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Gracious Guides
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2016/04 - April
Imagine you’ve just battled the mountain road up to Highlands. It’s your first trip here and you’re stumped.
Yes, it’s beautiful. Yes, there is hiking to be done, but where? If you’re smart, you’ll stop by the Highlands Visitor Center. They have everything you need for a well-informed visit – maps, brochures, magazines, and gracious volunteers to answer your questions.
There are only two hearty souls who fill the position year round, Elaine Carlton and Tracey Strain. What does it take to be a successful volunteer? Clearly, a familiarity with the surroundings as well as patience and a sense of humor. In speaking with them both, it’s obvious they each possess these traits.
Tracey, former owner of Whiskers on Main Street for 20 years, has been in Highlands since the 1980s. When asked why she chose to volunteer at the Visitor Center, Tracey said, “After I closed my shop I missed that connection I had with other businesses in town. Being a volunteer helps me stay current with what’s going on in Highlands. I guess I’m just not constitutionally predisposed to sitting at home. We can have a great deal of fun in the Visitor Center and I like to make people glad they’re here.”
Elaine Carlton came to Highlands in 2004 after retiring from a career in state government in Atlanta. Her husband Phil, who moved up here in 1999, was already donating his time and suggested Elaine do the same. After two years here she realized she wanted to fully immerse herself in her new hometown so she joined the Highlands Rec Park and began volunteering at the Visitor Center.
“For my entire life not only my vocation but my avocation revolved around helping the less fortunate,” she says. “I wanted to try something different and I wanted to share my great love and knowledge of the area.”
Even if you’re a resident, take some time to stop by the Visitor Center and speak with the front desk volunteer. You never know what you might find out! The Highlands Visitor Center is located at 108 Main Street and they may be reached by phone at (828) 526-2112.
