Cheers to a Simpler Christmas

There’s beauty in simplicity when infusing a splash of holiday cheer throughout the house.

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Festival of Lights

Everyone – everyone – is invited to the lighting of the first candle of the Menorah at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in Highlands on the

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Winter Wonderland

The Village Green and surrounding shops and businesses in Cashiers will be a Glittering Wonderland throughout the grey days and dark, dark nights

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The Last of the Mohicans

Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium Puprureum) probably should’ve never been called a weed at all.     When I first started researching for Joe Pye, I’d thought it more of a James Dean type “Rebel without a Cause” flower, but in fact this “weed” has a worthy cause. First about the plant – Joe Pye Weed is something you probably want, …

Tiger Swallowtail

This unique species of swallowtail is a quick and strong flier, gliding when able. The males are a bright yellow, while the females can exhibit two different color forms; yellow and black and black and blue. The darker form is more common in the southern states. 

Classic Chunk Shot

The classic chunk shot. We’ve all done it. As you all are aware, fairways are getting very closely mowed, especially with bent grass up here in the mountains.  It’s about like hitting a shot off a pool table. The margin of error on these is mighty thin, especially the good old-fashioned chunk or hitting behind the ball. There are a few things …


Male Scarlet Tanager

This local summer resident is a tree-top dweller that feeds on insects and larvae in mature deciduous forests.  Its song is a rapid series of notes similar to the American Robin, but hoarser and slurred.  The call is chik-brr or chik chik. 

Cool Creatures of the Night

Last month’s wildlife column was dedicated to Western North Carolina’s rapid decrease in bat populations.   The culprit – White Nose Syndrome.  The white nose fungus attacks a bat’s exposed skin, including its muzzle, wings, and tail membrane (patagium), only during the hibernation season when the cool conditions of the hibernaculum (cave or mine) favor the fungus and the bat’s …

The Big Deal About Native Plants

What makes a bird really, really happy? In a word – insects!   Virtually all land birds – 96 percent – require insects to sustain themselves and their young.  Native plants support healthy populations of insects, including caterpillars, that breeding birds feed their nestlings.  Non-native plants contain foreign chemical compounds that most native insects will not eat. Without insects for food, …


Dining for a Cause

Changes are in the air this Fall, but one thing that remains constant at Lakeside are their “Evenings at Lakeside.” The restaurant sets aside Wednesday nights for area non-profits to raise money and awareness for their causes.  Throughout this season many local nonprofits, including the International Friendship Center, Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, Gordon Center, and the Scaly Mountain Women’s Club, …

A Taste of the Good Life

With a sophisticated taste in food and roots in the mountains of North Carolina, the Highlands Food & Wine Festival appreciates the artistry behind food and wine. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, previously named Highlands Culinary Weekend.  Highlands’ most talented chefs collaborate for a not-to-miss culinary event on November 10 through November 13. This year’s festival …

A Taste of the Good Life

With a sophisticated taste in food and roots in the mountains of North Carolina, the Highlands Food & Wine Festival appreciates the artistry behind food and wine. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, previously named Highlands Culinary Weekend.  Highlands’ most talented chefs collaborate for a not-to-miss culinary event on November 10 through November 13. This year’s festival …


At Madison’s Helm Chris Huerta

Many of us never fully appreciate the importance of teamwork. While interviewing Chef Chris Huerta, executive chef at Madison’s Restaurant in the Old Edwards Inn, it was obvious that he has a great appreciation for his team. Growing up in Aiken, South Carolina, where pastures of majestic horses are common scenery, Chef Chris’s love for land began at an early …

Keen on Quinoa

There are few things that can warm you up better during those first chilly nights of September than a warm bowl of quinoa with sweet potatoes, topped with a subtle hint of dressing and just the right amount of pumpkin seed crunch.  The ingredient amounts of this recipe aren’t fixed – choose as much or as little of any ingredient …

Costata Di Bue Con Polenta

Stephanie Edwards serves as executive director of the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce.   According to members, her presence has made a huge difference to the chamber.  She brings with her a long history in community and economic development, volunteer service with state and local chambers and professional career public affairs positions with the AAA National Office and the U.S. Congress.  …