Laurel Magazine

The Burnt Part Boys at Highlands PAC
2025-08-21 14:30, 2025-08-21 19:30, 2025-08-22 14:30, 2025-08-22 19:30 (America/New_York) | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Siblings from a mining town learn the power of self-reliance in this Appalachian, bluegrass-inspired journey.
Locally known as “The Burnt Part,” the Pickaway Coal Company’s South Mountain closed down after an accident in 1952 that resulted in the death of four miners. Ten years later, Jake Twitchell is an employee of that same company, doing the same job that took his own father’s life. Much to the dismay of his movie-buff younger brother, Pete, the Pickaway Coal Company is going to begin re-mining The Burnt Part and send down the next generation of young men. Inspired by his silver screen heroes, Pete sets out for The Burnt Part with his best friend, a pack full of dynamite, and plans to blow up the mine in hopes of protecting his older brother. This new musical is a dangerous and heartwarming adventure following the journey to discover the importance of the choices we make to protect our family.

Kids Zone at Hudson Library
2025-08-21 15:30 | Hudson Library, 554 Main St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Kids Zone features a variety of fun and interesting programs where kids can explore art, nature, science & more! Best for ages 5 and up.

Author Reception | Darwin and the Art of Botany at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-08-21 16:00 - 18:00 | 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.

Live Music Thursdays at 4118 Kitchen & Bar
2025-08-21 18:00 - 20:00 | 4118 Kitchen and Bar, 64 Highlands Plaza, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Live music every Thursday from 6-8pm with Zorki Nastasic on guitar and Matt Molesworth on keyboard alternating weekly.

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 | 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!

Suzy Landa Jewelry Trunk Show at Peak Experience
2025-08-22 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-23 10:00 - 17:00 | Peak Experience, 2820 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Jewelry Artist Suzy Landa will be returning to Peak Experience for her Sixth Anniversary Trunk Show! August 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet Suzy and see her gorgeous jewelry collection in person!

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!

Friday Classes at Fusion Yoga and Wellness
2025-08-22 12:00 | Fusion Yoga and Wellness, 21A Lance Rd, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
Join us for Friday classes at Fusion Yoga and Wellness.
Fusion Flow: Flow & Restore
9:00 AM
This class offers the best of both worlds, beginning with a mindful vinyasa flow to build heat, strength, and flexibility, followed by grounding restorative poses to help you slow down, release tension, and reset.
Fusion Flow: Gentle
10:30 AM
Slow down and unwind with this soothing class that focuses on gentle, flowing movements paired with mindful breathing.

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

New Moon Circle at Unfurl Wellness Spa
2025-08-22 17:30 | Unfurl Wellness Spa, 454 Dillard Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
At Unfurl Wellness Spa, our monthly New Moon Circle invites you to gather in a serene, supportive space where community and intention-setting align with the lunar cycle. New Moon Circles are designed to harness the quiet energy of new beginnings, offering participants a chance to reflect, set personal goals, and release what no longer serves them. This gentle ritual fosters connection among attendees, creating a collective atmosphere of healing and growth. Join us as we honor the cycle of renewal, empowering each individual through shared intention and communal support.
(5:30 pm. Facilitated by Debbie Delaney)

Live Music at Hummingbird Lounge
2025-08-22 17:30 - 22:00 | Old Edwards Inn and Spa, 445 Main Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Plush easy chairs, sofas, and antique bistro tables invite you to sit back and embrace the carefree ambiance surrounding you. Live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night with Cy Timmons.

Friday Night Live with Spare Parts Bluegrass Band at Town Square
2025-08-22 18:00 - 20:30 | Town Square, Main Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Friday Night Live  Showcasing Traditional Mountain Music and Local Talent
Spare Parts Bluegrass Band
Hailing from Upstate SC, Spare Parts Bluegrass Band delivers delicate harmonies as well as tried and true barn burners within the bluegrass genre. With over 50 years of musical experience amongst them, Spare Parts Bluegrass is comprised of a tight-knit group of multi-instrumentalists and talented vocalists that you do not want to miss.

Groovin’ on The Green with The V8s at The Village Green
2025-08-22 18:00 - 20:30 | The Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
Join us for Groovin’ on The Green featuring the V8s Band! Groovin’ on The Green is FREE and takes place rain or shine on the Commons Lawn at The Village Green.
Food and beverage vendors will be available at each concert and concert-goers are welcome to bring their own picnics and coolers.
Please bring your own lawn chairs and blankets; personal tents are not allowed at Groovin’.

Live Music at Happ's Place
2025-08-22 18:00 - 21:00 | Happs Place, 5914 NC-107, Glenville, NC, 28736, United States
Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday at Happ’s Place in Glenville.

The Mountaintop Art and Craft Show at Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park
2025-08-23 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.

Fiber Club at The Bascom
2025-08-23 10:00 - 12:00 | The Bascom, 323 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
The Bascom’s Fiber Club is made up of an enthusiastic community of fiber artists who come together weekly to share patterns and stories at The Bascom. Meetings take place on the Terrace.
In inclement weather, the group moves inside to the Library, but their enthusiasm is never dampened.

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!

Pups and Pints at Highlands Smokehouse
2025-08-23 12:00 - 15:00 | Highlands Smokehouse
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time!
Browse unique finds from local vendors selling handcrafted dog apparel, gourmet treats, and more. Enjoy live music, delicious BBQ, a full bar and meet adorable, adoptable puppies brought by the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society-you might just meet your new best friend!
Bring your dog, bring your friends, and raise a pint to a great cause.
See you there!
