Visit Like a Local

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: August 2023

Back when the Plateau began to be noticed by the outside world – when the landed gentry began to view the Cashiers Valley as an unspoiled retreat from the heat and chaos of Reconstruction South Carolina, and Kelsey and Hutchinson hatched their scheme to turn “the Highlands” into a commercial and agricultural hub, and Mr. Woodruff and his Coca-Cola execs viewed this corner of the Southern Appalachians as a dandy retreat from the crucible of corporate battle – everyone, everyone, made it their mission to spread the word that there was magic here on the Plateau, a respite from the heat and overcrowding and accelerating pace of modern life.

Here in the 21st century, Lesley and Eric Galloway (and her parents, Jim and Connie Mercer, who pitch in whenever needed) have taken up the cause and opened an expansive retreat on the edge of Scaly Mountain, just up from Sky Valley – The Vineyard at High Holly.

Tricia and I arrived in the midst of a hectic summer marked by clinic complications and the labors large and small that come attached to this small-town publication with big, big ambitions.

In fact, I was a little reluctant to take this “assignment,” set during layout and polishing and pleading.

But The Vineyard at High Holly began working its magic immediately upon arrival – a rolling vineyard; vistas of ridges in shades of emerald, edging into blues and purples, and a landscape dotted with charming cabins, a farmhouse looking like it was lifted from Amboise in the Loire Valley, and a restored 1890 cottage.

What an invitation to allow the weeks to slip from our shoulders!

It became even more beguiling when we checked in and met The Galloways. Their arrival on the Plateau was clearly a choice born of love, and their enthusiasm for the place was infectious, and hearkened back to an earlier time, when Kelsey and Hutchinson were first sending out their fliers.

Let me explain – decades ago I worked for Pat and Rip Benton, who owned the Old Edwards Inn and Highlands Inn. Pat and Rip made it a point to mingle with their guests and provide friendly advice about the ways of the community and its sometimes-hidden wonders.

It was concierge service delivered with small-town charm and it’s a vanishingly small commodity in this unsettled age.

That brings us to the Galloways, who’re quickly proving to be generous players in the community – witness their hosting of the Literacy & Learning Center’s soiree and the Appalachian Animal Rescue Center’s fundraiser.

They’re breathing exciting new life into the property and their confidence has allowed them to undertake the most perilous of chores – offering complete wedding services.

“I love working with couples and wedding planners,” says Lesley. “We can get as involved as they wish, and I’m quick to involve local caterers and florists and planners whenever the couples request their services. We have so much talent right here, it just makes sense.”

But let’s get back to our overnight stay!

We were introduced to our cottage, tricked out with two king bedrooms and a sleeper sofa, a pair of bathrooms and a complete kitchenette.

It was done up with what’s now classed as Mountain Chic, conjured and executed by Stephanie Bramble and her Dutchman’s Designs team. Clean and comfortable and so inviting.

That calming effect was enhanced by the deck and its spectacular vista. It’s no exaggeration that I could have happily spent the night out there, under a light blanket (while the entire South was broiling under unprecedented heat, even in the evening).

Well, I’ve once more exceeded my word count. I don’t have room to elucidate, but let me simply throw out some words – you can ask me about them when you see me: That absolutely enchanting vineyard; The fire pits scattered across the property inviting both lively conversation and quiet contemplation; hiking trails that beg to be explored; and eight-year-old Elliot, spending his summer helping his parents and shining like a new dime.

These are all qualities that make The Vineyard at High Holly unique and simply irresistible to those looking for an escape or interlude or looking to start a new life together.