Laurel Magazine

Author Reception | Darwin and the Art of Botany at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-08-21 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | NC
Join us at one of Highlands’ many beautiful homes for this presentation and author reception for Highlands’ own Dr. Jim Costa! From finches and tortoises to barnacles and pigeons, Charles Darwin is most often associated with the iconic animals that he studied, but in fact a larger part of his contribution to the natural sciences is based on plants.
Darwin’s botanical observations and experiments are crucial to our modern understanding of so much about plant biology, from pollination to plant carnivory to the way that vines climb. To help modern audiences better appreciate Darwin’s botany as well as the rich tradition of botanical art, Dr. Costa teamed up with his friend, the botanical artist Bobbi Angell (www.bobbiangell.com/), to produce Darwin and the Art of Botany: Observations on the Curious World of Plants. A celebration of Darwin’s often overlooked botanical enthusiasms, the book spotlights 45 fascinating plants studied by Darwin, each illustrated with beautiful and historically significant botanical artwork that Bobbi curated from the Library at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation in Upperville, Virginia.
This “arts and sciences” course will inspire a new appreciation for Darwin’s creative botanical investigations and the ways in which plants helped shape our understanding of the world around us, as well as the history of botanical art and illustration.

Carolina Concert Series at Trailborn Highlands
2025-08-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Trailborn Highlands, 96 Log Cabin Ln, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us in the Trailborn Highlands backyard for live music and drinks during our Carolina Concert Series!

CDS | Stargazer Gala: Opening Night Party at Blue Star Ranch
2025-08-21 18:00 - 21:30 | NC
The Cashiers Historical Society and Opening Night Party Chairs, Wendy Barze & Helen Butcher, invite you to the most anticipated event of the season—the Opening Night Party of the annual Cashiers Designer Showhouse! This year, we are celebrating under the Carolina sky at the Stargazer Gala.
In honor of our 28th year, join us at the stunning Blue Star Ranch, a private horse ranch nestled on a 170-acre expanse. Experience a Western-inspired evening filled with unforgettable style, festive celebration, and timeless rustic charm. Savor signature cocktails and delicious fare, customize your own bespoke hat with Highlands Hatter, and dance under the stars to live music by Smokey Jones and The Three Dollar Pistols. Together, we’ll toast this year’s Showhouse, our twelve fabulous designers, and our 2025 Showhouse Chair, Rowanne McKnight!
Tickets: Available exclusively through Sponsorship and select Benefactor packages.

Shred Event at Highlands Plaza
2025-08-22 09:30 - 12:30 | NC
The public is invited to dispose of sensitive documents in an environmentally friendly way. Participants are encouraged to transport items in plastic bags or bins and keep in mind the following guidelines:
• Items Allowed – Paper products with staples or paper clips, spiral notebooks
• Items Not Allowed – Three-ring binders, cardboard
Highlands Plaza – near Bryson’s

Home and Garden Tour with the Laurel Garden Club Highlands
2025-08-22 10:00 - 13:30 | NC
Join us for a tour of five fabulous homes featuring demonstrations and products to elevate your lifestyle including:
Home designer trends for 2025
Cutting edge florist demonstrations
Entertaining tips to update favorite recipes “Elevated” home and garden products
The tour begins at Church of the Incarnation 520 Main Street in Highlands.

Cashiers Designer Showhouse with Cashiers Historical Society
2025-08-22 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-23 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-24 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-25 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-26 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-27 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-28 10:00 - 16:00 | NC
Get ready to prepare to immerse yourself in nine inspiring days of extraordinary design, exclusive shopping, and unforgettable lifestyle events with proceeds benefiting the Cashiers Historical Society!

Community Coffee with the Mayor at Hudson Library
2025-08-22 11:00 | Hudson Library, 554 Main St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Please join us on Friday, August 22 at 11:00 AM in the Hudson Library Meeting Room for Community Coffee with the Mayor. Mayor Taylor will be discussing “August Meeting Actions and Ideas about the Playhouse.”

Community Coffee with Mayor Taylor, a joint endeavor by Hudson Library and the Town of Highlands, is held on a Friday each month from March through October at Hudson Library.
Every month Mayor Taylor, regularly joined by guest speakers, offers information about topics of interest to the entire Highlands community.

CDS | “Creating Spaces, Honoring Nature” Designer Panel Luncheon at Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley
2025-08-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley, 94 Lonesome Valley Rd, Sapphire, NC, 28774, United States
Join celebrated architects Tim Adams and Brandy Long, along with renowned interior designers Barrie Benson and James Farmer, as they unveil their visionary approach to “Creating Spaces, Honoring Nature.”
Hosted at Lonesome Valley’s Canyon Kitchen and moderated by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Publisher Elizabeth Ralls, this panel explores how to balance preserving the natural environment while creating unique spaces that reflect and honor the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival, guests will enjoy a delectable buffet-style lunch complemented by mimosas. This insightful event will inspire you to create spaces that harmonize with your surroundings in your own home—an experience you don’t want to miss!

CDS | Book Signing-Tradition Made New by Timothy S. Adams at Toby West Home
2025-08-22 15:00 - 17:00 | NC
Architect Tim Adams of Atlanta, GA presents his book, Tradition Made New. This beautifully curated book features ten of Adams’ recently designed homes, located in diverse landscapes from the coastal shores of Florida and the bluegrass hills of Kentucky to the mountains of North Carolina. Each home reflects Adams’ signature style: the resonance of tradition, the authenticity of craftsmanship, and the enduring beauty of natural materials. Informed by his deep knowledge of historic precedents, proportion, and detail, the homes featured in the book are imbued with soul.
Guests will have the special opportunity to meet Tim Adams in person during an intimate meet-and-greet and book signing at Toby West Home.
This event is free and open to the public. Please contact Toby West Home with questions.

Bon Voyage, Carlyn! Open House Retirement Party at Hudson Library
2025-08-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Hudson Library, 554 Main St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Hudson Librarian Carlyn Morenus is retiring after 8 years serving the Highlands community.

An open house retirement party will be held on Friday August 22 from 4 to 6 PM at the library.

The party is open to all, so please drop in to wish Carlyn a bon voyage.

Sip & Sign | Meet Author Richard Betz at Highlands Wine Shoppe
2025-08-22 16:30 - 19:00 | Highlands Wine Shoppe, 269 Oak St, Highlands, 28741, United States
Join us at Highlands Wine Shoppe for a very special evening celebrating local author Richard Betz and the release of his latest book, Continental Divide—a stunning collection of poems inspired by the natural bounty, wildlife, and deep personal connections that make our corner of North Carolina so extraordinary.
The evening will feature:
Wine & charcuterie pairings (including a nod to our very own mention in the book!)
Readings and reflections by the author
A warm gathering of friends, both new and old

The Mountaintop Art and Craft Show at Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park
2025-08-23 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-24 09:00 - 17:00 | Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, 411 Pine St., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
The Mountaintop Art and Craft Show is a premier outdoor event held annually in the beautiful mountain town of Highlands, NC. Known for its high-quality, original, and traditional artwork, the event draws hundreds of visitors and loyal customers year after year.
This two-day event is an excellent opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their work in a scenic, vibrant setting.

CDS | Candle Making Workshop with Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust at The Village Green
2025-08-23 10:00 - 12:00 | The Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
Join the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust for a hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own candle using all-natural ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter. These eco-friendly candles not only smell great—they can also be used as a soothing moisturizer once melted!
Participants will heat and blend ingredients on-site, then pour their custom mixture into glass containers provided by HCLT.

What to Bring:
• A pair of gloves (heat-resistant or latex)
• Your favorite fragrance (essential oil or perfume oil) to personalize your candle
• Flowers if you want them in your candle

Perfect for nature lovers, crafters, and those looking to create a thoughtful, all-natural gift. Don’t miss this cozy and creative workshop!

CDS | Talkin’ Bourbon with Blade and Bow at The Village Green
2025-08-23 13:00 - 14:00 | The Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
Bourbon is more than just a glass of whiskey; it’s a lifestyle. It’s a celebration of a historical craft, a way of bringing people together. It extends into the culinary world and often influences one’s style and offerings at home.
Join Brand Ambassador Eli Privette as he shares the history and craftsmanship of Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky and the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, KY. Engage in insightful conversations about bourbon while sampling fine selections.

Nashville Songwriters' Round at The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau
2025-08-23 18:00 | Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, 558 Frank Allen Rd, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
The Blue Ridge Education Foundation is pleased to announce the 19th annual Nashville Songwriters’ Round.
Join us on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 at the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau for an exciting evening of music and story-telling featuring Nashville singer and songwriter Rivers Rutherford and friends.
All proceeds benefit Blue Ridge School and Blue Ridge Early college.

Art Play for Grown-Ups : Seasons on Canvas at The Village Green
2025-08-24 11:00 - 12:00 | The Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
Unleash your inner artist and reconnect with the joy of creating at Art Play for Grown-Ups: Seasons on Canvas—a lively, hands-on session with Showhouse Artists Jessie Mackay, Cynthia Perryman, and Brenda Sulmonetti.
In this no-pressure, all-fun environment, participants will collaborate on three large canvases, each celebrating a season in the mountains—Spring, Summer, and Fall. With oil paint sticks as your only tool (no brushes, no turpentine!), it’s all about mark-making, color, and playful expression!
What to Bring:
• A love of color
• A child’s enthusiasm
• An apron (or wear your painting clothes!)
Whether you consider yourself an artist or just want to play like one for the day, this is your invitation to make bold marks, celebrate the seasons, and create something joyful—together.
Picasso: “Every child is an Artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
A big thank you to JFM Enterprises for donating canvases for this event!

Sacred Sundays at Unfurl Wellness Spa
2025-08-24 13:00 - 14:30 | Unfurl Wellness Spa, 454 Dillard Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Sacred Sundays is a 90 minute class of mindfulness movement and poses accompanied with an acoustic sound meditation held by Robert John Malone.
This is an all levels class focused of a variety of wellness practices to assist in raising our mind/body awareness through conscious movements and poses (1:00 – 2:30 each Sunday this season)

CDS | The Bascom: Connecting Communities Through the Visual Arts at The Village Green
2025-08-26 13:00 - 14:00 | The Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Billy Love, Executive Director of The Bascom, and Ned Turnbull, a Cashiers resident and talented pottery artist. Together, they will share their personal stories and showcase artwork that reflects the rich culture and unique spirit of the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau. Celebrate the power of art to bring people together and discover what makes our community so special.

Locally Grown on The Green at The Village Green
2025-08-27 11:00 - 15:00 | The Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
Choose the Food Less Traveled at Locally Grown on The Green
Discover the taste of homegrown goodness at Locally Grown on The Green, Cashiers’ farm stand market featuring local growers.
This producer-only market showcases the best of our region, with vendors who grow and make their products within a 50-mile radius of Cashiers.

Garden Tour at Highlands Nature Center
2025-08-27 12:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741
Join in for a free guided tour of the Highlands Botanical Gardens! Led by our Horticultural Specialist, a naturalist, or a guest expert, these weekly tours explore the fascinating native plants, ecosystems, and seasonal wonders of the Southern Appalachians. No two tours are ever the same!
Meet at the Highlands Biological Station Amphitheater. Come take a walk with us and see what’s blooming!

CDS | Bluegrass, Bourbon, & Beyond: A Young Preservationist Event at The Orchard Restaurant
2025-08-27 17:00 - 19:00 | The Orchard Restaurant, 905 NC-107, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
Bluegrass, Bourbon & Beyond – A Young Preservationist Event is a new addition to this year’s Cashiers Designer Showhouse.
Hosted by the Cashiers Historical Society, this lively gathering brings together the younger generation in a fun, social setting. Guests will enjoy a live bluegrass band, an engaging discussion on the history of bourbon led by Blade and Bow, a build-your-own mint julep bar, and delicious hors d’oeuvres. The evening also features custom hat styling with Highlands Hatter and classic lawn games, such as cornhole and giant Jenga—perfect for a little friendly competition! Bluegrass, Bourbon, & Beyond is part of a larger initiative to grow the Historical Society’s Young Preservationists program and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation to engage with and support the mission of the Cashiers Historical Society.
All proceeds benefit the Cashiers Historical Society and support its mission to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of the Cashiers Valley.

Family Storytime at Hudson Library
2025-08-28 10:30 | Hudson Library, 554 Main St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us for stories, music, and movement at Family Storytime, every Thursday morning at 10:40AM.

Cashiers Quilters at St Jude's Catholic Church
2025-08-28 11:30 | NC
Come join us for lunch each Thursday at 11:30 at a local restaurant and then quilting at the church.
Held at St Jude’s Catholic Church in Cashiers.
