Southern Botanics
Summer in Highlands has a way of slowing time, and July at Acorns invites visitors to make the most of that slower pace. The inspired home décor, furniture, jewelry, and gift shop at Old Edwards has assembled a month of Designer Pop-Ups and Showcases that reads less like a retail calendar and more like a curated tour of makers – each with a distinct point of view and work that rewards a second look.
The month opens July 1–10 with an Ali & Bird Designer Pop-Up. Founded by Atlanta-based designer Ali Howell, the jewelry line reflects Howell’s background in visual merchandising, including a decade spent developing showroom campaigns for Herend USA. Her collections favor bold color combinations, natural stones, pearls, and crystals fashioned into pieces that feel polished without becoming overly formal – jewelry designed to move easily from a casual lunch in town to a summer evening dinner party.
On July 4, Southern Botanics returns with its nature-inspired Art Showcase. The regional artists behind this recurring Acorns favorite transform botanical elements into works that feel both contemporary and timeless. Rather than sentimental florals, these are pieces that bring texture, structure, and the colors of a Plateau summer indoors.
Jewelry again takes center stage July 10–12 with the arrival of Sloane Street, presented by jewelry specialist Derrick Poe. Designed by mother-daughter duo Frances and Charlotte Gadbois, the collection is known for richly colored gemstones, sculptural silhouettes, and its signature strié texturing – a hand-finished technique that gives the pieces an artisanal, almost tactile quality. The effect is modern and bold while remaining grounded in classic craftsmanship rather than trend-driven design.
Theresa Forman
Artist Theresa Forman follows on July 11 with expressive works distinguished by layered texture and atmospheric color. Drawing from plein air studies and studio practice, her paintings convey warmth and calm in ways that photographs rarely capture and that reward close viewing.
From July 17–19, Hofman Studios returns with ceramic artist Michael Hofman and his sculptural porcelain works. Imprinted with antique lace patterns and finished in luminous glazes, Hofman’s pieces blur the line between vessel and artifact – created to be used, yet substantial enough to feel worthy of collecting.
The month concludes July 24–26 with Temple St. Clair, whose jewelry has long been admired for celestial motifs, richly hued gemstones, and old-world Florentine craftsmanship. Presented by jewelry specialist Katherine Giovinco, the showcase offers pieces that feel at once ancient and unmistakably contemporary – the kind of jewelry that carries a history and begins one.
Throughout the month, Acorns continues to reinforce what has made it such a fixture in Highlands: an ability to balance artistry, craftsmanship, and approachability in ways that invite discovery rather than intimidation.
Acorns is open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at 212 South 4th Street, Highlands. View the full 2026 season of events at OldEdwardsHospitality.com/AcornsEvents or shop online at AcornsHighlandsNC.com.
Favorites Count: 0