you need it. 

What lies ahead may be the most acclaimed 

waterfall in the gorge, Dry Falls. 

Bridal Veil Falls 

If you’ve spent any amount of time in Highlands, 

chances are this is one of the first 

places you visited. Ironically named, the 

falls are anything but dry. If you choose to 

hike the short path to their base, you can 

stand behind the falls and enjoy a unique 

perspective of the raging waters. Folklore 

notes how the waterfall earned its name as 

the cavern could provide safe shelter during 

times of war or severe storms, with other 

sources dating back to references from indigenous 

cultures. An accessible overlook also 

offers views to those who prefer or need it. 

A popular roadside spot, Bridal Veil Falls 

sits just ahead, draining into the same river 

that feeds Dry Falls. While you could drive 

beneath the falls in the past, they were previously 

damaged and wooden barriers now 

prevent visitors from going beneath. Enjoy 

views from the roadside parking or embark 

on a short walk to stand beneath the falls 

while others take a photo from the roadside. 

Should you arrive with the barrier moved 

to the side, it’s courtesy to move it back to 

prevent unnecessary accidents with vehicles 

trying to enter and leave the pull-out. 

The blind corners into the pull-out can be 

dangerous to navigate on busy days. 

Important to note, while this roadway 

is a scenic drive, locals still rely on it for 

daily commutes. Should you find yourself 

with another vehicle on your tail, politely 

pull over and offer them the opportunity to 

pass. Restrooms are available at Dry Falls, 

and both gas and electric vehicle charging 

stations are available at the bottom and top 

of the gorge. Local guiding companies, such 

as Highlands Excursions, also offer tours 

of the area should you want an experienced 

driver to guide you through the area with 

roadside service from your accommodations 

in Highlands. P 

Dry Falls 


health 

A Tool For Well-Being 

The mystery and power of journaling 

By BARBARA BANKS 

There is a friend at the end of your pen that you can use to help solve 

personal or business problems, get to know all the different parts of 

yourself, explore your creativity, heal your relationships, develop your 

intuition…and much more. This friend, of course, is your journal. 

Empty, blank, smooth—a beautiful gift waiting to be unwrapped. 

— Katheen Adams, author of Journal to the Self 

MANY PEOPLE COLLECT 

beautiful journals only to 

leave them blank. Others 

write a few pages with 

good intentions to journal 

consistently only to stop a few weeks 

in. Neither of these are unusual. If you 

find yourself as one of those want-to-be 

journalers, you are not alone. But journaling 

need not be difficult or burdensome. It can— 

and should—be liberating. If approached 

openly, your journal can be a place not only 

to grow, but to rest. 

Journaling is one of the avenues offered 

in every spiritual growth practice. During 

COVID, journaling was consistently 

on the “How to Survive” lists, which is 

not surprising. Studies have shown that 

journaling can accelerate the therapy 

process, lower blood pressure, decrease 

stress, help manage depression and anxiety, 

improve memory, improve the immune 

system, increase problem-solving skills, 

and ignite and increase creativity. 

PHOTO GROUND PICTURE 


PHOTO PAT LONG 

Journaling also evolves with you. As 

a journaler in one of my classes offered, 

“Journaling provided a path through grief 

when my father died suddenly when I was 

13, and the journaling I did at that time 

was mainly writing letters to him. Then 

I journaled through an abusive marriage, 

and it helped provide sanity and clarity. 

Journal writing was an outlet for postdivorce 

emotions, and now it is helping me 

with decision making as I approach retirement.” 

-LS Avid Journaler. 

Decision making is certainly one big benefit 

of journaling. Getting quiet and taking 

the time to write out the pros and cons of 

decisions, especially major ones, unclutters 

the mind, brings clarity, and gives insight 

into which choice best matches your values 

and desires. Solving problems is another 

benefit. Writing out an issue, whether it 

is a business dilemma or a relationship 

struggle, can help clarify what is really going 

on. Solutions often arise from taking 

a close look at the issue and our thoughts 

and feelings around it. An added benefit to 

this process is an enhanced ability to solve 

things more creatively. 

As Richard Rohr, Franciscan Priest 

and celebrated author, explains, “Everyone 

has a great need for anam cara… a 

soul friend. Your journal can be just that. 

A place where you can be totally yourself 

with no masks or pretenses, where you 

can express the good, the bad, and the 

Barbara Banks. Barb is a Journal Teacher, 

Life Coach and Yoga Instructor. She has 

been trained as a Music Therapist, Clinical 

Counselor, and Life coach. Much of her 

therapeutic journal training has been selfguided 

and enhanced by in-depth journal 

workshops, participating in therapeutic 

journal circles, and creative journal 

seminars. She understands first-hand 

how the creative act of putting 

pen to paper and going just 

beyond the 

thinking mind 

can lead to a 

more positive 

and fulfilling life. 

ugly of who you are and still be accepted.” 

It is this freedom to be exactly who you 

are and to feel exactly what you feel that 

gives journaling its power and offers the 

journaler peace, clarity and insight. 

Your journal can also be a safe place 

to deal with hard emotions such as grief, 

heartbreak and betrayal. Unexpressed 

emotions can have a toll on our health. 

Using your journal to release emotions 

keeps your physical body healthy and 

bolsters your mental and emotional wellbeing. 

In addition, the more we are able 

to express emotions in our journal, the 

better we become at communicating with 

others in a skillful way, thus improving 

our relationships. 

Psychologists have long hailed the benefits 

of journaling. Revered Psychologists 

Carl Jung and Ira Progoff used journaling 

as their main tool for healing. Each 

understood that journaling increases selfawareness 

and provides opportunities for 

deep discoveries. You can learn a great 

deal about how you process life and your 

typical thought patterns through journaling. 

Some of these may be pleasant to 

discover and others not so much. Either 

way, this awareness can facilitate changes 

in attitude and perspective, as well as uncover 

wisdom, creativity, compassion, and 

more loving and skillful ways of being. 

As a close friend and avid journaler 

stated, “Journaling helps me see and accept 

what I already know deep inside myself. 

It is a way to access my inner knowing. 

When I am faced with a significant 

challenge, I journal my way through it in 

hopes that I can take mindful and healthy 

steps to move forward. One of the things 

I most enjoyed in Barb’s in-depth journaling 

class was the technique of looking 

back at specific memories, both good and 

bad, and spending time reflecting on how 

those experiences informed who I am today. 

There were so many surprises, and 

I gained a better understanding of why I 

do what I do and the ways in which, for 

better or worse, I was propelled by a reality 

that no longer exists. This realization 

led me to ask, Who do I want to be today? 

That one question changed the trajectory 

of my life.” 

Even with the many benefits of journaling, 

however, it is not uncommon to have 

fears around it. The fear I hear most is 

not knowing what to write. A journal can 

be as simple as documenting the weather 

each day, writing 3 things one is grateful 

for, or writing non-stop for 20 minutes to 

see what comes up. The internet is full 

of Journal Prompts if you need to contemplate 

a question. Writing down your 

favorite quote and then journaling about 

it or how it makes you feel is another technique. 

Topics for journaling are endless. 

The second greatest fear I hear is that 

the writing won’t be good enough. Our inner 

critic can halt our journaling endeavors, 

but it doesn’t need to. With a journal, 

there is no need to worry about spelling, 

grammar, punctuation or even coherence. 

Our inner critic may also come though 

like a censor telling us not to write or 

explore a particular subject. Again, there 

is no need for censoring in your journal. 

If you are worried about someone reading 

what you have written, find a safe storage 

place or tear out what you have written 

and throw it away. The point is to be able 

to express your feelings and thoughts, no 

matter how terrible they may seem. It is 

in this expression that we find freedom 

and release. 

If you like to journal or are interested 

in journaling, I hold a monthly Journal 

Class via Zoom through Cashiers Valley 

Fusion Yoga and Wellness Center. The 

topics differ each month, and participants 

take part in a variety of exercises. No experience 

necessary. For more information 

go to www.fusionyogaandwellness.com. P 


art seen 

Shining Rocks and 

Twisted Copper 

Brendon Voelker’s nature-inspired sculptures 

By LIESEL SCHMIDT » Photos by BRENDON VOELKER 

IN LOOKING AT BRENDON 

Voelker’s art, it’s easy to see the 

incredible attention to detail, 

patience and nimbleness that it 

takes to create each piece. The 

twisted copper wires, the tiny stones, the 

way everything comes together to become 

something with life and movement—all of it 

is there in the miniature trees or creatures 

that take shape under his fingers. 

Though it could be up for debate, Voelker 

claims that he hasn’t always been artistic. In 

college, he studied architecture but was admittedly 

better at recreating than designing from 

scratch. He did some freelance Photoshop and 

web design work as a side to his main business 

of working as an outdoor guide, and then during 

COVID, he found a new outlet that seemed 

to ignite his creativity in a whole new way. 

“The pandemic basically shut down my 

business as an outdoor guide during 2020, so 

I found myself with a considerable amount of 

free time,” he explains. “I’d purchased some 

art in the Southwest several years ago from 

the Big Bend region of Texas, and I had always 

wanted to recreate it. In high school, I 

had worked on multiple wire art projects, and 

in college, I studied architecture and worked 

with numerous mediums. I’ve found that working 

with wire is satisfying, and I’ve visited or 

lived in several areas where copper mining is 

prevalent. The ties that copper has to the local 

economy, history, culture and to my travels 

only add to my personal connection to it.” 

After finishing a few twisted wire and stone 

trees, Voelker began creating under the name 

Shining Rock Studios, encouraged by friends 

and family to pursue it further. “Social media, 

art markets and the support of a couple of retailers 

have kept me going,” says Voelker, who 

was especially inspired by the Shining Rock 

Wilderness in Pisgah National Forest. “It’s 

home to a 6000-foot quartz mountaintop, and 

many of my rocks and subject trees are from 

the area. The pure, milky and smoky quartz 

bases I use are my favorite. I also enjoy the 

shimmering effect that mica adds to many of 

my pieces.” 

Those pieces, created using tools like needle 

nosed pliers and wire cutters that Voelker 

stores in an old cigar box and spools of wire 

ranging from one to five pounds in weight, 

begin with cutting an appropriate number of 

wire strands—usually around 18 inches each 

in length—which he then shapes into the 

(Left): Quartz and copper suncatcher; 

(Right): Split trunk cedar on SC quartz. 



art seen 

tree’s limbs and roots. Next, he coils each individual 

branch until it looks like a spring, and 

then each coil is unwound by hand and gently 

shaped to form the final branches. He then 

adds volume and color through the use of tiny 

stones, which become the leaves though, for 

some tree species, Voelker may forgo the leaves 

to offer a winter or “dead appearance.” Finally, 

he meticulously glues each root to the base he 

chooses from his large collection of rocks. 

“Without question, nature inspires nearly 

all of my work,” Voelker says. “Many of my piec- 

es reflect particular tree species such as oak, 

pine, hemlock, cedar, birch or spruce, and on 

numerous occasions, I’ve begun projects along 

the Blue Ridge Parkway using certain trees 

for inspiration. As for the smaller creatures I 

make, the Southwest inspires much of my art 

as well. I’ve hiked, run trails, mountain biked, 

camped, paddled and driven through the vast 

expanses of west Texas and into New Mexico, 

and my scorpions, spiders, roadrunners and 

other wildlife are a reflection of that region. 

“Creating these pieces is an outlet for me to 

recall places I’ve visited, memories I’ve made 

or areas I want to return to,” he continues. “It’s 

similar to why I choose particular tree species 

or subject trees to recreate. The rocks have also 

been hand-picked, and I can remember where 

most of them came from. My knowledge of the 

Appalachians is vast, and having certain pieces 

of work tied to specific areas is rewarding. 

It’s a direct reflection of the things I’ve found 

valuable in my life, and I think people respond 

to the thought that goes into each piece. From 

where the rock came, to the type of tree I aim 

to create, to the gems I use for certain projects, 

I overlook no details. Even for items that have 

been gifts, I often try to match gems to someone’s 

birthstone or favorite color.” 

Voelker has found that much of his purchased 

art adorns windows and mantels as display 

pieces in both homes and rentals. His art 

brings the outdoors in, and in an area where 

the mountains are king, that is often just the 

right touch. Voelker sells his work through Facebook, 

Instagram and word of mouth, with a 

few pieces for sale at Designed by Dee Floral in 

Brevard as well as online at his Shining Rock 

Studios shop on Etsy or directly by email at 

brendon.voelker@outlook.com. P 

(Top): Assorted suncatchers with agate, quartz, 

amethyst, aquamarine, and more; (Left): A trio of 

red spruce mounted on quarry tailings from SC.; 

(Opposite): A Christmas commission for our Editor 

and her two daughters. The stones are amethyst 

and aquamarine. 



southern drawl 

Climbing 

The Second Mountain 

Irv and Eleanor Welling live the path of service 

By LISA GRAY YOUNGBLOOD » Photo by CAROLE SHEPARDSON 

WE BEGAN WITH A 

discussion of the book The 

Second Mountain by David 

Brooks, a well-known 

author and op-ed columnist 

for the New York Times. “Irv is on 

his second mountain,” Eleanor explained, 

clearly proud of her husband and not at 

all interested in being the focus of the 

conversation. I felt myself frown, and she 

added, “The first mountain is about making 

a name for yourself and establishing a 

career, supporting your family and focusing 

on what you need to do to be successful. 

Then, when you get to the top of that mountain, 

or when something horrible happens, 

you begin to wonder if there might not be 

more to life.” She paused, smiled at her 

husband. “That is when you start climbing 

the second mountain. While the first 

mountain is about oneself, the second is all 

about serving others.” 

That certainly does seem an apt description 

of Irv’s journey. Irv graduated from 

Davidson College and earned an MBA from 

the Wharton School of the University of 

Pennsylvania. He is a certified public accountant 

and was the managing partner of 

Elliott Davis, a large regional accounting 

firm in the Southeast. He has served in 

leadership positions for multiple nonprofits, 

is the Vice Chairman of the South Carolina 

Governor’s School of the Arts and Humanities, 

and led the development of two large 

organizations in Upstate SC (covering 10 

counties) focused on regional collaboration. 

In Cashiers, he is the Treasurer and 

on the Vestry of the Church of the Good 

Shepherd, where both Irv and Eleanor find 

strength and spend much of their time and 

energy, especially in the church’s Outreach 

Ministries. Irv was also instrumental in the 

development of the Cashiers Circles Program, 

which strives to empower people to 

lift themselves out of poverty. 

On a community level, Irv is chairman 

of Vision Cashiers, which is a large undertaking 

that he and Paul Robshaw, together 

with 9 others, started in 2018. “Because 

we don’t have a government in Cashiers, 

there are gaps that need to be addressed, 

and this group is determined to set into 

motion plans that will ‘improve tomorrow 

today.’” Those plans run the gamut from 

creation of our dog park and sidewalks to 

workforce housing for teachers, nurses, 

physical therapists and others who keep us 

and our town healthy, educated and vital, 

and much more. “There is no such thing 

as standing still,” he added. “We are either 

growing or declining. If we opt for growth, 

we should be the architect of that growth, 

not the victim.” There are currently over 

60 families that support Vision Cashiers 

through the Crossroads Society. 

These are big jobs that require global 

thinking and abundant leadership skills, 

but that’s not a problem for Irv. A natural 

born leader, he is always looking for ways 

in which to use his many talents to serve 

his community. “I have been given a lot 

in this life,” he said, and added, referencing 

the bible, “To whom much is given, much 

is required.” This is not a precept he takes 

lightly. His faith and gratitude guide him 

daily. 

What surprised me most about him, however, 

was the intensity of his focus, which 

I garnered not so much from his words, for 

he, too, was uncomfortable talking about 

himself, but from his art. How he finds the 

time to pursue his passion for photography 

is beyond me, but he does, and his talent 

is evident. Irv and Eleanor share a passion 

for travel, and it was this passion that 

led Irv to pursue photography. The photos 

that now adorn the walls of their home are 

(Above): Irv and Eleanor Welling in Iceland. 

The Wellings have a great passion for travel 

and have traveled around the world. (Right): 

Irv and Eleanor Welling. 


Irv and Eleanor 

Welling 

» Hometown: Greenville, SC. 

» Local volunteer involvement: 

Vision Cashiers, Cashiers Circles 

Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, 

Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, 

Church of the Good Shepherd 

Outreach Ministries, Hampton 

Preschool and Learning Center, 

ELL Program, Cashiers Historical 

Society, Cashiers Community 

Fund, Wade-Hampton Donor- 

Advised Fund, among others. 

» Family: Irv and Eleanor have 

been married for 57 years 

and have three children, 

Beau, Meg and Katie. 

» Fun facts: Irv and Eleanor are 

both artists. Irv is an excellent 

photographer, particularly 

with wildlife, and Eleanor is 

a talented painter who enjoys 

a local studio called Paintin’ 

Place with other artists. 

The Wellings are passionate 

about travel and have 

traveled all over the world. 


southern drawl 

Eleanor Welling at 

the ELL Program at 

the Church of the 

Good Shepherd. 

This is a free 

program for English 

language learners 

in the community. 

The evening begins 

with dinner for 

students and their 

families, followed 

by classes. Childcare 

is also provided. 

breathtaking. The wildlife photos from 

Africa and Australia felt like conversations 

with the animals, as if Irv had asked 

them to pull up a chair and have a chat. 

There is one photo of a kangaroo where Irv 

seemed literally to have caught the creature’s 

thoughts. A person who can capture 

not just the image, but the story, is a person 

who leans into life—and that is Irv. He is always 

leaning in, always questioning, always 

listening. And then, much to his credit, 

he takes action. 

Another story bubbled while I listened 

and took notes, a story about the nature of 

service. Of course, there are many ways to 

serve, all valuable in their own right, but 

what intrigued me with Eleanor was how her 

service has evolved. As far as I can tell, Eleanor 

began her journey on the second mountain, 

jumping right over the first, and as such 

has had much time to explore that mountain. 

Perhaps Brooks has another chapter to 

write because it seems to me there is something 

beautiful, even magical, about transitioning 

the nature of one’s service based on 

one’s own heart and time of life. 

Like Irv, Eleanor has served on more 

boards and led more charitable organizations 

than I can list on these pages. After 

graduating from the University of South 

Carolina, she taught middle and high school 

social studies. She worked for the American 

Field Service in New York, headed several 

nonprofits in Greenville, raised money for 

multiple political campaigns and was the atlarge 

member of the Greenville City Council 

for two terms. She was also a volunteer chair 

of several arts organizations and was on the 

board of multiple educational entities, as 

well as housing and transit boards. Impressively, 

she was the first female chair of the 


annual United Way Campaign, as well as 

the United Way Agency’s Board Chair. 

In Cashiers, her leadership and service 

has not wavered. She has chaired the 

Cashiers Community Fund and served on 

the boards of the Wade Hampton Donor- 

Advised Fund, Hampton Preschool and 

Learning Center, The Cashiers Historical 

Society, The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, 

the ELL Program for English language 

learners, and the Wade Hampton Property 

Owner’s Association. She also founded Big 

Brothers Big Sisters in Cashiers, taking 

on three Little Sisters, and was instrumental 

in the development of the Circles 

Program. When I met with her, she shared 

little of this, and I was left to research on my 

own. After a few google searches, I realized 

I had been in the company of an actual Steel 

Magnolia and had not known it. 

What I did know about Eleanor, and why I 

wanted to do a story on her in the first place, 

is her heart. She is one of those rare people 

who is led by her heart, which is not to say 

her emotions. She is clear-headed, fiercely 

intelligent, and always on the lookout for 

the smartest solutions, but she is not driven 

by ego or the need for recognition. She simply 

has an innate desire to serve, which she 

does in graceful Eleanor fashion, respectfully 

and without reserve. When I asked 

what motivated her, she blushed and smiled, 

glanced at Irv, and I understood in that moment 

that’s just who she is. It’s not about 

motivation; it’s about being true to herself. 

What is interesting about her evolution 

is her growing focus on the individual. “I 

increasingly enjoy working directly with the 

people I serve," she said. " I enjoy getting to 

know them and walking side-by-side with 

them on their journeys.” Among many other 

activities, she serves as a Daughter of the 

King, which is an order of women who take 

vows to pray daily for those in need, as well 

as for the clergy and the church. She is a 

Shepherd on The Church of the Good Shepherd 

Scholarship Committee, a position 

she takes very seriously. “Most scholarship 

programs are for one year, but ours is for 

four, and we stay in close contact with our 

students. They must maintain grades, and 

we do all we can to support them in any way 

they need. Education is so important.” 

In the vein of education, that link most 

likely to empower and lift individuals out 

of poverty, Eleanor has taken on another, 

quite extensive responsibility. She has become 

a tutor in the Read to Learn program 

at the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, 

working with a second grader who needs 

reading support. This is no easy task, and 

she went through rigorous training and 

committed to twice weekly sessions with 

her student for at least one, and possibly 

two, years. “I love the work I do with my 

student. It means the world to me, and I 

look forward to seeing him every week. I 

pray our time together will get him where 

he needs to be.” 

I have had the pleasure of being part 

of the program myself and have watched 

her develop as a tutor and marveled at 

her relationship with her student. Her 

commitment to him is so earnest and fullthroated, 

and he knows it. That alone will 

have a lasting impact on him. Of course, 

the proficiency in reading is a gift that will 

serve him a lifetime, even if he is having 

too much fun to appreciate his progress, 

which is exactly how learning should be. 

We are lucky to have Irv and Eleanor. 

Their service supports our community 

on the macro and micro levels every day. 

Interviewing them was a challenge because 

they have done so much, too much 

to cover in a single story, but it was an absolute 

pleasure. As we were finishing up, 

I asked Eleanor how to motivate others to 

serve. She smiled and said, “The motivation 

to serve needs to come from within. It 

cannot be forced upon a person. But often 

people do need to be asked. When I see a 

need and think of a person who has the 

talent and energy to serve that need, I 

ask—and people almost always say yes. 

Most people want to help others. They’re 

just not sure where to begin.” My heart 

tells me she is right, and that alone makes 

the world a little brighter. P

home fashion vintage cars 

PHOTO RYAN THEEDE PHOTOGRAPHY 

Calling Antique 

Car Enthusiasts 

Asheville's Estes-Winn Antique 

Car Museum is a hidden gem 

See page 46 


home 

At Home In Rockcliff 

A visionary modern mountain home in sync with Mother Nature 

By BRITTANY CONLEY » Photos by RYAN THEEDE PHOTOGRAPHY 

WESTMARK DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN IN THE BUSINESS OF CREATING HIGH-END SECOND 

homes for over 50 years, and through its affiliate, Westmark Construction, has been building top-notch custom 

homes for a long time. Dave Bauer, President of the Westmark group, has been at the helm throughout. It was 

while making waves in the Florida real estate market that he noticed a trend: there were a lot of Floridians 

escaping the summer heat by heading north and enjoying some cooler mountain air. As any good businessman 

would do, Mr. Bauer sent one of his managers north to scout for opportunities, especially on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, 

which seemed to be the most popular location. “I saw the plateau and fell in love, and we went right for it. We bought the 880 

plus acre Bald Rock within a week,” says Bauer. It took no time for Westmark to solidify itself as a premier builder in the area. 


When the property now known as The Divide, 

which is adjacent to Bald Rock, became available, 

Westmark wasted no time in expanding 

its interests in Western North Carolina. While 

smaller than Bald Rock, The Divide’s 250 plus 

acres is developmentally more challenging. “If 

you go to Bald Rock, it is almost like Mother 

Nature said, ‘Here, this is how you do development.’ 

But The Divide is precipitous, with 

more than a few cliffs. This creates a much 

more challenging topography, which affords 

a developer the opportunity to develop more 

unique and picturesque housing,” says Bauer. 

Things we take for granted, such as electricity 

and running water, need to be discovered 

and installed within the context of untouched, 

undeveloped mountain terrain. Even getting 

a road in place is no simple feat in such terrain. 

Bauer adds, “These are raw mountains. If 

you pay attention, the topography will tell you 

what to do. I try to do that. If you try to force 

Mother Nature, you’re probably going to lose.” 

That respect for nature and desire to work 

as much as possible within its parameters


home 

sets Bauer and his company apart in the 

development world. In fact, Bauer jokingly 

refers to himself as a tree-hugging developer. 

“My first objective is to not mess up 

what Mother Nature has done for us. That 

is what we try to do,” says Bauer, whose vision 

in his Creekside Treetop Village was to 

create homes that felt like treehouses without 

actually destroying the mature poplars 

he’d come to adore. These homes along Hogback 

Creek went over well with buyers–so 

well, that Westmark Construction set their 

minds to take their idea even further. 

Bauer and his team at Westmark envisioned 

something extraordinary for their 

newest endeavor: Rockcliff at The Divide. 

“We decided to expand on the soaring roof 

lines of the treehouses and came up with a 

plan with our architect, David Sandless, to 

do Rockcliff, which is an expanded version of 

the homes in the Creekside Village. Rockcliff 

is considerably larger and has tri-level, soaring 

roof lines,” says Bauer. Interestingly, 

Bauer didn’t have an ideal buyer in mind; he 

just followed his instincts and kept tinkering. 

Driving up to the home, one might think 

the views couldn’t get any better. The 

mountains along The Eastern Continental 

Divide never disappoint, but when stepping 

into the home at 52 Hidden Grouse Lane, 

one shouldn’t be surprised to feel a hitch 

in their throat as the expansive views sink 

into the soul. “With most houses in the 



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mountains, you want to have a view. In my 

opinion this house is the view,” says Bauer. 

Even as the visionary behind the home, it 

took a while for Bauer to define for himself 

what made it so special. He went on to say, 

“When you walk in the house, it isn’t like 

you’re in a house anymore. It’s like you’re 

in the mountain itself. I couldn’t figure out 

why it’s so different, but then a friend said 

that the experience throughout is three dimensional. 

And he’s right. There’s not one 

window that doesn’t show you a beautiful 

view. It’s living the view.” 

With every window offering a jaw-dropping 

panoramic view of the rolling hills, this 

may be a rare instance where the home and 

the locale merge. Once you convince yourself 

to avert your gaze from the scenery, you’ll 

find the home feels completely natural to 

the area. “The organic nature was intentional. 

The lot lent itself to that. I tried to 

incorporate the house into the mountains, 

so they flowed. I have to say, I think we succeeded. 

That happens from the moment you 

get on the driveway. For example, it’s terraced 

with massive boulders, making it feel 

like it’s part of the mountains,” says Bauer. 

Another way the team at Westmark punctuated 

the view was to fill the home with large 

windows, all with black frames that really 

set off the landscape as natural artwork. 

High ceilings bring in the open and airy feeling, 

and the thoughtful choices of wood and 

neutral colors inside the home are not only 

charming, but they work in tandem with the 

landscape instead of competing with it. 

Westmark’s team had already redefined 

the modern mountain home, but with what 

they’re doing at Rockcliff at The Divide, 

they’re redefining modern mountain living. 

Visit www.westmarkconstructionnc.com for 

more information. P 

3 Chestnut Square 

Cashiers, NC 

828-743-1111 

@ajonescompany 

We are located directly 

across the street 

from the Cashiers 

Farmers Market 


Fashion 

for a White 

Winter 

Hip, chic 

and cozy are 

the looks for 

this season 

Photography: CHELSEA CRONKRITE 

Models: LOUISA MADILL and CHAD JONES 

Special thanks to Cashiers Community Center 

for allowing us to shoot on location. 

Mother Denim jean $238; Free 

People Top $148; Michael Stars 

Layering Tank $68; Scout Jewelry 

Bracelet $29. Annawear in 

Highlands, NC. 


On Him: Jersey Houndstooth 

Soft Jacket by Peter Millar $1295; 

Elmwood Cotton Shirt in Cape 

Blue by Peter Millar $160; Voyager 

Cashmere, Silk Saddle Shoulder Crew 

Neck Sweater by Peter Millar $495; 

Vintage Washed Five Pocket Denim 

by Peter Millar $200; Monaco Suede 

Sneaker by TJBaileys $325. 

On Her: Pink Silk Blend 

Collar Blouse by Caliban 

$399; Stretch Leather 

Pant by Ecru $575; Greta 

Nude Leather Heel by 

Beautiisoles $425; Anna 

Feather Earrings by 

Brackish $185. TJ Baileys 

in Cashiers, NC. 


Kinross Cashmere Mock 

Neck Jacket in Mirage 

$1,100; Kinross Cashmere 

Micro Stripe Henley $330; 

Edwin Coated Denim Jean 

in Vanilla $238. 

Wit's End in Highlands, NC. 


vintage cars 

Calling Antique Car Enthusiasts 

Asheville’s Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is a hidden gem 

By CARLA BECK » Photos by RYAN THEEDE PHOTOGRAPHY 

WITH MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS THAT PROMOTE OUTDOOR ADVENTURING AND A THRIVING 

arts scene that promises unique cultural experiences, Asheville is one of Western North Carolina’s vacation hot 

spots. Widely known for its top attraction, the 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate, Asheville’s historic landmarks dot the 

city streets and offer tourists a variety of choices ranging from retail shopping in the 1920s Grove Arcade to museum 

tours of author Thomas Wolfe’s childhood home. Locals and frequent visitors would also suggest a few “hidden 

gems” as noteworthy options. Among those suggestions, The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum stands out as a must-see destination. 

The Estes-Winn Antique Car 

Museum in Asheville, NC. 

Situated adjacent to the historic Omni 

Grove Park Inn, The Estes-Winn Antique 

Car Museum houses vintage automobiles 

from the private collection of Harry D. 

Blomberg, an Asheville Cadillac and 

Pontiac dealer for more than half a century. 

Blomberg’s legacy continues with 

what remains a family-owned dealership, 


Harry’s on the Hill, celebrating its 100th 

anniversary this year. According to the 

Museum’s manager, Tom Anders, “Harry 

invested in real estate rather than more 

car dealerships,” which is how he acquired 

what is now known as Grovewood Village, 

home to The Estes-Winn Antique 

Car Museum. Purchased by Blomberg in 

1953, the property originally served as the 

site for Biltmore Industries, which led the 

textile industry in the 1920s with a global 

reputation for “quality and wearability.” 

Blomberg established the museum in 1966 

as the textile industry became increasingly 

automated, and he scaled back the 

weaving production of Biltmore Industries.

Lake Placid Blue 1957 Cadillac Eldorado 

Brougham, the most valuable and rare 

find in the showroom. 

PHOTO ASHLEY VAN MATRE 

Grovewood Village includes six Englishstyle 

cottages, and Blomberg’s automobile 

collection occupies the former weaving 

shop, which is now listed on the National 

Register of Historic Places. 

Museum visitors open the massive 

wooden door and enter a bygone era. The 

building’s original hardwood floors, openbeamed 

ceiling, and two 6-foot Roycroft 

chandeliers reflect its early 20th-century 

roots. The chandeliers and overhead 

beams boast inspirational quotes that 

were placed there at the direction of the 

original owner, Fred Seely, who hoped to 

inspire his employees with words of wisdom. 

Along the walls, large windows offer 

natural light where talented weavers once 

worked their magic and now highlight 

prized cars in Blomberg’s collection. After 

a brief introduction from a knowledgeable 

museum guide, guests may stroll through 

the museum referring to the plentiful 

visual displays that provide historical 

context and background information for 

each car. Many of the vehicles share specific 

connections to Asheville, including a 

1922 American LaFrance Fire Truck that 

was in service for 40+ years in Asheville. 

In addition to the vintage automobiles on 

display, the museum also features four antique 

carriages, one once owned by Edwin 

Wiley Grove, “the visionary of The Grove 

Park Inn.” 

According to Anders, who has managed 

the Museum for the past decade, the most 

valuable and rare find in the showroom is 

The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum 

in Asheville, NC. The museum houses 

vintage automobiles from the private 

collection of Harry D. Blomberg, an 

Asheville Cadillac and Pontiac dealer 

for more than half a century. 

the Lake Placid Blue 1957 Cadillac Eldorado 

Brougham. Although Cadillac manufactured 

704 of the Eldorado Brougham 

between 1957 and ‘58, only 400 were produced 

in 1957, signifying both the value 

and prestige of the one in Harry’s collection. 

Each car was hand-built and featured 

the latest high-tech gadgets, including one 


vintage cars 

Cheaha State Park 

Boardwalk. 

of the first all-transistor radios available 

in a car. As both a dealer and distributor 

for Cadillac in the 1950s, Harry had the 

distinct privilege of acquiring the most 

sought-after automobiles. He originally 

sold the 1957 Eldorado Brougham to Edith 

Bryant, a woman from Biltmore Forest 

whose late husband helped establish 

the Champion Paper and Fibre Company 

in Canton, N.C. Harry added the car to 

his Museum’s collection in the 1980s after 

purchasing it back from Mrs. Bryant’s 

daughter. Undoubtedly the “crown jewel” 

in Blomberg’s collection, the magnificent 

blue exterior along with the spotless 

stainless-steel roof of the Cadillac immediately 

demands guests’ attention both as 

they enter and exit the showroom floor. 

The son of Lithuanian immigrants, 

Harry Blomberg lived his entire life in 

Asheville, and although he was one of the 

most prestigious and respected businessmen 

in the community, he was more than 

that. He was also recognized as a “civic 

leader, and leader in the Jewish community.” 

Harry’s generous and admirable spirit 


is reflected in his motto, “Work hard, treat 

your customers and employees fairly, and 

always give back to your community.” In 

a nod to Harry’s philanthropic principles, 

The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum offers 

free admission and free parking; however, 

donations are appreciated as they 

help with the collection’s maintenance. 

According to Anders, upkeep of the automobiles 

involves the unique challenge of 

periodically starting them all up while 

using the windows to vent the exhaust. “If 

we don’t burn down the building, and nobody 

gets hurt,” says Anders, “it’s a good 

day!” The Museum's operating hours are 

Monday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

April-December. Additionally, the Museum 

is available as a small event venue 

for those seeking a unique experience for 

their special occasions. P 

(Above): 1922 American LaFrance Fire Truck in 

service for 40+ years in Asheville. (Left): 

Harry D. Blomberg, an Asheville Cadillac and 

Pontiac dealer for more than half a century. 

PHOTO ESTES-WINN ANTIQUE CAR MUSEUM

The Pioneer Preservationist 

Dr. Carl Schenck, the Vanderbilts and the Cradle of Forestry 

Story and photos by F.B. ROBINSON 

JUST OUTSIDE BREVARD LIES THE ENTRANCE TO PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST. HIGHWAY 276 TAKES 

you along the scenic Davidson River, past the often-photographed Looking Glass Falls, and just beyond, the regionally 

famous Sliding Rock. Continue up the mountain, and four miles below the Blue Ridge Parkway, the road bisects an 

important slice of American history. It is a history that continues to impact us daily. Without it, the magnificent forest 

surrounding you today would likely not exist. 

The Cradle of Forestry’s origin traces back 

to 1888. It was the year George Washington 

Vanderbilt, a member of the wealthiest 

family in the United States, visited 

Asheville, North Carolina. He came seeking 

malaria treatment for his ailing 

mother and soon fell in love with the area. 

Thinking it would be an excellent place 

for a home, he began purchasing parcels 

of land. To avoid inflated land prices, the 

tracts were registered in the names of his 

lawyer and land agent. 

After procuring approximately 2,000 

acres, Vanderbilt hired Richard Morris 

Hunt, the foremost architect of the time, 

to design the mansion that would come to 

be known as The Biltmore House. He also 

hired Frederick Laws Olmstead, a nationally 

prominent landscape architect whose 

projects included New York City’s Central 

Park. Before breaking ground for the 255- 

room home, Olmstead erected several 

viewing towers on the property to better 

orient the house, allowing Vanderbilt the 

opportunity to consider the spectacular 

views he would be afforded. Vanderbilt 

was so impressed, in particular with Mt. 

Pisgah, which stood proud on the crest of 

the Blue Ridge, that he acquired more and 

more parcels. 

Early students of the Biltmore 

Forest School in front of the 

original single room school. 

These students would spend 

their afternoons riding into 

the forest for hands-on 

training with Dr. Schenck 

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE CRADLE OF FORESTRY 


The original transportation and student 

housing for the Biltmore Forest School, the 

first school of forestry in the United States. 

Olmstead soon realized the need for 

management of Vanderbilt’s vast land 

holdings as much of the newly purchased 

acreage had suffered from fire damage, 

aggressive farming and poor logging practices. 

Olmstead recommended Vanderbilt 

hire a forester, 27-year-old Gifford Pinchot, 

to oversee the land. Pinchot was a 

graduate of Yale and had studied forestry 

in France. At that time, there were no 

schools of forestry in the United States. 

Vanderbilt hired Pinchot in 1892. Under 

Pinchot’s tenure, Vanderbilt’s holdings 

increased to an astonishing 100,000 acres. 

Pinchot is credited with the first scientific 

forestry management plan in the United 

States. However, Pinchot held forestry aspirations 

on the national level as well, and 

he left Vanderbilt’s employment after only 

three years. Before doing so, he recommended 

Dr. Carl A. Schenck as his replacement. 


Schenck had studied forestry in his native 

Germany and arrived at the estate without 

much knowledge of the wide variety of hardwood 

and conifer species found in western 

North Carolina, nor about the unique culture 

of its people. Before Pinchot’s departure, 

he and Schenck rode to the base of Mt. 

Pisgah where they spent time discussing the 

future of the vast tract of land. 

It didn’t take long for Schenck to understand 

he was overmatched by the size 

of the project and needed help. Without 

a source to provide skilled assistants, he 

came to the realization that he would have 

to manufacture his own. 

On September 1, 1898, Schenck opened 

the Biltmore Forest School, the first school 

of its kind in the United States. The tuition 

was $200 per year, plus an additional 

$300 for room and board, the combined 

sum of which is approximately $18,000 in 

today’s dollars. Each student was required 

to provide their own horse. Winter classes 

were held in Biltmore Village, and the 

field work was conducted on the estate. 

The rest of the year, the campus moved 

to its present location, a valley referred 

to as The Pink Beds. The students lived 

a Spartan lifestyle, often staying with 

settlers who had refused to leave even 

after Vanderbilt’s purchase. Some lived in 

small groups in abandoned, often-derelict 

cabins. These structures were given colorful 

names including, Gnat Hollow, Rest for 

the Wicked, Little Hell Hole, and not to be 

outdone, Big Hell Hole. 

Although Schenck followed several 

principles of his predecessor Pinchot, their 

philosophies did not align in every way. 

Believing that proper forest management 

should result in preservation and sustainability, 

as well as profit, Schenck soon

This plaque 

stands outside 

the replica 

building where 

the original 

schoolhouse 

once stood. 

added his own curriculum. It was important 

to Schenck that Vanderbilt receive 

a return on his immense investment, but 

he understood there was more at stake. 

Classwork still took place in the mornings, 

followed by a brief break for lunch, but 

then students would spend the afternoons 

riding into the forest for hands-on training 

with Dr. Schenck. Sometimes the rides 

would be as long as 20 miles. It was often 

hard work. Trails had to be established to 

access areas of the forest. Roads, and occasionally 

bridges, had to be established for 

harvested timber to be brought to market. 

After a year of intense instruction, requiring 

mastery of 27 subjects, each student 

was required to complete a six-month 

internship. Often, this internship would 

take place under Schenck’s tutelage, as 

he was regularly in need of management 

assistance overseeing Vanderbilt’s land 

holdings, which had now grown to a whopping 

125,000 acres. After successful completion 

of the internship, students were 

awarded a Bachelor of Forestry Degree. 

By 1909, due mainly to bad investments, 

the 1907 crash, and maintaining an ultraextravagant 

lifestyle, George Vanderbilt 

had sustained significant financial setbacks. 

He wanted to sell his entire parcel 

of forest, but Schenck resisted the idea. 

Furious, Vanderbilt fired Schenck, thus 

bringing an end to the Biltmore Forest 

School. Believing deeply in his mission 

of preservation, Schenck began teaching 

in “traveling schools” until established 

universities, including Cornell and Yale, 

started forestry schools of their own. It 

should be noted that by 1913, Schenck 

had graduated over 400 students, and 

seventy percent of all certified foresters in 

the United States were the product of the 

Biltmore Forest School. 

The original Cradle of Forestry opened 

in 1965 but was lost to fire in 1985. Today’s 

Cradle offers a modern museum with movies, 

and a simulated helicopter ride for kids 

and adults. There are several paved trail 

loops, one which leads you past the steam 

engine used to haul lumber and some of 

the original structures that made up the 

Biltmore Forest School. There is also an 

exact replica of the one-room school where 

Dr. Schenck taught the first generation 

of American foresters. Plan on spending 

a few hours to give yourself enough 

time to appreciate the entire experience. 

The Cradle of Forestry is open 10 a.m. 

to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, 

spring through fall. For more information, 

go to https://gofindoutdoors.org/sites/ 

cradle-of-forestry/ or give them a call at 

828-877-3130. P 


This in-town Highlands home 

underwent an extensive renovation 

by Steve Abranyi of Green Mountain 

Builders, an outfit known for its Green 

Building practices. Corbin Tucker of 

Inside-Out Architects & Designers 

designed the plans. 

REMODELING A HOME CAN BE A BIT LIKE 

playing a game of telephone tag. If the homeowner isn’t 

sure whom to call, they may first contact their realtor, who 

then recommends an architect, who then recommends 

a builder, who then recommends an interior designer. 

Hopefully, of course, the result will be the first person and the last 

person connecting clearly, putting into motion the homeowner’s dream. 

The order of things may have been a little different for homeowner 

Robin Roberts, but the resulting remodel built by Steve 

Abranyi of Green Mountain Builders closely mirrored the dream 

Robin had for his in-town Highlands property. For the Florida 

resident and company CEO, real estate is more than just a place 

to live. It’s a well-honed hobby and passion. 

“I developed a waterfront property in Pensacola, built two 


Greening 

the Plateau 

Green Mountain Builders does its part 

one fine home at a time 

By DAWN LILES 

Photos by CHRIS HANDLEY 

homes there and sold both,” says Robin. “I have another home 

I am currently renovating in Pensacola and recently bought a 

property in Cashiers I’m renovating with my oldest daughter and 

my son-in-law.” 

Robin’s daughter and son-in-law live in the Chattanooga area, 

and they decided to purchase a small house in Highlands a few 

years ago. In 2020, they invited Robin to visit, knowing he had a 

propensity for investing in real estate, and suggested he consider 

purchasing property in the area. 

“At first,” explains Robin, “I was not impressed with anything, 

considering location and cost vs. value, but my realtor, Rick Harrison 

of Pat Allen Realty Group, said he had a new property hitting 

the market that might be of interest. That’s when I found a 

three-bedroom, three-bathroom home on 5th Street, built in 1998. 


Light abounds in this thoughtful 

renovation and is enhanced by the 

shiplap found throughout. 

I made an offer that day and had a deal the following Monday. The 

convenient location to town and proximity to the creek sold me.” 

With an eye on expanding the existing home, Robin called designer 

Corbin Tucker of Inside-Outside Architects & Designers 

to help with the re-design. “I had an idea the property could be 

much more than what it was when I purchased it, and Corbin put 

the concept to paper,” says Robin. 

Corbin then recommended Steve Abranyi of Green Mountain 

Builders (GMB) to bring her design to life, expanding the home an 

additional 1,500 sq. ft. by adding a second story within the same 

footprint. The expanded space boasts seven bedrooms, seven and 

a half bathrooms, three laundry rooms and two kitchens. 

Some of the home’s delightful new ideas include a bunk room 

for kids; two sleek kitchens, one located on the main floor and one 

in the newly remodeled apartment space; shiplap throughout the 

home and bathrooms all boasting new hardware and tile. Glass 


The interior designer for this 

project was Melanie Rowan 

of Melanie Rowan Interiors, 

Mobile, AL. 

floor-to-ceiling barn doors slide open to reveal the main living 

area and the creek below. 

One of Robin’s favorite features is the all glass panoramic 

garage door that opens from the living room and overlooks the 

stream. The home’s interior was reimagined by designer Melanie 

Rowan of Melanie Rowan Interiors, Mobile, AL, who assisted in 

choosing the new flooring, bathroom and kitchen tiles, color selections, 

fixtures and furnishings. 

And no home remodel is truly complete without the addition of 

beautiful new landscaping. Kaleena Keener with Bloom Designs and 

Services designed the extensive landscaping and hardscaping, and 

Landon Gibson with Gibson Grading Inc. implemented the design. 

Builder Steve Abranyi explains some of the challenges to the 

project. “We spent a fair amount of time reorganizing the interior 

spaces in the home since there was no ability to add due to the 

setbacks of the property lines, the setbacks of the trout stream and 


the allowable build-upon area in a watershed under NC law. We 

also added another story to the house. Corbin did a fantastic job 

modifying the existing space to make it flow and to achieve what 

Robin wanted.” 

And Robin concurs that the resulting home was what he envisioned. 

“Steve and Corbin worked well together to make the 

concept a reality. I was not active in the day-to-day activities of 

the project but absolutely trusted them as a team. I think the 

final product speaks well for their abilities.” 

Strong alliances with colleagues and 

lasting relationships with clients. 

Founded 22 years ago, GMB is committed to incorporating the 

concepts of Green Building in its projects to lessen the impact on 

the environment, create energy-efficient buildings, and produce 

homes and businesses that are healthy to live and work in. 

Owner Steve Abranyi left North Carolina armed with a degree 

in natural resources management, and moved to Colorado, then 

Oregon and then California, honing his skills as a carpenter. He 


moved back to NC in 2001, got his contractor’s license in 2002 and 

has been building homes in the area ever since. 

He is certified through and has participated in the Healthy 

Built Homes program in Asheville and has been a member of the 

U.S. Green Building Council since 2008. 

“I would say about a quarter of my clients are interested in green 

building,” says Steve. “We strive to incorporate green building 

techniques and energy efficiency into all of our projects, like highefficiency 

HVAC systems, spray foam insulation, radiant floor 

heating and other green material selections as much as possible.” 

Steve and his team of craftsmen are devoted to personally overseeing 

all aspects of construction. 

“Throughout every step of the building process, and long after, 

our team is available to guide clients through the maze of 

technical decisions that often arise when building a home in the 

mountains,” says Steve. “We enjoy getting to know each client 

and understanding their needs and desires for creating a home 

that accurately matches their lifestyle, budget and future plans.” 


The Landscape Architect for this 

project was Kaleena Keener of 

Bloom Designs and Services. 

Landon Gibson of Gibson Grading, 

Inc. implemented the design. 

About Green Mountain Builders 

Superior CRAFTSMANSHIP 

Craftsman is a venerable title that is earned, not bestowed. A 

true craftsman possesses passion for beauty, dedication to detail, 

and virtuosity unparalleled. His/her quality workmanship is refined 

over a lifetime. The results speak of mastery, artistry, and 

exquisite expertise. Don't settle for ordinary. Demand legendary. 

Sustainable PRACTICES 

Doing our part to preserve the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is our 

priority. We use the finest, regionally sourced materials. We skillfully 

marry your land to your home. Our choices are green, and 

we follow environmentally safe, sustainable practices. We raised 

the bar for the industry and challenge others to match that standard 

for the land we all cherish. 

Reliable RELATIONSHIPS 

We take pride in making ourselves available to our valued clients. 

We create a strong partnership with Highlands' home owners 

- who are not always in town - by making our staff accessible, 


our communication frequent, and our exchanges by computer, 

phone, or text prompt and easy. Need an updated photo? You got 

it. Need to talk to Steve? You got him. We care. That’s why we’re 

always there for you. 

What WE DO 

Green Mountain Builders has over 20 years’ experience constructing 

fine custom homes on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. 

In that time, we've built strong relationships with talented subcontractors 

and local craftsmen to bring well over 100 new homes 

and renovations to the area. In addition to custom-built homes, 

we've had the pleasure of working with clients on a plethora of 

home renovations - small and large - and commercial builds. We 

take pride in each and every project. 

Green Mountain Builders 

439 Laurel Street 

Highlands, NC 28741 

(828) 787-2297 

Website: greenmountainbuilders.com

Texas is Calling 

Big Bend offers unique winter splendor 

Story and photos by BRENDON VOELKER 

WINTER GRACES THE PLATEAU IN MYRIAD WAYS. ON SOME OCCASIONS, WE HAVE THE MAGICAL 

white Christmas we dream of experiencing with our loved ones. Some years, such as 2022, western North Carolina 

is visited by a winter blast that brings a bitter chill to our bones. Frozen pipes, power outages, and overwhelmed 

cell phone towers leave us wishing we were in a warmer climate. Other years, it’s sunny with a high of 75, and 

we do all we can to avoid the premature budding of our spring plants. Despite the variety, the plateau remains 

magical, but that doesn’t mean a vacation is not in order. In fact, in the dead of winter, it can be just what you need. 

The desert southwest is one of the best 

places within the lower 48 to visit in the 

winter. While driving east to west across 

North Carolina can take upwards of 10 

hours, the Lone Star State is almost 15 

hours across. But long drive or not, the 

furthest reaches of Texas may be the best 

winter destinations to visit in the south. 

Named after the mighty bend in the Rio 

Grande River, the Big Bend region of 

Texas hosts some of the most spectacular 

scenery, desirable weather, and idyllic 

small towns in the desert southwest. 

As this is written in December of 2023, 

the temperatures in the Rockies have 

plummeted well below freezing, with 

most of the ski resorts having begun their 

season. Even the Texas panhandle sits in 

the low 30’s for a high, while Dallas and 

Houston hover in the 60’s. The sweet spot, 

however, is along the border with Mexico 

below the small towns of Alpine, Marathon, 

and Marfa, with one of the closer 

towns being Terlingua. 

It’s an environment where the cactus 

abound, rattlesnakes are king, and small 

mammals hide amongst the juniper brush 

never letting visitors know of their existence. 

Tumbleweeds graze the blacktop as 

if in a Looney Tunes episode. Hundreds of 

red strobe lights ignite in synchrony across 

the horizon. Oil derricks churn against the 

rhythm, pulling crude oil from deep within 

the Permian Basin. The stars glimmer 

through the dark sky, gas prices decrease, 

and speed limits rise in some places up 

to 80 miles per hour. The vast expanse of 

west Texas echoes with the howl of coyotes 

while road runners and tumbleweeds line 

the edge of the highway. It is an experience 

you will never forget. 

The first thing to know about Big Bend 

is that you should plan your adventure in 

View from the 

Marufo Vega Trail. 


advance, no matter how you decide to explore. 

From a recreational standpoint, the 

two main destinations are Big Bend State 

Park and Big Bend National Park, the latter 

offering more amenities and the opportunity 

for those looking to cross yet another 

national park off their list. Importantly, 

the state park offers the only singletrack 

mountain biking in the region, while the 

national park tends to cater more to those 

on foot and those with campers. 

Best Hike 

Dividing this section in two, the best long 

hike in the park by far is the Marufo 

Vega Trail. Nearing 13-miles round trip, 

it explores bluffs along the border and remote 

sandy washes. It is also one of the 

quieter day hikes within the park. Despite 

its proximity to the nearby campground, 

the remoteness means you will see fewer 

visitors than most hikes within the park. 

For something shorter, the Hot Springs 

Trail is a spectacular hike for everyone in 

the family. There are two trailheads, one 

stand-alone parking area along the road, 

and access from the Rio Grande Village. 

5.5-miles in length, an ancient hot spring 

about the size of a small pool lies along the 

river, with a dedicated area to enjoy it. If 

you speak with a local, you may even hear 

about another hot spring on the other side 

of the river, though it is now abandoned 

and not open to swim. That said, if you 

make friends with the locals, you may find 

one willing to take you down by horse and 

show you the remnants for a small fee. 

Best Town 

The aforementioned towns of Marfa, Alpine, 

Marathon, and Terlingua should top 

your list if you want to explore the ancient 

mining and ranching towns of Texas that 

now boast a higher coyote population than 

human. As a hub for all, and a stop on the 

Amtrak line, Alpine offers the most amenities 

of any destination in the region. A 

natural food store, donut shop, Thai restaurant, 

and plenty of authentic Mexican food 

offerings fill the tiny town of less than 6,000 

people. The world’s smallest Prada store, a 

small building along a quiet roadway, also 

draws in those wishing to snap a photo. 

Terlingua offers live music and is less than 

90 minutes from the national park. 


Best Campsite 

By default, the Chisos Basin Campground 

takes the title of best campground in the 

park. With both developed and primitive 

sites nearby, the adjoining visitor center 

offers access to some of the park’s most acclaimed 

hikes, including the iconic Emory 

Peak. Some sources list it as the highest 

prominent peak in the state, towering in 

at 7,800-feet. For perspective, that’s over 

1,000-feet higher than Mount Mitchell, 

the highest natural point in the east coast. 

As the centerpiece of the park, you can see 

it from most areas. These unique high desert 

mountains are home to wildlife such 

as bears, mountain lions, cottontails, and 

a wide assortment of reptile life. Similar to 

the plateau and the Blue Ridge Mountains 

as a whole, the larger number of visitors 

make worrisome encounters very unlikely 

– especially in the winter. 

Best Float 

One of the most unusual and enjoyable 

ways to explore the national park is by 

water. Although the often-controversial 

border walls, patrolled crossings, and 

undocumented immigrants are known to 

line Mexico’s northern border, the river 

remains largely unguarded throughout 

the region. That said, it’s a long way from 

civilization on both sides, and remote border 

patrols keep the area relatively quiet. 

The Santa Elena Canyon remains one 

of the most acclaimed segments of the Rio 

Grande River, and for good reason. Canyon 

walls hundreds of feet tall slice clean 

through the shallow and often slow river. 

Upstream of the park, the river has been 

dammed numerous times for agricultural 

water, making it unsafe to drink in most 

areas, but it allows for a safe and passable 

flow for paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, rafts, 

and even tubes in some areas. Imagine 

1000-foot cliffs, comparable to Whiteside 

Mountain’s main face, lining long sections 

of river with mountain goats defying gravity 

as they run vertically along sheer cliffs with 

nothing more than 6 inches of foothold. The 

experience rivals even the mighty Chattooga 

River and offers a variety of backcountry 

camping options in the region. 

Best Scenic Drive 

Similar to the float, the Ross Maxwell Scenic 

Drive through the western reaches of 

the park offers some of the most astounding 

and commanding views of the Chisos 

Mountains, including Sotol Vista, Mule 

Ears, and a stunning view into Santa Elena 

Canyon. While remote, one could spend 

the entire day exploring the numerous 

overlooks and hikes along the way or enjoy 

camping at the Cottonwood Campground 

just past the park’s visitor center. If you’re 

driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, there 

are remote unpaved roads to make your 

way back if that’s your jam. P 

Santa Elena Canyon 

The Chisos Basin

Abandoned 

mining terminal 

in Mexico. 

Santa Elena Canyon Bluffs 

Emory Peak as seen 

from the desert floor. 


Stellar Staycations 

Where to stay when you want an adventure close to home 

By MARIANNE LEEK 

NESTLED IN THAT SWEET SPOT OF THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS WHERE NORTH CAROLINA, 

Georgia, and South Carolina meet, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is a crown jewel of western North Carolina. 

Whether you’re looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway, a girls’ trip, or a weekend respite to reset and relax, 

the plateau is a well-spring of premier accommodations with on-site amenities such as 5-star farm-to-table cuisine, 

first-class spa options, and live music. While Highlands-Cashiers is an easy drive to Asheville, Smoky Mountain 

National Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this high-altitude haven offers an array of outdoor fun, shopping, and entertainment, 

all in a wildly picturesque mountain setting, making it an ideal destination for a shoulder season vacation or staycation. 

Old Edwards Inn and Spa 

In the heart of downtown highlands, the 

luxurious Old Edwards Inn and Spa is 

pure perfection. It’s no surprise that it was 

recently recognized by readers of Conde 

Nast Traveler as one of the top 25 hotels in 

the South. This European-style mountain 

resort is a Relais & Chateaux property, a 

hospitality group that includes some of the 

finest luxury hotels in the world, each one 

prides itself on providing guests with the ultimate 

stay and fine dining experience. Encompassing 

several acres in the downtown 


The Spa at Old Edwards Inn 

(OEI). In the heart of Highlands, 

OEI offers many amenities, 

including fine dining, firstclass 

spa services and live 

entertainment. Guests can 

choose to stay in the historic 

inn, spa suites or cottages. 

Highlands area, guests can choose from 

various accommodation options including 

the historic inn, spa suites, and cottages. 

With three organic farms, guests of the 

Old Edwards Inn will enjoy some of the 

finest cuisine that western North Carolina 

has to offer. Madison’s Restaurant 

and Wine Garden has a curated menu of 

Southern classics prepared from locally 

sourced ingredients. The Wine Garden is 

a seasonal favorite, picturesque patio dining 

complete with a scenic waterfall, where 

mouth-watering burgers, soups, and salads 

are always on the menu. It’s a lovely place 

to grab lunch or enjoy an afternoon cocktail, 

craft beer, or glass of wine. Enjoy your 

morning coffee at Art’s at the Lodge, share 

evening libations at the Hummingbird 

Lounge with friends after a day spent shopping 

and exploring, waste away a summer 

afternoon poolside, and be sure to reward 

yourself with a couple’s massage after hiking 

the trails of Whiteside Mountain. 

Inclusive packages such as “The Winter 

Slip Away and Save,” “Winter All- 

Inclusive at Old Edwards Inn,” “Romantic 

Mountain Escape,” and the “Anniversary 

Celebration” make planning a weekend 

getaway a breeze. Whether you’re a local 

or just visiting, do yourself a favor 

and reserve your spot now at one of the 

Old Edwards 2024 Chefs Dinners at The 

Farm. Executive Chef Chris Huerta invites 

award-winning chefs from across the 

South to design multi-course menus for 

this exquisite dinner series. You will be 

hard-pressed to find a finer establishment 

more focused on providing each guest with 

a unique and luxurious travel experience, 

and it’s right here in our backyard. 

The Highlander 

Mountain House 

Imagine “Western North Carolina meets 

the English countryside.” The Highlander 

Mountain House’s main Mountain House 

includes 18 eclectically decorated rooms, 

peppered with antiques, vintage art, and 

botanically inspired wallpaper to add “a 

touch of whimsy.” 

According to owner Jason Reeves, the 

charming 19th-century Highlander Mountain 

House aims to “get back to everything 

elemental - friendship, sustenance,

The Highlander Mountain House strikes 

the perfect balance between the old world 

and the new, offering an intimate and cozy 

experience. With superb dining and live 

music, it has become a local favorite. Be sure 

to hit one of the monthly Salon Series. 


Each room 

in the main 

Mountain 

House is 

eclectically 

decorated 

with antiques, 

vintage art, 

and botanically 

inspired 

wallpaper to 

add a touch of 

whimsy. 

warmth, connection, inspiration.” He explained 

that “the hotel's approach to hospitality 

is in the European sense, striking 

the perfect balance between the old world 

and the new for a feeling that is completely 

timeless. Its scale lends itself to a very intimate, 

cozy experience for its guests.” 

Conveniently located in downtown 

Highlands, “encouraging curious travelers 

to reconnect with the landscape and 

each other,” the Highlander Mountain 

House is “equal parts Appalachian lodge 

and refined English country estate.” The 

pet-friendly rustic two-story Bunk House 

has a summer camp vibe with rooms that 

are more cabin-like and is located directly 

behind the Main House. 

The Ruffed Grouse Tavern is the on-site 

restaurant with regional “field, forest, fish, 

fowl, and farm” and a new chef who “relies 

on seasonal ingredients from Blue Ridge 

farmers and growers to build his menu.” 


Reeves is excited to welcome Chef Rodney 

Smith, who brings years of experience in 

some of the country’s best kitchens and is 

“unveiling incredible new seasonal menus 

inspired by the bevy of local produce and 

ingredients.” Highlands’ locals are always 

offered 20% off menu items. 

But one of the many things that makes 

Highlander Mountain House so unique is 

its intentional and unwavering commitment 

to art, music, and culture. On Thursday 

nights guests and locals can enjoy 

Burgers and Blues with $20 burgers, draft 

beer, and live blues music in an intimate 

setting, and be sure to make a reservation 

to experience Bluegrass Brunch on Sundays. 

Inspired by 19th-century European 

salons where musicians, composers, and 

others would meet to share and listen 

to music, Reeves describes it as, “a cross 

between a candlelight jazz club and the 

Bluebird Cafe, and there is nothing like 

it for the performers or the guests.” Now 

in its fourth season, “the Highlander will 

continue our incredible monthly Salon Series, 

bringing the best singer-songwriters 

to Highlands in a fireside performance 

format that feels completely timeless.” 

Most recently the series featured musician 

Tyler Ramsey, but the series has also 

hosted writers such as acclaimed Southern 

storyteller and poet Ron Rash. “The 

plateau is so inspirational on its own, so 

bringing art and culture just feels like the 

right extension,” explained Reeves. 

Having been mentioned in Architectural 

Digest, Southern Living, and Conde 

Nast Traveler, the Highlander Mountain 

House makes a convincing case that bigger 

and fancier is not always better. While 

it serves as a perfect base camp for visitors 

planning a mountain retreat, it also 

offers superb dining and a richly unique 

and powerful music-listening experience, 

remaining a local favorite. 

The Outpost Inn 

The Outpost Inn, formerly known as The 

Wells Hotel, has been recently re-branded and 

updated to feel both rustic and refined, with 

“a decor that references mountain summer 

camps as well as the history of art and craftsmanship 

in the Southern Appalachians.” 

Located just a block from Main Street 

in Highlands, it is the sister property to 

the Highlander Mountain House. Owner 

Jason Reeves describes The Outpost Inn 

as “an Appalachian retreat inspired by the 

beauty of the Southern Appalachian Mountains 

and the artists, explorers, and craftsmen 

who came here seeking inspiration.” 

The lobby has been reimagined as a 

rustic mountain mercantile with a woodburning 

fireplace and cozy seating. A coffee 

and wine bar is planned for later in the 

Spring. The rooms are being reimagined 

with beautiful layers of deep color, Appalachian 

textiles, and artwork inspired 

by the surroundings, with luxury amenities 

of course. Nine of the rooms have gas 

fireplaces, and there will be three fire pits 

outside for guests to gather and enjoy the 

summer and beautiful shoulder seasons. 

The Outpost Inn will be “elemental and 

worldly in appeal, but forever cozy and 

welcoming,” and Reeves hopes “it will be 

a respite from the modern world where 

guests can reconnect with the elemental 

side of nature, art, and community in 

the coziest setting and leave completely 

rested, restored, and inspired.” 

Reeves believes guests will be inspired 

when staying at either property,

The Outpost Inn in Highlands is both rustic 

and refined, offering a place to reconnect with 

nature, art and community. The Inn celebrates the 

Southern Appalachian Mountains and the artists, 

explorers and craftsmen who came here seeking 

inspiration. Full in-room amenities. 


The High Hampton in Cashiers 

offers pure rustic mountain 

luxury. Each room in this 

century-old inn offers an 

elegant step into the past. 

With first-class restaurants, 

golf, pickleball, tennis, 

croquet and hiking, you might 

never leave the property. 

“Highlander is a full-service hotel and 

restaurant (open Wed-Sun) and Outpost 

is self-check, although we always have a 

front desk agent available. Both have incredible 

lobbies full of art, seating areas, 

and fireplaces where guests can relax over 

a book and cup of coffee, plan their next 

mountain adventure, or relax and connect 

with other inspired travelers. We feel that 

we have created two experiences unlike 

anything else on the plateau, and we are 

excited by the response and being able to 

share it with future guests.” 

The High Hampton 

Over a century old, The High Hampton is 

situated on over 1,400 acres, steeped in history, 

and quite simply, stunning. With the 

gorgeous bark-covered inn as its focal point, 

this beloved resort is a storied part of Cashiers’ 

history while being a family-friendly 

“destination for generations of summer 

gatherings, weekend getaways, and storybook 

holidays,” and upon first arriving, you’ll 

likely feel like you’ve stepped on a movie set. 

In recent years, the Inn, cottages, and 

restaurants within the Inn have undergone 

significant revitalization and 

restoration, with an intentional focus on 

preservation and maintaining the “unusual 

character and unique appeal of the 

original buildings.” Listed on the National 

Registry of Historic Places and featured 

in Southern Living, Design & Decor, and 

Garden & Gun, The High Hampton is a 

one-of-a-kind destination, set against the 

backdrop of a magnificent rock face and 


situated beside a serene private lake. 

With sweeping wrap-around porches, each 

room in this century-old inn is equally inviting 

and features “unique locally made 

furniture from decades past” combined 

with modern amenities - “the very essence 

of rustic mountain luxury.” 

Voted one of the South’s favorite resorts 

by readers of Travel & Leisure, The High 

Hampton is a culinary lover's dream. 

Whether you are looking for an elevated, 

fine-dining experience or a casual lunch 

enjoyed with friends by the lake, the Inn 

offers culinary options for every occasion. 

Each High Hampton restaurant prides 

itself on providing guests with “classic, regional 

cuisine, re-imagined for a new era of 

travelers…complemented by expertly curated 

wine and cocktail programs. Guests 

staying at the Inn will be just steps away 

from two of these elevated yet unpretentious 

experiences.” In addition to The Inn 

Dining Room and The Tavern, three Club 

restaurants serve both Club members and 

guests of High Hampton Inn. 

While visiting High Hampton, guests can 

enjoy playing pickleball, tennis, and croquet, 

or play a round of golf at High Hampton’s 

new 18-hole course. The resort offers private 

instruction and lessons for those with varying 

degrees of skills. The High Hampton is a 

breathtaking step back in time, to a simpler 

era rife with tradition and heritage. 

Hotel Cashiers 

With its idyllic charm and bucolic scenery, 

it’s no wonder Hotel Cahiers made 

the Traveler magazine list of “The 17 

Most Romantic Getaways in the U.S!” 

With 20 cozy, beautifully designed, and 

well-appointed rooms, guests can take in 

the mountain vistas while relaxing by the 

fire pit. Each room is decorated with the 

guest in mind: light oak floors, custom 

furniture, a mini-fridge, and a spacious 

desk area. If you need more room, Hotel 

Cashiers offers suites, as well as private 

luxury vacation rentals and residences - 

all with a warm and cozy mountain flair. 

Featured in Garden & Gun, the hotel’s 

sophisticated Lobby Bar shakes up 

premiere cocktails and offers a wide selection 

of wine and beer, making it the 

perfect place to enjoy small bites, a wine 

tasting, or a nightcap, 

Hotel Cashiers has an impressive online 

events calendar, with regular live 

music, book signings, and more. Whether 

you are looking to explore Panthertown 

Valley - the “Yosemite of the East,” 

Whitewater Falls & Gorges State Park, 

which boasts some of the highest waterfalls 

east of the Rockies, or “America’s 

Favorite Scenic Drive,” the Blue Ridge 

Parkway, Hotel Cashiers puts you in 

proximity to outdoor fun and adventure. 

You can even book a private hike on 

some of the most scenic local trails with 

a professional guide. And if you’re feeling 

fancy, upgrade to a champagne hike, 

and your guide will take care of carrying 

the champagne and charcuterie, while 

you take in the panoramic views. Hotel 

Cashiers may just be the sweetest little 

luxury hotel around. P

Hotel Cashiers offers 

an elegant community 

area next to the Lobby 

Bar where you can 

meet fellow guests, 

enjoy a cocktail or 

nightcap, or simply 

enjoy the warmth of a 

fire. The hotel also has 

an impressive events 

calendar, including live 

music, book signings 

and more. 


Live well at 

Heartis Buckhead 

Living well is easier than you think! Convenient to all the amazing 

shopping, dining, landmarks and charm Buckhead has to offer, 

Heartis Buckhead is an oasis all its own. With beautiful new 

apartments, chef-prepared meals, a wide range of cultural and 

social activities, and proximity to world-class health care facilities, 

you’ve found your new home. 

There’s no place like home for the holidays! 

Join us for special music, dining and festive events 

throughout the holiday season. For more information or 

to schedule a tour of our lovely community, please visit 

HeartisBuckhead.com or call (770) 833-0926. 

Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care 

2051 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | HeartisBuckhead.com 


dining review in the kitchen libations restaurant guide 

Two Wonderfully 

Stubborn Women 

Stubborn Seeds offers an international 


PHOTO CHELSEA CRONKRITE 


Two Wonderfully Stubborn 

Women 

Stubborn Seeds offers an international 


By KAY WEST » Photos by CHELSEA CRONKRITE 

445 North 4th St 

Highlands, NC 28741 

Tuesday - Sunday 5 to 10 p.m. 

Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

WHEN KRISTINA “KIKI” 

Donikian and Clarissa 

Fawver decided in 2023 to 

open a restaurant together, 

they wanted to bring 

something different to Highlands, which 

despite being rich in culinary options was a 

little scant on global curiosity. 

“Diners here lean a little conservative,” 

says Donikian. “Big plates with big proteins.” 

Adds Fawver, “Highlands has Italian, pub 

food, steakhouses, contemporary American. 

We wanted to do something unique.” 

The eureka moment came via Spanish 

tapas. An established dining style 

in Spain steadily gaining momentum in 

the U.S., restaurants have increasingly 

expanded and renamed appetizer sections 

‘small plates’ while entrees or ‘large 

plates’ have been pared down. 

In July 2023, within three weeks of 

signing the lease on The Bridge building 

and two weeks after Donikian gave birth 

to her first child, the partners opened 

Stubborn Seeds. The name, they say, is 

an acknowledgment of the work, focus 

and determination it takes to start an 

independent restaurant. “Kiki and I had 

talked about how often as young women 

we met obstacles because of our age or 

gender or both,” says Fawver. “We called 

each other stubborn, which sometimes 

has a negative connotation.” 

The two turned it around. “Women work 

extremely hard and two women together, 

twice as hard,” Donikian says. “We never 

gave up; we fought for this and made it 

happen. The seeds represent the growth 

we want to bring to our community.” 

Both have solid hospitality experience. 

Fawver worked at country clubs while a 

student at Clemson and knew Highlands 

from hiking there with her mother. After 

(Above:) Patatas bravas. Cubes of fried potatoes 

with an ideal crisp, drizzled with a smoked 

harissa aioli; (Right): The paella for two with 

golden saffron rice, bright green peas, diced 

tomato, seared scallops, sautéed shrimp and 

broiled lobster tails. A perfect complement to 

the Spanish wine. 

college, she was in the fitness field, then 

large event and festival planning. When 

the pandemic shut that industry down, 

she retreated to Highlands and took a job 

at Midpoint restaurant on Main Street, 

eventually becoming manager. 

Donikian brought an international resume 

to Highlands – born in Sophia, Bulgaria, 

she and her family lived in Madrid 

for a couple of years when she was quite 

young. She fell in love with the hospitality 

industry through restaurant jobs in college; 

while an exchange student at WCU, she 


worked at a country club in Highlands. She 

spent time in Greece, Miami and Chicago 

before returning to Highlands in 2018, 

taking the GM job at Cypress restaurant. 

When chef/owner Nick Higel decided to 

sell, she grabbed the opportunity, renaming 

it Midpoint and bringing in a Vietnamese 

chef. Pastry chef/chocolatier Oksana 

Shchelgachova, now owner of Edelweiss, 

was one of her first hires. 

She inherited cook Gustavo Villota, 

a native of Ecuador who had worked in 

Asheville; he frequently brought her 

dishes to try. “Everything he made was 

better than the one before. He brought 

(Above:) Shrimp sauteed in garlic and oil. Small plate. (Left, top:) Albondigas. Small plate of meatballs 

in a tomato-based sauce; (Left, bottom:) Kristina “Kiki” Donikian and Clarissa Fawver, co-owners of 

Stubborn Seeds. 

such layers of flavor to every dish. I made 

him executive chef of Midpoint, and he 

transformed it.” 

When a gas explosion closed Midpoint 

in early July, Fawver and Donikian were 

already transforming The Bridge – which 

had closed Memorial Day – to Stubborn 

Seeds. The footprint was in place for 

guests – a small foyer with a sofa; a large 

room with floor to ceiling windows, a U- 

shaped bar that seats 20, high-topped 

tables and upholstered booths; and a 

smaller dining room bordered on one side 

with an open kitchen. All of it in creamy 

neutrals and multiple textures, conveying 

warmth and sophistication. “We wanted 

to create a vibrant social scene,” Donikian 

explains. “Make a reservation for a table, 

or just drop in for a glass of wine and 

tapas at the bar, which is always like a 

party. You’ll make friends there for sure.” 

The menu was grown from the ground 

up, working with Villota to include traditional 

Spanish tapas like patatas bravas, 

albondigas (meatballs), mushrooms in 

an olive oil-based sauce with garlic and 

spices, shrimp sauteed in garlic and oil 

and braised, boneless short ribs in sherry 

wine glaze. The cubes of fried potatoes 

have an ideal crisp, drizzled with smoked 

harissa aioli rather than roasted tomato. 

The mushrooms are plump and meaty, 

and the meatballs dunked in a thick tomato 

sauce. 

The standout among the slate of 20 tapas 

is the pulpo a la plancha – coins of 

succulent grilled octopus, charred cherry 

tomatoes and sliced roast potatoes on a 

bed of pureed parsnip. That winter root 

vegetable is also the base for two seared, 

sweet, melt-in-your-mouth jumbo scallops. 

In response to the question, ‘What is 

the future of dining?’ posed to a panel of 

Eater Carolinas writers, one contributor 

boldly predicted ‘The death of entrees!’ 

Stubborn Seeds says not so fast and offers 

a thoughtfully edited six to eight large 

plates, including big proteins like elk tenderloin 

and a Korabuta porkchop. Take a 

trip to Spain via the paella for two – a gorgeous 

presentation of golden saffron rice, 

bright green peas, diced tomato, seared 

scallops, sauteed shrimp and broiled lobster 

tails, the perfect dish to complement 

the tapas and Spanish wines. 

Pastry chef Katelin Chambers brings 

international flavor and a deft touch 

to desserts, in particular the Indianinspired 

Gulab Jamun – a milk donut 

centered in a bowl of subtly sweet saffron 

lassi and strewn with toasted pistachios. 

A rotation of 20 wines by the glass are 

always available, and beverage service is 

very accommodating of those who want a 

grown-up drink minus the alcohol. 

In Stubborn Seeds, Donikian and 

Fawver have cultivated a vibrant restaurant 

and experience abundant with flavor 

and fun, and they promise they’ve just 

begun to grow. P 


Meat -Free Marvels 

Wintery veggie dishes sure to soothe the soul 

Recipes and Photos by 

FANNY SLATER 


Hearty vegetarian recipes? Yep, you read that right. We're embracing the chilly climate 

with a symphony of satisfying comfort food that showcases plant-based cuisine in all its glory. 

These versatile seasonal dishes will not only make your mouth water but also revise your 

traditional definition of winter dining. Wake up to the smoky smell of poblano peppers with our 

chile relleno breakfast casserole. This cheesy egg masterpiece is a makeover on the classic that 

skips the stuffing, battering, and frying but still leans on tangy tomato sauce for richness. Next 

up: a vibrant vegetarian spin on a Ukrainian staple that tugs on the heartstrings of my childhood. 

Spiked with vinegar and built on a base of crunchy cabbage, buttery potatoes, sweet carrots and 

lively beets—this borsht is anything but boring. Our meat-free Bolognese is packed with tender 

goodies like melt-in-your-mouth eggplant, crunchy zucchini, and sharp Pecorino. I suggest a 

sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added kick. Sweeten your night with bold, buttery roasted 

acorn squash halves. A tasty trio of robust maple syrup, brown sugar, and cloves create a caramelscented 

pool right in the center. Last but not least, the pièce de resistance—a vegan rendition of 

an iconic Malaysian soup. Swimming with green curry, coconut milk and tender spaghetti squash, 

this sweet and spicy laksa is herbaceously addictive and even gluten-free. 

Cheesy Chile Relleno Breakfast Casserole 

Yield: 6-8 servings 

Casserole 

2 1/2 pounds poblano peppers 

(about 8 large) 

1 cup shredded Monterey 

Jack cheese, divided 

1 cup shredded mild cheddar 

cheese, divided 

8 large eggs 

1 cup whole milk 

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 

1/2 teaspoon baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 

1/2 teaspoon onion powder 

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 

1 teaspoon coarse salt 

1/2 teaspoon freshly 

ground black pepper 

Green onions and 

cilantro, for garnish 

Sauce 

2 tablespoons olive oil 

1/2 cup chopped yellow onion 

1 large jalapeno, chopped 

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, 

plus more to taste 

1 teaspoon chili powder blend 

2 large cloves garlic, 

minced 

2 14.5-ounce cans 

diced tomatoes 

1/4 cup chicken stock 

2 teaspoons white 

wine vinegar 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the broiler to high. 

2. Arrange the peppers in a single layer on foil-lined baking sheets and broil, flipping 

occasionally with tongs, until the skins are charred and blistered on all sides, 

about 15-20 minutes. 

3. Transfer the peppers to a large mixing bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. 

Set aside and allow the peppers to steam for 10 minutes. 

4. While the peppers are steaming, preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat 

a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or 3-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray. 

5. Add the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and 

black pepper to a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Add the eggs and milk 

to a large mixing bowl and whisk until frothy. Add the flour mixture to the 

egg mixture and whisk until thoroughly combined. 

6. Peel the peppers and discard the skins. Remove the stems, cut each pepper in 

half down the middle, and remove the seeds. Slice the peppers into long strips. 

7. Spread half of the peppers in the bottom of the dish and top with 1/2 cup 

Monterey Jack cheese and 1/2 cup cheddar. Repeat with the remaining peppers 

and cheese, and pour the egg mixture over the top. 

8. Bake the casserole until puffy and golden brown 

around the edges, about 45 minutes. 

9. While the casserole is baking, make the sauce. In a medium saucepot over medium 

heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the onions, jalapeno, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon 

salt, and chili powder until softened, about 5 minutes. 

10. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the tomatoes and chicken stock 

and bring the mixture to a boil for 1 minute. Remove the sauce from heat, cool for 

5 minutes, and then transfer to a high-speed blender or food processor (or use an 

immersion blender) and puree until smooth. 

11. Return the sauce to the pan over low heat. Whisk in the vinegar and season to taste 

with additional salt if necessary. 

12. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing into portions and topping 

with sauce. Garnish with cilantro and green onion tops and serve. 


Vegetarian Borscht with Beets & Cabbage 


Ingredients: 

1 tablespoon unsalted butter 

1 tablespoon olive oil 

1 medium onion, diced 

2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 

5 small Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 

1-inch pieces 

5 small red beets, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, plus more to taste 

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

2 large cloves garlic, minced 

1 tablespoon tomato paste 

8 cups low-sodium vegetable stock 

3 cups chopped green cabbage (about 1/3 medium 

cabbage) 

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, plus 

more to taste 

1/2 cup sour cream 

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill 

Directions: 

1. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepot like a Dutch oven, melt 

the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and 

sweat until very fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes. 

2. Add the carrots, potatoes, and beets and sauté 

until the veggies are lightly golden on the outside, 

about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, tomato 

paste, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute. 

3. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to 

a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until 

the carrots, potatoes, and beets are tender but not 

mushy about 20 minutes. Add the cabbage and vinegar 

and stir to combine. Simmer until the cabbage 

wilts but still has some crunch, about 10 minutes. 

4. Season to taste with additional salt and vinegar. 

Divide the borscht among bowls and 

garnish with the sour cream and dill. 


Rigatoni with Eggplant Bolognese 


Ingredients: 

3 tablespoons olive oil 

1 large eggplant (about 1 pound), cut into 

1/2-inch cubes 

1 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more to taste 

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

2 cups chopped yellow onion 

1 cup peeled and diced carrot 

1 cup diced zucchini 

1 teaspoon dried oregano, or 1 tablespoon 

fresh 


1 tablespoon tomato paste 

1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes 

1 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes 

1 pound rigatoni noodles 

1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, 

divided, plus more for serving 

1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, roughly 

chopped, plus some for garnish 

Directions: 

1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, add 3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. 

Add the eggplant, onion, carrot, zucchini, salt, pepper, and oregano. Saute, 

stirring occasionally, until the veggies have softened and taken on some 

color, about 3 minutes, and then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 

2. Stir in the tomato paste so it coats the veggies and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze 

the pot with the canned tomatoes, scraping the bottom to release any 

bits that are stuck. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, 

cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. 

3. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and 

cook the rigatoni according to package instructions (reserving 1 cup of 

starchy cooking water). 

4. Add the cooked pasta, 1/4 cup of the Pecorino, and the basil to the pot with the 

sauce and toss, slowly adding the reserved starchy cooking water a few 

tablespoons at a time to help the sauce cling to the noodles. Season to taste 

with additional salt. 

5. Divide among plates, garnish with the remaining 

Pecorino and basil, and serve 

with extra cheese alongside. 


Green Curry Coconut Laksa Soup 

Yield: 6 servings 

Ingredients: 

1 4-pound spaghetti squash, halved 

lengthwise and seeded 

4 tablespoons coconut oil, divided 

1 teaspoon coarse salt, divided 

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground 

black pepper, divided 

4 scallions, white and green 

parts chopped and divided 


2-inch knob ginger, minced 

1 minced fresh Thai chili or jalapeno 

1 medium red bell pepper, cut into strips 

8 ounces green beans, ends 

trimmed and cut in half 

2 heads baby bok choy, cut into 2-inch pieces 

2 tablespoons green curry 

paste, plus more to taste 

6 cups vegetable stock 

1 1/2 cups canned coconut milk 

2 teaspoons sweet chili sauce 

1 tablespoon lime juice 

Jalapenos, bean sprouts, cilantro, Thai 

basil, and lime wedges for serving 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

2. Lightly coat the inside of the squash halves with 2 tablespoons of coconut 

oil. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 

Place them cut side down on the prepared baking sheet and bake until 

fork tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Set aside, then separate the flesh from 

the skin when cool enough to handle. 

3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to a large saucepot over medium 

heat. Sauté the white parts of the scallions until translucent about 3 to 5 

minutes. Add the ginger, garlic, and chilies, and stir for about 30 seconds. 

Add the bell pepper, green beans, and bok choy and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. 

4. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 

stir in the green curry paste. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute, 

and then pour in the vegetable stock. 

5. Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in 

the coconut milk and then simmer, stirring occasionally, until the veggies 

are tender-crisp, about 15 minutes. Stir in the spaghetti squash strands 

and cook until warmed through, about 5 more minutes. 

6. Remove from heat. Stir in the sweet chili sauce and lime juice. Adjust to 

taste with additional salt, chili sauce, and lime juice. 

7. Divide the soup among bowls and garnish with sliced jalapenos, chopped 

green scallion tops, lime wedges, bean sprouts, cilantro, and Thai basil. 


libations 

PASSION IS A POWERFUL 

force. With it, anything is 

possible, especially when people 

come together for the benefit 

of community and conservation. 

A common love of our area and her 

wild places is behind a local brewery and 

a botanist whose worlds may not have 

intersected without a shared love of these 

mountains and an understanding that they 

need protecting. 

Garden to Growler 

A botanist and a brewery come together 

to save our wild places 

By JULIE SCHOTT 

PHOTO ANDREW RENFRO 

The Brewery 

While Ryan Glenn may be young in years, 

he is an experienced brewer who has 

a knack for crafting outstanding beer. 

Humble talent is the best kind, and he’s 

got that. Ryan began honing his craft 

while working at a large brewery. Since 

this experience he has built his home in 

Cashiers as the sole brewer for Whiteside 

Brewing Company. He said he prefers a 

smaller brewery because he can give more 

attention to the details. “Doing it by myself 

means more quality control,” he explained. 

Love of his craft comes through in the 

beer Ryan creates. When asked about his 

process, he said, “I like to challenge myself, 

try new things and have fun with it, doing 

something different. You never know when 

you’ll come up with the next big one—you’ve 

gotta progress.” His passion for exploring 

new flavor profiles is clear and drives him 

to never stop innovating, which is lucky for 

those of us who are fortunate enough to enjoy 

the fruits of his labor one pint at a time. 

The brewing process is much like cultivating 

a garden, it takes constant care and 

tending. The actual process takes about 

eight to ten hours followed by an eight-week 

period where you have to keep a close watch 

on fermentation and the yeast health. 

Yeast, which is what helps make beer, is a 

living organism that requires food and oxygen 

via wort, a sugary grain water. If you’d 

like to witness this process firsthand, all 

this magic happens out in the open, right 

inside the main dining area at Whiteside 

Brewing. 

Whether you choose to gather inside or 

out, Whiteside has become a community 

gathering place, and community is at the 

heart of what they do. Giving back to the 

community that supports them is a priority. 

Three years ago, they launched their 

Grub for Good program, which benefits local 

nonprofits by donating a percentage of 

sales during a specific time. They have also 

recently begun Trivia Nights hosted by and 

for the benefit of different area nonprofits. 

Last summer Whiteside Brewing collaborated 

with Highlands-Cashiers Land 

Trust (HCLT) to craft a beer using botanicals 

sustainably foraged from a conserved 

HCLT property. This seasonal brew was 

aptly named “Feelin’ Pine,” a nod to the 

pitch pine (Pinus rigida) that was used. 

A percentage of the sales went to support 

the Land Trust’s mission to conserve the 

natural places we all love and need. When 

asked why they support protecting our 

natural resources, Ann Novitske, Business 

Development Manager for the brewery, 

said, “We live in a beautiful place. This 

area is so unique with a huge variety of 

species, waterfalls and nature, and it is the 

responsibility of each of us to help protect 

that. Ryan added, “I grew up hiking trails 

(Above): Dr. Dan Pittillo, retired WCU professor 

of botany and land conservation donor, on a 

tour of Nodding Trillium Garden at the Pittillo 

Family Nature Preserve in Cullowhee. 


libations 

that were nothing like what we have on 

the plateau. Here our options for hiking 

and exploring are almost unlimited.” 

If you didn’t get a chance to sample their 

last collaboration with HCLT, never fear, 

they are at it again! On tap now is a perfect 

winter ale crafted from sustainably 

foraged spicebush! 

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is somewhat 

of a wonder shrub. Part of the laurel 

family, this native shrub provides food for 

a number of animals, including 20 species 

of birds, but it is deer resistant, making it 

a great option for landscaping. However, 

spicebush is dioecious, meaning the plants 

are either male or female so both sexes 

are needed to produce berries with viable 

seeds. It is also a host plant for the swallowtail 

butterfly. Its leaves and stems are 

very aromatic when crushed, revealing a 

spicy, citrus scent. 

Spicebush has a long history of being 

used by those who came before us. Native 

Americans used it to treat colds, coughs, 

croup and other ailments, as well as to 

flavor foods, such as ahem, possum and 

groundhog. During the civil war, it was 

used as both a tea when coffee rations ran 

low and a “spring tonic.” 

With its notes of pumpernickel, toffee, 

smoky wood, clove and peppery allspice, 

Ryan saw a new challenge and the opportunity 

for a tasty winter ale. But where to 

sustainably source it? The folks at HCLT 

knew the perfect place, a place like no 

other that just happens to be the home of 

a local legend. 

The Botanist 

Nestled in a cove in Jackson County sits 

a mountainside woodland with one of the 

finest and most extensive collections of native 

wildflowers found in our area. Over 50 

species of wildflowers, including at least 

seven species of trillium, make Nodding 

Trillium Garden at the Pittillo Family 

Nature Preserve in Cullowhee, NC a true 

botanical treasure. 

Decades in the making, this one-of-akind 

ecological collection has been curated 

by, and at the homestead of, renowned 

botanist, Dr. Dan Pittillo, who, himself, 

is a local treasure. He is one of the most 

venerated experts in the plants of our region, 

and he is an expert at interpreting 

the stories they tell about the health and 

status of the forests they call home. 

As a Western NC native and retired 

WCU professor, Dr. Pittillo has been studying 

and exploring our forests and her flora 

his whole life. Nodding Trillium Garden 

is, in many ways, a living tribute not only 

to his life’s work exploring Appalachia but 

also to the woman he loved and their family. 

Born in a small town just outside Asheville 

in 1938, Dan spent his childhood 

discovering the wonders of our wild places 

with the southern Appalachian Mountains 

as his playground. As his intrigue of our 

natural world grew, he soon discovered his 

passion for botany, a lifelong love affair 

that eventually led him to pursue his PhD 

at the University of Georgia (UGA), where 

he would meet his next love, his wife Jean. 

Jean worked in the lab at UGA with 

Dan. He wanted to pursue her but thought 

she was already in a relationship with another 

man at their lab. When he learned 

that Jean’s friend was only that and not a 

romantic interest to her, he finally asked 

her on a date. Dan had found the woman 

he would eventually marry. 

When Dan and his bride came back to 

NC, they settled on their land in Cullowhee 

and began to build their life together. 

It was here at their family homestead, in 

their mountainside woodland cove, that 

Dan and Jean would raise their family. 

After settling into their new home, Dan 

started his career as a professor of botany 

at WCU. Over the next nearly 40 years, 

Dr. Pittillo earned a reputation as one of 

the top botanists and field ecologists in our 

region and beyond. He has taken part in 

countless botanical surveys throughout 

our region for the Biltmore Estate, Balsam 

Mountain Preserve, North Carolina Arboretum, 

Blue Ridge Parkway, and Great 

Smoky Mountains National Park. Like 

most academics, Dan’s thirst for knowledge 

has never been satiated. He has even 

conducted climate change studies on his 

family land in Cullowhee. 

After collecting university herbarium 

specimens from the NC mountain region, 

Signage at the 

Pittillo Family 

Nature Preserve. 

Single spicebush berry. 

The spicebush was used 

to create Pittillo's Belgian 

Winter Ale, a creation by 

Ryan Glenn and Whiteside 

Brewing Company. 

PHOTO JULIE SCHOTT, DR. DAN PITTILLO 


he sometimes had a rhizome, which is a 

horizontal underground plant stem, that 

wasn’t going to be used. Instead of throwing 

it away, he would stick it in the ground on 

his property. His attitude was, if it grows, it 

grows. Well, let’s just say, they grew! 

Over time, an impressive collection 

of plants started to flourish. As early as 

the 1970s, local school children, university 

students, and other members of the 

community visited the garden to view its 

trilliums and other spring flora. Their 

mountainside woodland blossomed into an 

extraordinary garden. 

Sadly, in 2011, Jean passed away. 

In 2012, the Pittillo family made the 

decision to conserve their family woodland 

and garden with HCLT by placing a conservation 

easement on the land, ensuring 

it would be protected forever. The Pittillo 

Family Nature Preserve and Nodding 

Trillium Garden is now dedicated to the 

memory of Jean Pittillo, who lived there 

for more than forty years and was greatly 

loved by family and community alike, a fitting 

legacy for a remarkable family. 

As Dan spent his entire career studying 

and teaching people about our natural 

world, it is only fitting that he and the 

Pittillo family have graciously invited the 

public to walk the trails of their Preserve. 

It is worth noting that while all properties 

that HCLT conserves offer public benefit, 

this is the only privately held conservation 

easement that invites the public to come 

learn and explore. 

It was from Dan’s garden that spicebush 

was sustainably foraged to make Whiteside 

Brewing’s latest creation, named in 

honor of a botanist who is making a huge 

impact on our mountains. Make sure to 

stop by Whiteside Brewing and try Pittillo’s 

Belgian Amber Ale before this limited 

batch runs out! A percentage of the proceeds 

will go to support HCLT’s conservation 

mission. P 

PHOTOS CAROLE SHEPARDSON 

For more information about how to visit 

Nodding Trillium Garden and to learn 

more about the important work that HCLT 

is doing to save our wild places, visit 

www.hcltnc.org. 

(Top): Whiteside Brewing Company, Cashiers' 

only craft micro-brewery; (Bottom): Ryan Glenn, 

Brew Master at Whiteside Brewing Company. 


Pulpo a la plancha. 

Coins of succulent 

grilled octopus, 

charred cherry 

tomatoes and sliced 

roast potatoes on 

a bed of pureed 

parsnip, a standout 

small plate at 

Stubborn Seeds in 

Highlands. 

Ready to Eat? 

Use our restaurant listings to find the best 

eating and drinking on the plateau. 

American 

4118 Kitchen + Bar (H) 64 Highlands 

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

ambience, this New American cuisine eatery 

offers a delectable menu that changes seasonally, 

using fresh, local ingredients. Craft 

cocktails, beer and wine. Lunch and dinner 

Tue-Sun. 

Cornucopia Restaurant (C) 16 Cashiers 

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

cottage is a local staple, serving an American 

menu of soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees. 

Try their Savannah crab cakes, trout 

piccata, chicken pot pie or famous house 

Reuben. Lunch and dinner, seasonally. 

Panthertown Cafe (T) 16614 Rosman Hwy, 

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

eatery serving country-style breakfast and 

lunch. Eggs, bacon and biscuits, and tasty 

burgers and sandwiches. 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Mon-Fri (Sat-Sun seasonally). 

Mica’s Restaurant & Pub (S) 25 Logan 

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

serving American cuisine like NC rainbow 

trout, filet mignon and prime rib. Burgers, 

sandwiches, soups, salads and pizza. Large 

covered patio with a fire pit and live music. Full 

bar, beer and wine. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Mountain Fresh Grocery & Wine Market 

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

grocery and specialty shop that offers a deli, 

grill, wood-fired pizza, bakery, butcher and 

wine. Stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner 

daily, enjoy a glass of wine or craft beer, or take 

home a dinner-to-go during winter season. Catering 

and custom cakes are available. 

Primary Restaurant + Bar (H) 310 Main St., 

828-526-3555. A contemporary American eatery 

with classy digs and a large bar area. Salads, 

burgers and sandwiches for lunch and entrees 

for dinner. Try the braised lamb shank, sesame 

seared ahi tuna and Carolina trout. Full bar, 

wine and beer. Lunch and dinner Thurs-Mon. 

The Hidden Valley Tavern (S) 3638 US-64, 

828-866-3144. High end food from down to earth 

people. Blend of American and Italian Cuisine. 

For lunch, try the Penne Alla Vodka or Salmon 

Piccata. For dinner, try the pecan-crusted trout 

or the fillet. Closed Sunday and Monday. 

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

(T) Lake Toxaway 


Whiteside Brewing Co. (C) 128 Hwy 107, 

828-743-6000. Serving up American pub-grub 

with handcrafted beers that change seasonally. 

Wings, paninis, soups, salads, burgers and 

sandwiches. Try the Whiteside burger, salmon 

BLT or the Reuben. Large outside seating area 

and several TVs for watching your favorite 

sports. Lunch and dinner. Closed on Wed. 

Asian 

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

787-1680. Authentic Asian eatery serving 

Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes, including 

sushi, hibachi, soups and curry. Kani 

salad, red snapper, beef and scallops and red 

curry chicken are some of the favorites. Full 

bar. Lunch and dinner. Closed on Wed. 

Bakery 

Cake Bar (H) 2252 Dillard Road, 828-421- 

2042. A cozy speakeasy for the sweet-tooth, offering 

decadent handcrafted desserts, wines by 

the glass, cappuccino and espresso. Live jazz 

on the weekends. Savor on-site or take-out. 

Calder's Coffee Cafe (H) 384 Main St., 828- 

200-9308. A coffee shop with bagels flown 

in from New York, locally-made cinnamon 

rolls, authentic Welsh Cakes and a variety of 

pastries. Open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 

Sugar Cloud Baking Company (C) 113 

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

bakery and wedding cake boutique. Specializing 

in gourmet cupcakes, donuts, Macarons, 

cookies, handcrafted pies and custom 

cakes. Follow on social media for hours. 

Bar/Pub 

Highlands Wine Shoppe (H) 269 Oak St., 

828-526-4080. A cozy wine shop with a cellar 

collection of rare and hard-to-find wines. Sample 

up to 16 wines at the Napa Wine Station. 

Gift baskets and Riedel glassware. Open daily. 

Satulah Mountain Brewing Company 

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

a premium craft beer, the brewery offers 

8 high-craft beers in their taproom. Try 

the Tuckasegee Gold or the Sunset Saison. 

Open Thur-Sat. 

Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company 

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

eatery overlooking Sapphire Mountain 

and the golf course. Small plates, salads, 

pub grub and entrees. Try the smokehouse 

burger, steak frites or a wood-fired pizza. 

Full bar, wine and several craft beer selections. 

Lunch and dinner, Thur-Sun. 

SlopeSide Tavern (S) 217 Sapphire Valley 

Rd., 828-743-8655. Enjoy a menu where 

traditional tavern favorites get a little twist. 

Full bar with wine and large selection of local 

beers. Indoor and outdoor seating, dog friendly. 

Open every day but Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Live music every Thursday from 6 - 9 p.m. 

The FIX Restaurant Bar & Lounge (S) 

3093 US-64, 828-743-7477. Sapphire's spot 

for upscale bar food enhanced with sports bar 

amenities. Serves a casual breakfast, lunch and 

brunch while dinner brings in a finer dining experience. 

Winter hours vary. Closed Tuesdays. 

The High Dive (H) 476 Carolina Way, 828- 

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

and visitors come for libations and stay for 

the fun. Enjoy karaoke on Tuesdays and live 

music on Fridays. Tue-Sun beginning at 4 p.m. 

The Ugly Dog Pub (C) 25 Frank Allen Rd., 

743-3000; (H) 294 S. 4th St., 828-526-8364. 

Two locations that offer a casual and relaxed 

atmosphere, serving American pub grub, 

like chef-created burgers, sandwiches, salads 

and soups. Full bar, regional craft beers 

and wine. Live music with top talent weekly. 

Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch. 

Barbecue 

Blue Hound BBQ (SM) 7420 Dillard Rd., 

Southern Appalachian BBQ crafted from 

locally-sourced meats, produce, and wood. 

Open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday-Saturday. 

Everything made from scratch and 

with love on the smoker. 

Cashiers Valley Smokehouse (C) 281 Hwy 

64 W, 828-547-2096. The perfect casual spot to 

kick back and enjoy a great meal of honestto-goodness 

pit cooked barbeque pork, chicken 

or beef, with homemade sauces for every 

taste. Their home cooked sides will make you 

reminisce of bygone days, with Sunday dinner 

tables laden with vegetables, homemade 

potato salad, slaw and baked beans. 

Highlands Smokehouse (H) 595 Franklin 

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

including pulled pork, brisket, ribs and classic 

Southern sides. Also offering tasty burgers, 

tacos, stew and vegetarian options. Full bar 

and beer. Lunch and dinner, Wed-Mon. 

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

828-743-4334. Located at the Cashiers Farmers 

Market, this take-out eatery serves sandwiches 

like pulled pork, smoked turkey, beef 

brisket and egg salad. Take home ribs and 

BBQ by the pound and sides. Open seasonally. 

Celebrating 

40 Years of 

Fine Dining! 

Enjoy international cuisine while 

overlooking beautiful Lake Sequoyah. 

Book Reservations by phone 

or online with RESY 

Open nightly, 5:30-9pm 

1536 Franklin Road, Highlands 

828-526-2338 

ontheverandah.com 

New American Cuisine 

Seasonal menus showcasing 

regional products 

Open daily for lunch and dinner 

Sunday brunch 

Craft cocktails, beer & wine 

$6 smash menu provides 

the most affordable lunch in town! 

64 Highlands Plaza, Highlands NC 

828-526-5002 • 4118kitchen-bar.com 


Bistro 

Don Leon's (H) 828-482-1513. Fresh Mediterranean 

Food in a cozy and friendly environment. 

The gyro is the local favorite, but 

everything on the menu is certain to satisfy. 

Tues-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar (H) 465 Main 

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

wood-fired pizza, cast-iron sandwiches, 

small plates and salads in a modern Mediterranean 

eatery. Try the Polpette (homemade pork 

meatballs), cast-iron grilled cheese or choose a 

tomato-based or olive oil-based pizza baked to 

perfection. Lunch and dinner, Wed-Mon. 

Zookeeper Bistro (C) 45 Slab Town Rd., 

828-743-7711. Casual dining for breakfast and 

lunch, serving American dishes like caramel 

apple French toast and Western omelet, or try 

the Slabtown burger or Jackson County club. 

Beer and wine. 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tue-Sun. 

Café 

Bella’s Junction Café (SM) 20 Old Mud 

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

café serving American fare. Salads and 

sandwiches for lunch, like salmon BLT and 

Reuben, and for dinner try a homemade 

pizza or the stuffed flounder, prime rib or 

lobster ravioli. Lunch Thur-Sat, dinner Fri- 

Sat, Sun brunch. 

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

526-9922. A casual breakfast and lunch café 

For Everyone Who Loves 

the Mountains 

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offering breakfast all day, and tasty burgers, 

sandwiches and salads for lunch. Try 

the grilled portabella with sweet potato tots 

or the smoked chicken salad. Open daily 7 

a.m. - 3 p.m., closed Wed. 

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

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

offering fresh brewed coffee and tea, along 

with breakfast, lunch and dessert items. Try 

the egg & cheese English muffin or a grilled 

Panini. Open daily 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Calders Coffee Café (H) 384 Main St., 

828-200-9308. Calders serves up fine classic 

coffee, tea, wine and food. Select from 

breakfast and lunch sandwiches like ham 

and cheese croissants or smoked salmon. 

Fressers Courtyard Café (H) 470 Oak St., 

828-526-8847. A small take-out café with patio 

tables offering delicious baked goods, hearty 

burgers and sandwiches, and their famous 

thick-cut Fresser fries. Full-service catering is 

available. Lunch and dinner seasonally. 

Deli/Ice Cream 

Crossroads Custard & Cold Brew (C) 45 

Slab Town Road, A-6, 828-743-1888. Experience 

the house-made, rich, soft-serve custard 

available in 24 flavors. Also serves shakes, 

smoothies, cold brew coffee, floats, sandwiches, 

bagels and more. Closed Mondays. 

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

old-fashioned confectionery serving original 

recipe ice-cream, hand-crafted chocolates, 

Mackinac Island fudge, handmade sweets 

and gift baskets. Try top sellers like turtle 

fudge or milk sea-salt tuttles. Open daily. 

Fine Dining 

Canyon Kitchen (S) 150 Lonesome Valley 

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

serving New American cuisine in a rusticchic 

ambience. Enjoy a four-course meal with 

selections like flounder crudo, duck boudin, 

seared diver scallops and apple foster cheesecake. 

Full bar and extensive wine list. Dinner 

Wed-Sun, May-Oct. 

Highlands Tavern (H) 205 South 4th St., 

828-526-9002. An upscale, eclectic tavern 

that will blow your socks off. Be sure to order 

the focaccia while studying the ever-changing 

menu. Enjoy your culinary adventure. Dinner 

Fri-Tues, 5 to 11 p.m. 

Lakeside Restaurant (H) 531 Smallwood 

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

within a cozy cottage on Harris Lake, offering 

fresh seafood and American fare. Local rainbow 

trout, Carolina grouper and Marylandstyle 

crab cakes are favorites. Extensive wine 

list. Dinner Tue-Sun. 

Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden 

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

AAA Four-Diamond Award, Madison’s offers 

a seasonal, farm-to-table fine dining service 

in the elegant Old Edwards Inn. Enjoy lush 

dishes like Painted Hills beef ribeye and Sunburst 

trout, along with an extensive wine list. 

Lunch and dinner daily. 

On The Verandah (H) 1536 Franklin Rd., 

828-526-2338. An upscale eatery offering international 

cuisine and seafood, with a romantic 

atmosphere overlooking Lake Sequoyah. Enjoy 

dishes like spicy Thai coconut shrimp, filet 

mignon, Creole chicken and seared scallops. 

Extensive wine list. Dinner nightly, seasonally. 

Ristorante Paoletti (H) 440 Main St., 828- 

526-4906. Enjoy refined Italian dining in an elegant 

European-style atmosphere. Handmade 

pasta, veal, beef, lamb, elk and several fresh 

seafood dishes comprise the extensive menu. 

Over 850 wines to pair with your meal. Earned 

Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence 

since 1987. Dinner nightly, seasonally. 

The Library Kitchen & Bar (S) 184 Cherokee 

Trail, 828-743-5512. An historic upscale 

eatery with a casual and modern vibe, serving 

dishes with German influences from Michelinstar 

trained Chef Johannes. Try the pistachio 

crusted Georgia quail or the coriander sautéed 

Carolina trout. Full bar, wine and beer. Catering 

available. Dinner Tue-Sat. 

The Orchard Restaurant (C) 905 Hwy 

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

serving southern-inspired American cuisine 

with an elegant, rustic ambience. Try the 

trout Chattooga, Grimshawe’s ribeye or apple 

bourbon pork osso buco. Full bar, extensive 

wine list and beer. Dinner Wed-Sat. 

Stubborn Seeds at Mill Creek (H) 445 

North 4th St., 828-2000-0813. Fine dining 

with an international flair. Enjoy small 

plates of shrimp, octopus, mushroom ravioli, 

meatballs, potatoes and more. Large plate 

offerings include salmon, elk tenderloin, 

porkchop, and paella for two, among others. 

Your palate will be both surprised and 

elated. Tues-Sun 5 to 10 p.m.; Sat. 12. p.m. 

to 11 p.m. 

The Restaurant at the Greystone (T) 

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

inside The Greystone Inn, the restaurant 

offers breathtaking views of Lake Toxaway 

and mountains. Enjoy a seasonal menu 

from award-winning Chef Sean, like Bouil-

labaisse and pomegranate and molasses 

glazed duck breast. Breakfast, lunch and 

dinner daily, seasonally. 

The Ruffed Grouse Tavern (H) 270 Main 

St., 828-526-2590. Enjoy a locally sourced, 

seasonal menu, craft cocktails, extensive 

wines and a curated selection of craft beers 

and ales by the wood burning fireplace in 

the eclectic tavern or outside on the wrap 

around terrace. (Dec-May) Breakfast, lunch 

and dinner served Wed -Sat, brunch on Sunday. 

(June-Nov) Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Tues-Sat, brunch on Sunday. 

Native Prime Provisions (C) 69 Cashiers 

Shopping Center Ingles Plaza, 828-743- 

3743. Come enjoy a gourmet lunch at the 

Chef's Counter. Menu changes daily as the 

chef uses only the freshest ingredients. 

Entrees often include sushi, lobster rolls, 

tempura fish and veggies, gumbo, peel and 

eat shrimp and filets. Lunch only. Wed-Sun. 

Wild Thyme Gourmet (H) 343 Main St., 

828-526-4035. An upscale eatery serving 

Asian-influenced American cuisine. Specialty 

dishes include spicy stir-fry waterfall 

beef tenderloin, herb crusted rack of lamb 

and salmon with Vidalia onion crust. Wine 

list won Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 

in 2018. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro (H) 

474 Main St., 828-526-3807. Enjoy an eclectic 

menu of German, American and Cajun cuisine 

by nationally recognized Chef Wolfgang. An 

intimate and upscale bistro serving up dishes 

like Venison Au Poivre, pecan crusted shrimp 

and roast loin of lamb. Award-winning wine 

list. Dinner Wed.-Sun., seasonally. 

Italian/Pizza 

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

828-743-0020. Enjoy New York style pizza 

with handmade dough and fresh toppings. 

Build your own pie or choose from one of 

their specialty pizzas. Calzones, salads and 

sandwiches. Beer and wine. Lunch and dinner, 

Tue-Sun. 

The Pizza Place of Highlands (H) 365 

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

since the mid ‘70s, offering an extensive menu 

selection of pizza, calzones, sandwiches, salads 

and a kid’s menu. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. 

Villa Amato (T) 15887 Rosman Hwy, 828- 

885-7700. Classic homemade Italian fare like 

eggplant parmesan, lasagna, penne vodka, 

pizza, Stromboli and calzones. Lunch and dinner, 

Mon-Sat. 

Mexican 

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

743-1160. Casual dining in a friendly atmosphere, 

serving authentic Mexican fare. 

Tacos, soups, fajitas, tortas, steak, chicken 

and specialties like chalupas, tostadas and 

chimichangas. Full bar, beer and wine. 

Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. 

El Azteca Rainforest Bar & Grill (H) 72 

Highlands Plaza, 828-526-2244. Authentic 

Mexican cuisine using fresh, local ingredients, 

featuring ceviche, tacos, fajitas, enchiladas 

and burritos. Full bar, beer and wine. 

Lunch and dinner daily. 

El Manzanillo (C) 30 Hwy 64-E, 828-743- 

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

locations offering authentic Mexican cuisine. 

Burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas, 

steak, chicken and seafood. Margaritas, 

wine and beer. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Las Margaritas (C) 127 Hwy 64-E, 828-745- 

6900. Traditional Mexican cuisine with the 

freshest of ingredients. Don't miss the fabulous 

margaritas, and venture out to try the California-inspired 

Mexican cuisine. Open daily. 

Los Vaqueros (H) 30 Dillard Road, 828-482- 

7040; (T) 9 Toxaway Falls Rd., 828-966-7662. 

Fantastic, authentic Mexican cuisine using 

only the freshest ingredients. For a nice surprise, 

try the shrimp cocktail. Open daily. 

Highlands Burrito (H) 226 S. 4th St., 

828-526-9313. A lively burrito eatery, serving 

up specialty burritos like roast pork and 

garlic-cilantro steak. Tacos, quesadillas and 

homemade soups. Lunch Mon-Sat.Main St., 

828-526-5660. 

Take-Home Meals 

Dusty’s Rhodes Superette (H) 493 Dillard 

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

run specialty foods store, with a butcher 

shop, sundries, take-home prepared meals, 

wine and gifts. Tue-Sat. 

Rosewood Market (H) 117 Franklin Rd., 

828-526-0383. A fixture in Highlands for 

homemade, prepared foods to-go and catering. 

Choose from over 150 menu items with 

local favorites like lemon-caper chicken or 

baked halibut. 

The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering (H) 

350 S. 5th St., 828-526-2110. Short on time? 

Come in for high-quality, made-from-scratch 

take-home meals. Also offering full-service 

catering for any occasion. Open seasonally. 

Blue Hound 

BARBECUE 

NOW OPEN!! 

7420 Dillard Rd 

Scaly Mountain 

(at Highlands Outpost) 

Classic BBQ 

Delicious Sides 

Homemade Puddin' 

Supр-fast and 

Friendly Sрvice! 

www.bluehoundbarbecue.com 

Happy Holidays and 

Feliz Navidad! 

Redefining 

High-Class 

Quality 

Quality Work . Fully Insured 

House Maintenance 

Call for your free consultation today! 

Ricardo: 706-982-9768 

Ricky: 828-200-6694 

moralespaintingandservices@gmail.com 


REAL ESTATE FORUM | Special Advertising Feature 

160 Gibson Street 

Highlands 

This under construction, 4BR/4.5BA home offers an 

exquisite blend of modern elegance and mountain 

charm. The main level welcomes you with a sprawling 

open living space, a chef's dream kitchen equipped 

with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a butler's pantry, 

a mudroom, and a powder room. The primary suite 

features a vaulted ceiling and a spa-like bathroom 

complete with heated floors, a steam shower, and a 

soaking tub. The main level screened porch, constructed 

with post-and-beam-style cedar and complemented by 

a wood-burning fireplace, is the perfect place to enjoy 

the tranquil mountains. A second primary bedroom 

with an en-suite bathroom, along with two additional 

guest bedrooms and bathrooms, are on the upper level. 

MLS# 103452 | Offered for $3,186,000 

The Michaud/Rauers Group 

(828) 526-4101 

MeadowsMountainRealty.com 

14 Raggedy Lane 

Cashiers 

Charming country cottage on the hill! One-of-a-kind 

property on 3.74 unrestricted acres with a nice 

mountain view. Located halfway between Highlands 

and Cashiers near Mountaintop, Old Edwards Club, 

Glen Cove, Trillium, and Cullasaja Club. Adjoins Glen 

Cove community. The large main building was the 

iconic Town & Country General Store that closed 

in August 2023. Others are the former deli space 

and additional storage buildings. The property is 

unrestricted so the possibilities are endless. Use it as 

a residential/family compound or as a rental property 

with no rental restrictions, or as commercial space, 

retail, nursery, etc. It would also be a great location for 

a restaurant or lounge. 


Don Collins 

(828) 226-5243 


48 Bearfoot Lane 

Highlands 

The home has been thoughtfully upgraded with a 

brand-new custom kitchen, new appliance package, 

quartz countertops, spa-like bathrooms, upgraded 

plumbing and electrical fixtures, a direct vent 

stone fireplace, an outdoor fire pit, and stunning 

hardwood floors throughout. The main level 

features an open concept living room, kitchen, and 

dining area, as well as a convenient half bath. The 

primary bedroom, complete with an en-suite bath 

and walk-in closet, provides easy main level living. 

Both the living area and master bedroom open to a 

large covered deck with string lights that overlooks 

the mountains and the gently sloping backyard. 


The Michaud/Rauers Group 

(828) 526-4101 


494 Moon Mountain Road 

Highlands 

Gorgeous long range views! Only two miles from 

Main Street. Home is surround by national forest, 

providing privacy and a serene natural setting. 

Primary bedroom on the main with a sitting room 

and a screened porch with views. Two additional 

bedrooms upstairs with another full bath. Relax 

on the spacious screened porches or on the deck 

while enjoying the mountain view and beautiful 

backyard. New paint throughout the interior. 

Priced below appraisal! 

MLS# 103478| Offered for $895,000 

Joy Rideout 

(404) 569-9486 



1504 Highlands Mountain Club Drive 

Highlands 

Highlands Mountain Club is located within five 

minutes of Main Street and features a pool, tennis 

and a clubhouse, as well as a friendly group of 

people. This carefree condo is in great shape and 

was recently renovated. Enjoy the great mountain 

view from the porch, which is a great gathering 

place for company. Cozy up to the fireplace during 

cooler times. Three bedrooms, all on one level, 

with only a few steps down from the parking lot. 

Enjoy your vacation while the Association takes 

care of the upkeep. Some rental restrictions. 

MLS# 103507 | Offered for $585,000 

Betty Holt 

(828) 526-4218 


35 Mountain Lea 

Sapphire Valley 

Exquisitely maintained 2BR/2.5BA condominium 

in the charming Hilltop neighborhood of Sapphire 

Valley. The main level covered deck is the perfect spot 

to enjoy the view of Fairfield Lake and majestic Bald 

Rock. The condo boasts a large bonus room/office 

space on the lower level that opens to a peaceful 

stone patio. Convenient access to swimming, paddle 

boarding, boating, or hiking.Ownership grants you 

access to Sapphire Valley's amenities including golf, 

tennis, a fitness center, indoor/outdoor pools, and 

more! Offered fully furnished, move in immediately! 

Numerous restaurants are nearby. Whether you want 

a perfect getaway, a full-time residence, or a rental 

unit, this property is ideal. 

MLS# 103485 | Offered for $499,000 

John Muir 

(404) 245-7027 

MeadowsMountainRealty.com

59 Whiteside Cove Road 

Cashiers 

"The Pines": This 1950's rancher has undergone an 

extensive HGTV-like renovation! Fresh, open, light 

and roomy, the all on one level home is perfect for 

large families or golf foursomes, each "player" having 

their own space. A connected two car garage was 

recently converted into the primary en suite bedroom 

with french doors to its own patio. The home has 

beautiful wood floors, vintage metal windows, 

painted wood and brick interior walls, and tile floors in 

the bathrooms. A newly constructed two car garage 

and covered walkway has been added in the paved 

parking area. The almost 4 acre rolling expansive lawn 

is an excellent property for a guest house, gardening, 

badminton, play areas for family and pets. 

MLS 102606 | Offered for $4,800,000 

Beth Townsend 

828.421.6193 

beth@cashiers.com 

66 Bent Tree Lane 

Cashiers 

This classic mountain beauty is located in the 

Chattooga Club just five minutes from Cashiers and 

offers beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. The great 

room features floor to ceiling stone fireplace and 

along with the dining room and kitchen opens up to a 

large outdoor covered porch with vaulted ceilings and 

stone fireplace. The large primary suite on the main 

level along with four spacious suites are located on 

the upper and lower levels. A cozy sitting area upstairs 

provides a lovely place to lounge, and the large family 

room on the lower level with bar/kitchenette is perfect 

for game day and entertaining. A lower deck off the 

family room offers views of the beautiful landscaping 

surrounding the home. 


Liz Harris 

828.342.3194 

liz@cashiers.com 

494 East Ridge Road 

Cashiers 

Situated within the gated community of Cedar Hill, 

it offers serenity and convenience, just minutes from 

town with a majestic mountain backdrop. The great 

room welcomes you with cathedral ceilings, stone 

fireplace, handsome beam work, and French doors that 

seamlessly connect to the upper-level stone terrace. 

The chef's kitchen and dining area effortlessly combine 

modern design with functionality. The kitchen opens to 

a spacious screened porch with its own stone fireplace. 

The owner's suite features a morning bar, an expansive 

walk-in closet, and a spa-like bathroom complete 

with a double-sided fireplace. Also on the main level 

are a private study, powder room, and laundry room. 

Upstairs, three en-suite guest bedrooms await. A 

shared loft features its own morning bar and deck. 


Liz Harris 

828.342.3194 


190 Logan Lane 

Cashiers 

This stunning home on 9 acres has spectacular 

mountain views. Step into a sizable great-room with 

a dining area, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and a 

wall of windows. The kitchen is well equipped with 

a Subzero refrigerator, Viking cooktop with grill, 

warming drawer, volumes of cabinets and instant 

hot water spigot. Just off the kitchen is charming 

den / library. Also on the first floor is a lovely primary 

bedroom with fireplace and ensuite bath, large cedarlined 

closet, and doors leading out to the deck. In 

addition, there is a guest bedroom on the main floor 

with ensuite bath. Downstairs is a spacious den with 

wood-burning fireplace, three bedrooms, two with 

ensuite baths and large cedar-lined closets. 


John Barrow, 828.506.9356 

john@cashiers.com 

Sandy Barrow 478.737.9664 

sandy@cashiers.com 

1812 Cherokee Trace 

Cashiers 

Located within the prestigious Wade Hampton Golf 

Club, this home boasts long range mountain views, 

golf course views 5-minutes to Cashiers. Featuring 4 

bedrooms, 4.5 baths between the Main House and 

Carriage House, and two bonus rooms in the main 

house. The main house has a vaulted great room with 

a stone fireplace and a cozy dining room and kitchen 

with a second fireplace. A large primary suite with 

two walk-in closets and private porch is located on the 

main level. Upstairs, is a guest en-suite and two bonus 

rooms. A large, covered porch off the great room 

with a continuing side porch allows you to take in the 

views. The Carriage House features two additional 

guest en-suites and small wet bar. 


Liz Harris 

828.342.3194 


140 Hemlock Woods Drive 

Highlands 

Meticulously cared for and thoughtfully updated, 

this home has so much to offer. Perfectly located 

between Highlands and Cashiers! The split 

floor plan gives the primary and guests plenty 

of privacy. Immaculately renovated kitchen 

with Italian marble countertops and stainless 

steel appliances. The primary suite has its own 

entrance, private bathroom, and extra bonus 

room which would be perfect for an office or 

nursery. This home is being offered fully furnished 

with very stylish furnishings, so you can start using 

the home right away. Adorable fenced in backyard 

with an outdoor shower so you can soak up our 

beautiful mountain air! 

MLS102912 | Offered for $720,000 

Maggie Elmer 

803.493.5734 

maggie@cashiers.com 


travel 

Consecrated on July 14, 1077, 

Bayeaux's Notre Dame Cathedral 

was constructed in just 50 years. 

Reflection and Exploration in France 

Normandy is filled with atmospheric small towns, gorgeous landscapes 

and a remarkably relevant history 

By KATIE MCELVEEN 

Have you ever visited a place that ended up being completely different than what you had 

expected? It happened to me in Normandy. We made plans to go because we felt that, as Americans, 

it was a pilgrimage we needed to make, a journey that would allow us to contemplate our gratitude 

to the thousands of soldiers who gave their lives 80 years ago in June of 1944. But it wasn’t until I 

stepped out onto the bluff of Omaha Beach that I realized the full magnitude of the D-Day assault 

and the months-long battle that followed it. 

Nor had I thought about the lasting impact of the operation on 

the thousands of families who lived along that storied coastline. 

As we drove from our hotel in Bayeux to the D-Day beaches, I was 

amazed to see that, here and there, troop carriers, landing craft, 

tanks and other large pieces of war machinery remain in full 

sight. There are memorials, too, some beautiful, others ugly, a 

testament to the brutality of war. All of them generated a flood of 

emotions—sadness, awe, appreciation—that I didn’t see coming. 

Not knowing what to expect, we had hired a private guide, which 

allowed us to take in what we could at our own pace. Johann, 

who we found through Airbnb Experiences, is an historian who 

grew up in Bayeux and was so captivated by the history of D-Day 

that he spent a year after college tracking down and interviewing 

U.S. veterans who had been at Normandy during the assault. As 


(Above): Bayeau was never bombed during 

World War II and its historic center remains 

intact. 

According to legend, the Bayeaux Tapestry 

was stitched by attendants to Matilday of 

Flanders, wife of William the Conquerer. 

realized that apple trees did better in the cool, coastal climate 

than grape vines. Calvados, the powerful eau-de-vie made from 

distilled cider, runs a close second. Aged for at least two years in 

oak, the brandy-like elixir is deep mahogany in color, with just a 

hint of apple. Calvados is also an integral part of the Trou Normand, 

a mid-meal custom that involves a toast followed by the 

quick downing of a small glass of Calvados, either on its own or 

with a small scoop of apple sorbet floating in the glass. 

Set close to the sea but with ample grazing land for cows and 

sheep, Normandy’s environment and landscape produce a delicious 

bounty that includes flavorful meats; seafood galore (particularly 

oysters and scallops) and, of course apples, which show up in 

indulgent pies and tarts. Anything made from local milk—cheese, 

yogurt, even butter—is notable enough to warrant every calorie. 

Bayeux is also the home of the Bayeux Tapestry, a nearly 

225-foot long, hand-stitched work of art that tells the story of 

the 1066 Norman invasion and, along the way, shares details of 

life in the 11th century, all with remarkable accuracy. Though 

commissioned to decorate the Bayeux Cathedral, the tapestry 

spent more than 600 years traveling throughout France before 

being returned to the cathedral in 1812. In 1983, it was moved to 

the former Bayeux Seminary, where it can be viewed through a 

specially-built plexiglass vault. 

We stayed at the 28-room Villa Lara, a family-owned hotel 

located in the center of town. Rooms are large, well-appointed 

and individually decorated; the small bar on the ground floor is 

staffed by friendly bartenders happy to offer impromptu Calvados 

tastings to visiting Americans. 

Normandy will be forever associated with World War II and 

D-Day—especially in 2024 marking the 80th anniversary of the 

invasion. I’m grateful I was able to pay my respects to the past 

while at the same time exploring a remarkably beautiful, historic 

and authentic region. P 

PHOTOS THOMAS LEFLOC, VALENTIN PACAUT, SOPHIE KERNEN 

we walked, he shared stories that brought the bunker-studded 

shoreline to life in a way I hadn’t thought possible. 

For those visiting, do plan on walking. A lot. At the Omaha 

Beach site, where we spent most of our time, trails wind along 

the bluffs and down to the sand, passing menacing ramparts 

where German soldiers had sat, hidden, until the Allies arrived. 

It’s here, too, that you’ll find the American Cemetery, which was 

deliberately planted with trees and shrubs that are native to the 

United States so that service men and women would be forever 

surrounded by a familiar landscape. 

It might be tempting to cram a visit to the D-Day beaches into a 

marathon day trip from Paris, but, if you can, consider spending at 

least two nights in the region, which will give you time to take in 

not just the beaches, but a bit of the surrounding area as well. It’s 

worth the time: Normandy is filled with atmospheric small towns, 

gorgeous landscapes and a remarkably relevant history that goes 

back to the 10th century, when Rollo, a Viking warrior who stuck 

around after conquering the region, became the first Duke of Normandy. 

His line continues today through England’s royal family. 

We’d chosen to base ourselves about 20 minutes away from the 

beaches in a town called Bayeux. And here was my second surprise: 

Given Bayeux’s proximity to the coast, as well as its historic 

significance, I assumed it would be a touristy town with little or no 

real atmosphere. Instead, I found a city that not only celebrates its 

traditions and foodways, but does so in a historic district devoid of 

any internationally-known boutiques or restaurants. 

We found that the preferred tipple is local cider, which has 

been produced in the region since the first monks arrived and 

Omaha Beach 

was one of five 

beach landing 

sistes on D-day. 


the last reflection 

Making a Meal Out of Nothing at All 

The Casserole Formula 

By ANNE WOLFE POSTIC 

HERE WE ARE. THE HOLIDAYS 

are over, the weather is iffy 

and social calendars are 

gloriously empty. February 

is a time of reflection during 

which I ask the real questions: What 

stretchy pants should I wear today? How 

much will my heating bill go up if I open 

the front door to get the mail? Can that 

wait until tomorrow? Is there any actual 

food in this house? What can I make 

without going to the store? 

For the first several weeks of the new year, 

there are remnants of holiday gift baskets. 

Cheese and crackers make a lovely supper. 

And that decorative tin of multi flavored popcorn 

provides a balanced meal: cheese popcorn 

as the appetizer, butter popcorn as the 

main and caramel corn for dessert. Hooray! 

After spending the whole day not following 

through on any of my New Year’s 

resolutions, the least I can do is make an 

actual meal. Years ago, I came up with a 

formula for casserole. This is not a recipe, 

but a formula that allows me to make a one 

dish wonder, comfort food that warms my 

heart and has the added benefit of freeing 

up some space in the fridge. Emptying the 

fridge is a major step toward deep cleaning 

it, which means I’ll have practically 

achieved one whole resolution. And there 

will be a meal on the table! 

The Formula 

You can change quantities to fit the size 

of your crowd or your dish. The ingredients 

below fit a standard 9 by 13-inch (3 

quart) casserole. If you need a larger or 

smaller dish, just figure out the ratio and 

go for it. (Was one of your resolutions to be 

more involved with your kid’s education? 

Let them do the math. They’ll have to use 

algebra and geometry!) 

Collect from Fridge or Pantry 

» About eight cups total of stuff like 

leftover chicken, peppers, pine nuts, water 

chestnuts, pineapple (pineapple and 

cheese casserole is one of life's greatest 

treats, so hush), leafy greens, beans, pickles, 

leftover green beans, tater tots, or any 

other food you need to make disappear. 

Frozen vegetables also work. 

» About a cup of something to fill out your 

casserole, like rice, pasta, or cubes of stale 

bread (particularly delightful) if you're 

short on other ingredients. 

» One can of cream of something soup. 

(I make my own and freeze it in can-sized 

containers. It’s easy, I swear!) Or throw in 

about 1 1/4 cups of cream or whole milk 

and a little extra seasoning. 

» 1/2 cup of something creamy, like 

mayonnaise (recommended), sour cream, 

Greek yogurt, whatever. Even silken tofu. 

» 3/4 cup grated cheese, or a mix of bits 

and pieces of cheese that don't seem to 

match. It'll be fine. 

» Salt and pepper to taste, plus any other 

seasonings you like. 

» 1/2 cup or more of something crunchy, 

like crushed potato chips, bread crumbs, 

Ritz crackers, saltines, Corn Flakes, or 

toasted quinoa (but please don't use quinoa, 

just use the crackers). 

Make the Casserole 

» Preheat oven to 350ºF and grease a casserole 

dish. 

» Fill dish 3/4 full with whatever you 

found, as simple as chicken and broccoli, 

as complicated as literally 1/4 cup of every 

little bit of food you own. This includes 

pasta or rice if you need to fill the dish. 

» Heat the can of cream soup on the stove 

until it's liquid, but not boiling. Remove 

from heat and stir in mayonnaise or other 

creamy thing, along with cheese, salt, pepper, 

and other seasonings. 

» Pour the liquid over ingredients in dish 

and top with crunchy stuff. 

» Bake for about 30 minutes, turning the 

oven up to 375ºF at the end if you want the 

top to get crispy. (Did you drizzle a little 

butter or olive oil over the crunchy stuff? 

I salute you!) 

» Remove from oven and leave casserole 

on the counter for a few minutes to set. 

And if it doesn’t? Call it stew and add a 

little less liquid next time. 

Tips for Success 

» When adding ingredients, don't pack 

them down. Leave enough space for the 

liquid ingredients to get all in there. 

» If casserole filling exceeds dish volume, 

grab another dish and make a second casserole 

to freeze or take to a friend. (You 

may need to increase the liquid ingredients 

to have enough for the second dish.) 

» If using pasta, cook al dente before adding. 

It softens as the casserole cooks. 

» If adding tougher greens like kale, collards, 

or mustard, wilt them first to reduce 

the volume. 

» If you’re feeling fancy, make a salad to 

go with it, but casserole is a whole meal, so 

sides are totally optional, just like checking 

the mail or putting on a real outfit. 

P 

PHOTO PIXABAY 


Custom Home Building on the 

Highlands-Cashiers Plateau 

Blue Star Ranch, Cashiers NC 

Highlands & Cashiers, NC 

828.743.0724 

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

www.ChinquapinBuilders.com 

Scott Westendorf, Owner/General Contractor 


Custom Homes | Luxury Renovations | Commercial 

Custom Homes | Luxury Renovations | Commercial 

2022 WNC Builder of the Year 

2022 WNC Builder of the Year 

REQUEST OUR FREE GUIDE 

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Plateau Magazine Feb-March 2024

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