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Taste the New Delights

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Chasing Sunsets and Waterfalls

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There are so many great articles in the pages of The Laurel Magazine, sometimes you want to read them again. You won’t miss a thing. Use these helpful search parameters and find just what you’re looking for about Highlands, NC and Cashiers, NC.

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The Fate of the Fairfield

In the 1890s, a group of Pennsylvania investors established the Toxaway Company and bought thousands of acres of mountain land in Jackson and Transylvania Counties. Their initial plan was to cut and extract lumber so a railroad line was built from Hendersonville to Toxaway. When the group saw the stunning beauty of land a new plan was formed, resulting in …

Bob Padgett Tulip Tree

Highlands is known for its magnificent forests. The Highlands Biological Station plays a huge role in supporting them.   There are two organizations that contributed greatly to HBS’s foundation: one, the Highlands Scientific Society (1886) founded by Thomas Harbison; and two, the Southern Blue Ridge Horticultural Society (1891-95).    It is the latter that researched the variety of tree that …

England’s Great Golf Courses

With the Open Championship returning to Royal St. George’s in 2020, England and its great courses are in the spotlight.  Many people overlook England as a golf destination with such great options nearby in Scotland and Ireland.  But as you can see in the testimonial below, England is an incredible golf destination worth considering for your next golf trip.  Tom’s …


A Window Into Appalachia’s Heart

One of Highlands’ best trail systems runs through the Highlands Botanical Garden, which was established in 1962 as a refuge and demonstration garden for the diverse flora of the Southern Appalachians and its unique communities.   Today, the garden is a popular destination for visitors of all ages, with blooming Water Lilies, purple Pitcher Plants, and rare Oconee Bells scattered …

A Jewel of a Bird

The male Indigo Bunting, pictured above, is a radiant hue that is well-described as sapphire blue. They are stunning sights in the summer forest  The Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) breeding range covers the eastern half of the continental U.S. from which they migrate due south to winter in Florida and Central America. They fly at night when migrating, using the …

Wading Boots & Waders

The question is often asked, “Do you always need waders to fish?”  No, you don’t. During the summer months, the air and water is significantly warmer, and you can get away with quick dry pants or shorts, as long as you have a felt-soled boot or sandal to wear.  The rivers in Western North Carolina are heavily canopied. That’s a …


Helenium Dautumnale

Helenium sort of sashays into your landscape late summer and prances around throughout September. She may not be a showstopper, but she certainly has perfect timing as most of the other flowers are fading out of the spotlight.  With a name like Helenium, she sort of demands respect, right? I bet she never knew others would give her the derogatory, …

A Tree, a Trail, and a Tale

A little known trail, an unnamed waterfall, and the third tallest tree in North Carolina.  The Plateau is chocked full of amazing day hikes for all seasons, but one that doesn’t usually make the guidebooks is The Padgett Poplar Tree Trail, which leads to the third largest tree in the state. The trail is named after James “Bob” Padgett, who bribed …

Making a Wish

One of the newest businesses to join the upscale retail district in Highlands is South Florida-based Wish & Shoes, which opened its fifth store here in May. This unique boutique offers shoppers the utmost in personal service, at a level usually reserved for Rodeo Drive and 5th Avenue. Owners Rachel Gottfried and Peter Mastrorio said they visited several towns and …


The Art of Living

What do you get when you combine a passion for beautiful surroundings and over 20 years of retail experience?  Step into J. Gabriel in Cashiers and experience it for yourself. José Gonzalez and Gabriel Muñoz have built a history of providing their fans in three states with a variety of gorgeous goods, specific to their desires.  After leaving the corporate …

Village Walk’s Fabulous Finds

TJ Bailey’s for Men and Women at 104 Highway 107 South, is  a full service clothing store in our fifth season in Cashiers,” says owner Anita Lupoli. “ We brought the style and fashion from our Highlands Men’s Store and mixed  it with beautiful women’s clothing to give our clients here a unique shopping experience.   “For the men, we …

A Blueberry Blast

The  Scaly Mountain Women’s Club helps young people in the community continue their educations.   This is why we pick, wash, and freeze the blueberries included in our famous pancakes. Husbands help and can be seen grilling sausage, flipping pancakes, and making the coffee for our Pancake Breakfasts on the fourth Saturday from May through September at the Old Scaly …