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Fan Club of the Famous
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2017/05 - May
With its pristine forests, its intoxicating fresh air, and exquisite mountain vistas it’s no wonder Highlands is the object of many famous people’s affection. Movie stars, politicians, authors, and CEOs have vacationed and frequently resided on the plateau. Here are several you will recognize.
Enjoy reading? In 1988 Malcom Forbes and 1989 James A. Michener made the trek to Cyrano’s Bookshop for book signings. Sandra Brown, author of more than 50 best-seller suspense novels established a residence here.
Interested in politics? Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and wife, Marianne, are recurrent visitors. Florida Senator George Smathers and his self-made millionaire brother, Frank, had summer homes in our area.
Are roadside posies your passion? In 1984 “Ladybird” Johnson visited the Highlands Biological Station in her campaign to beautify America’s highways with wildflowers.
Does living off the land resonate? In 1987 actors Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, along with singer/songwriter John Denver, chose our area to film a Hallmark production of “Foxfire.”
Enjoy rubbing elbows with Presidents? In August of 2000, former President George H.W. Bush attended a GOP fundraiser at Wolf Ridge. The event raised over $300K for his son’s presidential bid.
How about star-gazing? Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds frequented Helen’s Barn.
Perhaps Edwards Key Lime Pie is on your list of personal favs. If so, Joe Edwards, owner of “The World’s Best Pie Company” has a Joe Webb cabin AKA Pie Lodge.
These are but a few of many who share our love of Highlands secluded charm. As Ran Shaffner says in his book “Heart of the Blue Ridge,” “Some might have passed this way but once − George Washington never slept in Highlands, but Gerald Ford did − while others have resided part-time or permanently or returned on many occasions, because the town has something special to offer them.”
To learn more about Highlands’ fan club of the famous, visit highlandshistory.com or email [email protected]. The Highlands Historical Society Museum will be open for visits beginning Memorial Day weekend − or earlier.
