western north carolina travel guide

The Woman's BoutiqueWhere the Focus is You!

121 N MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC(828) 452-3611

Special Occasionsand everyday fashions.

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for All Generations

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All about the mountainsHolding heritage in his hands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Christmas trees galore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Heart of the matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14History of the open road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Magic in a bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Food for the soul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Putting the pedal down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24The fastest way down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Kid-rated adventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Outside bound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Mountain TownsDillsboro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Bryson City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Franklin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Sylva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

EventsWNC Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Editor/Publisher: Scott McLeod [email protected] Director: Greg Boothroyd [email protected] Director: Micah McClure [email protected]: Travis Bumgardner [email protected] Emily Moss [email protected]/Photography Garret K. Woodward [email protected]: Whitney Burton [email protected] Amanda Bradley [email protected] Hylah Smalley [email protected]: Scott Collier [email protected]: Amanda Singletary [email protected]

If you’d like bulk copies of the WNC Travel Guide to distribute at your business, email your request [email protected] or call Distribution Manager Scott Collier at 828.452.4251.

Inside the Guide

On the cover:Fall cover: Music is tied closely to the culture of WNC.Mark Haskett photoWinter cover: Cataloochee Ski Area offersgreat family fun. Cataloochee Ski Area photo

Contents© 2013/2014 The Smoky Mountain News.

All rights reserved.

• Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce 36 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC 28801, 828.258.6101www.ashevillechamber.org• Cashiers Chamber of Commerce PO Box 238, Cashiers, NC 28717, 828.743.5191www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com• Cherokee Chamber of Commerce PO Box 1838, Cherokee, NC 28719, 877.433.6700www.cherokeesmokies.com• Cherokee Visitor Center PO Box 460, Cherokee, NC 28719, 828.497.9195www.cherokee-nc.com• Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce 805 Highway 64 West, Murphy, NC 28906, 828.837.2242www.cherokeecountychamber.com

• Clay County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 88, Hayesville, NC 28904, 828.389.3704www.claycounty-nc-chamber.com• Downtown Waynesville AssociationPO Box 1409, Waynesville, NC 28786, 828.456.3517www.downtownwaynesville.com• Franklin Chamber of Commerce 425 Porter St., Franklin, NC 28734, 828.524.3161www.franklin-chamber.com• Graham County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1206, Robbinsville, NC 28771, 828.479.3790 www.gra-hamchamber.com• Haywood County Chamber of Commerce 28 Walnut St., Waynesville, NC 28786, 828.456.3021 www.haywood-nc.com

• Haywood County Tourism Development Authority44 N. Main St., Waynesville, NC 28786, 828.452.0152www.visitncsmokies.com• Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Visitors CenterLocated in the historic Partridge-Rice-Thurmond house at 269Oak Street, Highlands, NC 28741, 828.526.2112. www.high-landschamber.org.• Jackson County Chamber of Commerce 773 W. Main St., Sylva, NC 28779, 828.586.2155www.mountainlovers.com• Maggie Valley Area Visitors Bureau PO Box 279, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, 828.926.1686 www.maggievalley.org• Swain County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 509, Bryson City, NC 28713, 828.488.3681 www.greatsmokies.com• Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Rd., Gatlinburg, TN 37738865.436.1200 www.nps/gov.grsm

For more information about WNC:

Welcome to the WNC Travel Guide

People flock to Western North Carolinabecause there is no other place quite like theGreat Smoky Mountains.

These mountains inspire locals and travelers alike, whether that’s people with rootsdating back several generations or newcomerswho have adopted this region as home. In thisissue of the Western North Carolina TravelGuide, we talk to people who call this placehome and work in businesses that cater totravelers and locals.

Brad Dodson of Mud Dabbers Pottery is aWaynesville resident who is proud to comefrom a long line of mountain crafters. JimRowell never skied until he was an adult, but hegot the bug after his first day on the slopes andhas been an instructor at Cataloochee Ski Areain Maggie Valley for 25 years. Diane Cutler andAndy Zivinsky decided vacations to theSmokies were not enough, so they quit theirjobs, packed it up, and moved to Bryson City toopen a bicycle shop.

This is just a sampling of some of ourfavorite activities and diversions in the smallcommunities that are sprinkled throughoutWestern North Carolina. Most of these townshave beautiful, vibrant and unique main streetsthat are worth a visit for anyone looking for aplace to relax or shop.

If you’ve misplaced your copy of the WNCTravel Guide, find us online atwww.WNCTravel.com

— Scott McLeod, Publisher

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~ Whispering Woods at Sanctuary Cove ~WAY N E S V I L L E , N C

Executive retreat on 3.79 acres overlooking the historic Waynesville Inn golf course, long-range mountain views and vistas of Hazelwood, Waynesville and Lake Junaluska. Craftsman/Prairie style with over 5,000 square feet of open living space with extensive stone, timber, stucco, porcelain tile and Brazilian mahogany hardwood floors. Four bedrooms all ensuite and

one half bath. Whole house solar-assisted radiant floor heating system in addition to a 4-zoned HVAC system. Large, private Master Suite with sitting area, huge walk-in closet and spa-type bath withhis/hers facilities. Commercial Sub-Zero/Wolf kitchen, custom cherry cabinets with wrap-around granite surfaces. Beautiful landscaping, level yard with patios and party pavilion.

Must see to believe — all within 10 minutes from downtown Waynesville’s shops, restaurants and vibrant arts scene.MLS#522654 • $2,495,000

PREFERRED PROPERTIES—————————————— —————————————— ——————————————

62 Church Street | Waynesville, North Carolina

George Escaravage BROKER/REALTOR828.400.0901 [email protected]

Michael Monson BROKER/REALTOR828.246.8900 [email protected]

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It was a summer job thatliterally molded itself into afuture.

“I couldn’t find any work and I needed asource of income,” Brad Dodson said.

Owner of Mud Dabbers ceramics and pot-tery studio in Balsam, the 45-year-old grew upin an artistic family. Raised in Columbus, Ga.,Dodson’s father was a lifelong potter whomade and sold his work around the area. Inthe 1980s, the elder Dodson moved to Brevardand opened the original Mud Dabbers (cur-rently owned by Brad’s brother). After gradu-ating from Mars Hill College with a degree inhealth and education, Brad, now married, hadto find a steady paycheck.

“Being a potter was initially a ‘Plan B’ for

me, with the original plan to teach and maybework in pottery during summer vacations,” hesaid. “But, I got out of school, my wife headedto graduate school, and I needed work, so Istarted making pottery pieces in my garageand selling them.”

Dodson decided to enroll in nearbyHaywood Community College, which boastsa nationally acclaimed crafts program that notonly nurtures natural talent but also teachesits students how to design and run a studioand the necessary marketing skills to be ableto make a living while creating.

“I had an advantage over the other stu-dents in that I knew, from my father and frommy own experience, that you could make a liv-ing doing this, and I had a good grasp ofknowing what your market wanted,” he said.

Once out of HCC, Dodson began search-ing for the ideal location for his business. Heeventually came across an old residence readyfor a new opportunity. He took out a loan,refurbished the building into a ceramic andpottery studio, and readied himself for open-ing day.

“I was nervous that first day, and just likea new business, normally whatever you plan isthe opposite of what happens,” he laughed.“It’s been hard, with a lot of ups and downs.What’s amazing is a lot of things I thoughtwould be good sellers weren’t and things Ididn’t expect to sell became very popular.”

Dodson is constantly mulling over ideasfor items and long-term projects. Lately, he’sbeen focusing on garden pieces and functionalproducts, like dinner bowls and food dishes.

He’s knows what his customers are lookingfor, and he’ll make what they desire, whetherthey’re passing through town on vacation orpicking up a gift on their way home.

“I have to balance my creativity with whatthe business needs. I need that artistic time,but I also like to pay my rent, so I’m going tomake things you’ll want in your house or gar-den,” he said. “It can be hard with the artisticdesire I have, but I do take opportunities tohave a few hours to dedicate to a personalproject or special idea.”

On a good year, Dodson will find himselfordering upwards of 15 tons of clay. The busi-ness is steady, with a constant stream ofreturn customers and curious visitors alike.

“If you have a desire to create and a pas-sion, people will see it in your work,” he said.

Holdingheritage inhis hands

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WNC GalleriesHAYWOOD COUNTYArt on Depot Studio & GalleryPottery, sculpture, photography, paintings,gifts250 Depot Street, Waynesville828.246.0218www.artondepot.com

Blue Owl Studio and GalleryAnimal and nature art, pottery and more 11 N. Main St., Waynesville828.456.9596www.blueowlnc.com

Burr Studio and GalleryDane Burr’s lyrical sculpture and MaryEtta’sfunctional pottery along with works of otherlocal artisans in various mixed media. Workin progress may be observed.136 N. Main St., Waynesville828.456.7400

Cedar Hill StudioFeaturing the art of painter Gretchen Clasby.196 N. Main St., Waynesville828.421.6688 or 828.456.6344www.cedarhillstudio.com

Different Drummer PotteryFeaturing the work of potter Terrance Painter.Functional wheel-thrown stoneware andporcelain in a variety of colorful glazes. 2614 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley828.926.3850www.differentdrummerpottery.com

Earthworks GalleryArt in all mediums celebrating native peoplesand the earth. Paintings, jewelry, furniture,and sculpture with a working studio. Also, aframe shop featuring limited edition prints.21 N. Main St., Waynesville828.452.9500www.earthworksgalleries.com

Frog Level StudioCeramics studio focused on hand built items.313 Depot St., Waynesville828.729.1439www.facebook.com/froglevelstudio

Gallery 86 - Haywood County ArtsCouncilThe Haywood County Arts Council supportsand explores art in all mediums by regionaland local artists. 86 N. Main St., Waynesville828.452.0593www.haywoodarts.org

Gallery 262142 N. Main St., Waynesville828.452.6100www.gallerytwosixtwo.com

Grace Cathey’s Sculpture Garden and GallerySculpture for your home, and garden. Custom work available. 136 Depot St., Waynesville828.508.4276www.gracecathey.com

The Jeweler’s WorkbenchSpecializing in fine handcrafted jewelry, limit-ed edition watches and jewelry boxes.Featuring award-winning artists from theGreat Smoky Mountains and across thecountry.80 N. Main St., Waynesville828.456.2260www.thejewelersworkbench.us

Leapin’ Frog GalleryAcrylic, water color and mixed media.Vintage art, prints, lythographs. Located inFrog Level district of downtown.58 Commerce St., Waynesville828.456.8441www.facebook.com/leapinfroggallery

Main Street Artists Co-op GalleryA coop of 20 artists under one roof with oil/acyrlic/watercolor paintings, photography,stained glass, pottery, jewelry, collages, andwood carvers. 93 N. Main Street, Waynesville828.246.0526www.mainst-art.com

Mud Dabbers Pottery Handmade stoneware pottery from a familyof potters producing functional and contem-porary designs including bowls, mugs,pitchers, dinnerware, casserole dishes,sculptures, masks, raku and BrandonMountain Gnomes.20767 Great Smoky Mountain Expressway(U.S. 23-74 in Balsam)828.456.1916www.muddabbers.com

Pitter the PotterHandmade and turned pottery. 5858 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley828.926.7676www.facebook.com/mostermoby

T. Pennington Art GalleryColored pencil drawings of Western NorthCarolina scenery, wildlife and landmarks byTeresa Pennington with originals, limited edi-tion prints and giclees, unique custom fram-ing and gifts.15 N. Main St., Waynesville828.452.9284www.tpennington.com

Twigs and LeavesGallery featuring porcelain, stoneware, fineart, craft, jewelry and home furnishings witha nature-related theme.98 N. Main St., Waynesville828.456.1940www.twigsandleaves.com

JACKSON COUNTYBlue Valley GalleryPaintings, art instruction and supplies.Hwy. 107 Mountain Laurel Shoppes, Cashiers828.743.2956www.bluevalleygallery.com

Classical GlassCustom stained glass art work.1261 Bee Tree Rd., Glenville828.743.5822

Dogwood CraftersArts and crafts co-op featuring local arti-sans. Stained glass, gourd art, handmadesoaps, photography, painting, canned goods,metal work and more. Established in 1976. 90 Webster St., Dillsboro828.586.2248www.dogwoodcrafters.com

Fiery Gizzard Pottery and Studio GalleryIndividually hand-turned pottery by MarkKarner. Comes in blue, speckled rust, copperred glazes, and Trinity 7749 US 74 east Sylva828.631.1582www.fierygizzard.com

Fine Art Museum at the Fine &Performing Arts Center, WesternCarolina UniversityFeaturing permanent collections and chang-ing modern and contemporary art in a vari-ety of media showcasing regional national,international artists.199 Centennial Dr., Cullowhee828.227.3591www.wcu.edu/museum

The Golden CarpSpecializing in local and American watercol-orists, exhibits of local and global artisans inbasketry, pottery and fiber arts, and uniquehome accessories and fine gifts.107 Webster St., Dillsboro828.586.5477www.thegoldencarp.com

It’s By NatureContemporary and traditional fine art craftsfrom more than 150 local and regional artists. 678 W. Main St., Sylva828.631.3020www.itsbynature.com

Jackson County Arts Council’s Gallery OneNon-profit organization of local artists.Gallery offers rotating mixed-media exhibits,instruction, demonstrations and more.604 W. Main St., Sylva828.507.4248www.gallery1sylva.blogspot.com

Jackson County Green Energy ParkMethane powered business incubator featur-ing blacksmithing, glassblowing and more.100 Green Energy Park Rd., Dillsboro828.631.0271www.jcgep.org

“It’s great to be able to own your ownbusiness and be able to do this, but beprepared to do work, a lot of it, and it’sbeen worth it.”

Dodson recently discovered hisancestors were crafters in SouthernAppalachia. For him, it’s an incrediblefeeling being able to continue in the tra-ditions and heritage of his forefathers.Living in Western North Carolina hasprovided him with a great life, one he’shappy to be part of and participate in.

“I’m part of these traditions. It’salways been here, and folks visit thesemountains knowing the Appalachianculture and its self-reliance,” he said.“People here make things with theirhands, whether it’s woodworking, clay ormetal. A lot of it has purpose, and theywould sometimes tweak a piece to makeit personal, to give it that loving touch.”

And 16 years later, Dodson is just aspassionate for Mud Dabbers as day one.It’s been a long road, but a bountiful one.Bringing into the fold other artisans,including a basket weaver and wood-worker, he’s excited to showcase theintricate talents of Haywood County’sfinest crafters.

“The biggest key to this business ishaving a community connection,” hesaid. “When people come and findsomething here they want a connection,whether physically or emotionally, to apiece they have from their experience inWestern North Carolina.”

Brad Dodson

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John Collette Fine ArtsPaintings, sculpture and fine art glass from emerging and established Americanartists from throughout the country. 107 Hwy. 107 South, Cashiers828.743.7977www.johncollettefineart.com

Oaks GalleryFine handcrafted work of more than 100 pro-fessional artists including weaving, jewelry,wood, glass, iron and more.Riverwood Shops, Dillsboro828.586.6542www.oaksgallery.net

Penumbra Gallery and StudioPhotography gallery and studio.528 W. Main St., Sylva828.356.6074www.penumbragallery.com

Riverwood MenagerieSpecializes in Tiffany-style stained glassdesigned by artist Ivor Pace.Riverwood Shops, Dillsboro828.586.9083

Riverwood PotteryDecorative and functional stoneware andporcelain, handmade beads and jewelry.60 Craft Circle, Dillsboro828.586.3601www.riverwoodpottery.com

Tree House PotteryFeaturing functional raku and horsehair pot-tery, glass and wood.148 Front St., Dillsboro828.631.5100www.treehousepotterync.com

MACON COUNTYAnn Jacob GalleryPainting, sculpture and contemporary artfrom more than 40 artists. One of the firstcontemporary galleries in the Southeast.394 Main St., Highlands828.526.5550www.annjacob.com

The BascomFeaturing art and a permanent collection of20th and 21st century mixed-media artists.Art classes and lectures offered.323 Franklin St., Highlands828.526.4949www.thebascom.org

CK Swan and Harlee Gallery18th to 21st century decorative furnishings,accessories, eccentricities and original worksby regional and national artists. Located at the corner of U.S. 64 East andPine St. Highlands828.526.2083www.ckswan.com

Greenleaf Gallery/Robert A. Tino ArtFine art to folk art211 S Fourth St., Highlands828.526.9333www.greanleafgallerygifts.com

La CagninaPaintings, woodcarving and fabrics by fatherand son artists. 621 Franklin Rd., Highlands828.526.1947www.lacaginagallery.com

Macon County Art Association & UptownGalleryNon-profit gallery of association members’mixed media works. Rotating exhibits.Workshops, classes, demonstrations. 30 E. Main St., Franklin828.349.4607www.mcaauptowngallery.wordpress.com

Michael M. Rogers GalleryOne-man watercolor gallery.1511 Highlands Rd., Franklin828.524.6709www.michaelmrogers.com

Mill Creek GalleryArt and custom framing with local crafts.Photography by Cynthia Strain and Bill Lea. 206 N. Fifth St., Highlands828.787.2021www.cystrainphotos.com

Mountain Artisans155 N. Womack St., Franklin828.524.3405www.mountainartisans.net

Mountain HeritagePottery, gifts, home decor, and collectibles.371 Main St., Highlands828.526.5519

North Carolina Mountain MadeWork by mountain craftsmen, publications,food and more.36 East Main St., Franklin828.524.7766www.ncmtnmade.com

Summer House and Tiger MountainWoodworksGallery and furniture showrooms featuringcustom, and rustic furniture made on theproperty. 2089 Highway 106, Highlands828.526.5577www.summerhousehighlands.com

Taylor PotteryStoneware by Patrick Taylor. 105 Pinecrest Rd., Highlands828.526.1995, 828.507.1079www.taylorpottery.com

Tree TurningsLathe turned and sculpted decorative wood-en vessels and bowls.468 Main St., Highlands828.526.3433

SWAIN COUNTYThe Artist’s House Studio and Gallery Contemporary and traditional paintings,etchings, pottery, antiques and garden items. 40 Victorian Dr., Bryson City828.488.0285www.theartistshousegallery.com

Blue Mountain StudioMix of local artists and their work.160 Main Street, Bryson City828.736.0857www.blue-mountain-studios.com

Charles Heath GalleryPastel, acrylic, pen and ink and photographyby Charles Heath.175 Everett St., Bryson City828.538.2054 www.charlesheath.com

The Cottage CraftsmanRegional handmade items, baskets, pottery,wood turned pieces, art, jewelry and furniture.44 Fry St., Bryson City828.488.6207www.thecottagecraftsman.com

Elizabeth Ellison WatercolorsOriginal paintings using traditional and ori-ental techniques, including watercolors, oils,acrylic, mixed media, prints.155 Main St., Bryson City828.488.8782www.elizabethellisonwatercolors.com

Gemstone JewelryCustom jewelry by Allyson M. Gernandt.240 N. Panther Branch Rd., Bryson City828.488.1144www.silverandgems.com

Mud Leaf PotteryWorking studio and gallery.908 Lower Panther Creek Rd., Almond828.479.4844www.mudleafpottery.net

Pincu PotteryHandmade, functional pottery pieces80 Hwy. 28 S., Bryson City828.488.0480www.pincupottery.com

Sleepy Hollow FarmHomemade items including gourd art, bird-houses, jewelry, arts and crafts, organic veg-gies, herbs, soaps.164 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Bryson City828.736.5078www.sleepyhollowfarm.net

Swain County Center for the ArtsPerforming arts center and gallery space atSwain County High School. Featuring rotat-ing exhibits, live music and meetings for theArt League of the Smokies. 280 School Dr. Bryson City828.488.3129www.swain.k12.nc.us

Wild Fern Studios & GalleryA working studio/gallery of four artists whomake and sell jewelry, cornshuck art, gourdart and basketry.19 Everett St., Bryson City828.736.1605www.facebook.com/wildfernstudios

QUALLA BOUNDARYBearmeat’s Indian DenHandmade authentic native crafts madelocally such as birdhouses, carved flutes,masks, dolls, pottery, and wooden toys, aswell as the Little Farmer’s Market. 4210 Wolftown Rd., Cherokee828.497.4052www.bearmeats-indian-den.com

Cherokee Heritage Museum & GalleryAuthentic Cherokee crafts and fine art.Located at Saunooke Village in Cherokee828.497.3211www.cherokeeheritagemuseum-gallery.org

Great Smokies Fine Arts GalleryLimited edition prints, rustic home furnish-ings and custom framing.1655 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee828.497.5444www.greatsmokiesart.com

Medicine Man CraftsCherokee baskets, pottery, woodcarvings andmany other Native American crafts. 482 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee828.417.7282www.medicinemancrafts.com

Native American Craft ShopPottery, baskets, dolls, jewelry, beadwork,paintings, gourd art, wood and stone carv-ings. 1847 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee828.497.6790www.greatsmokiesart.com

Qualla Arts & Crafts MutualCherokee artist co-op founded in 1946 withthe purpose of preserving and advancingCherokee arts and crafts. Baskets, masks,pottery, carving and more. 645 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee828.497.3103www.quallaartsandcrafts.org

Traditional Hands Art GalleryHandmade authentic Cherokee jewelry, onlymaster-silversmith in Cherokee, custom workand repairs.1045 Tsalagi Rd., Cherokee828.554.5884www.traditionalhands.com

Will Harris StudioCherokee artwork, prints and notecards.1714 Big Witch Rd., Cherokee828.497.9750www.willharrisstudio.com

Galleries, from page 7

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www.maggievalleyfestivals.com3374 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751

828.926.0866 • [email protected]

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2013 Events

August 31 & September 1, Maggie Valley Labor DayWeekend Craft Show maggievalleycraftshows.com

September 6 & 7, 40th Annual Fall Regional Shelby/Mustang & Ford Meet negeorgiamustangclub.org

September 13 - 15, Thunder in the Smokies Fall Motorcycle Rally www.HandlebarCorral.com

September 21 - 22, VW’s in the Valley [email protected]

September 27 – 29, Maggie Valley Fall Swap Meet & Car Show www.maggievalleyswapmeet.com

October 4 & 5, Maggie Valley Oktoberfest 2013www.maggievalleyoktoberfest.com

October 12 & 13, Maggie Valley October Leaves Craft Show www.maggievalleycraftshows.com

October 19 & 20, Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Festival www.maggievalley.org

December 7, Maggie Valley “Mountain Top” Christmas Parade & Food for Totswww.maggievalleypd.com

2014 Events

April 11 – 13, AKC Canine Coursing Ability Testwww.wcdfa.org

April Smoky Mountain Oyster & Seafood Festivalwww.smokymtnoysterfest.com

April 26&27, Southeastern Mini Truckin' Nationalswww.minitruckinnats.com

May 2 - 4, Thunder in the Smokies Spring MotorcycleRally www.HandlebarCorral.com

May 9 & 10, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of West Haywood –www.relayforlife.org/westhaywood

May 23 – 25, Maggie Valley Spring Bike Fest www.maggievalleyrallys.com

May 30 & 31, Ole Smoky Tractor Club Spring Farm Fest www.olesmokytractorclub.com

When Myra Sawyer looks aroundthe Sawyer Family Farmstead,she couldn’t image living

anywhere else in the world.

“This is about as close as you can get to heaven on earth,”she said. “Words can’t express how beautiful this place is, peo-ple dream about places like this.”

And dream they do. From numerous weddings each sum-mer on the property to cutting down that perfect Christmas treein the winter, the landscape is as inviting as it is breathtaking.

“I like connecting people to the things they love, to heartheir dreams for their wedding and being able to make thatwish of theirs happen,” said Nicole Wade, wedding planner forthe farmstead and daughter-in-law to Myra. “Every bride has avision for their wedding and we’ll connect them with local ven-dors to make sure everything is perfect.”

Purchased almost 30 years ago by Myra’s husband, TomSawyer, the property and tree farm is now in its third growing

rotation. Originally fromFlorida, Sawyer found him-self in Western NorthCarolina often for outdoorexcursions. He eventuallybecame a partner in anotherChristmas tree farm. Fromthere, he decided to go at it onhis own and came across themajestic 80-acre farmsteadnear Lake Glenville. Whatwas once an apple farm, cab-bage field and cattle ranchwas now a beautiful land-scape ready for its next role.

“We help Mother Nature and do our part by replantingtrees and taking great care of the land,” Myra said. “The cloversand wildflowers help the tree roots and wildlife here. The treesand environment provide us with such fresh air. We want tomake sure the land remains pristine and lush.”

Currently, there are more than 70,000 Christmas trees on theland, with 9,000 planted per year. When the weather turns chilly,and snow hits the ground, the Tow Sawyer Christmas Tree Farmand Elf Village emerges. The business sells around 6,000 treeswholesale each holiday season, with 5,000 visitors betweenThanksgiving and Christmas making the trek with family andfriends to find the perfect tree and experience the village.

“I’ve made 120 elf costumes for anyone who wants to wearone, wander the village and get their picture taken,” Myrachuckled. “It’s always exciting when the village gets full of visi-tors, I love it all.”

As the snow melts, and winter gives way to spring, the treefarm transforms into a renowned wedding venue. With an arrayof options and styles, the property has created deep ties withlocal merchants, vendors, musicians and artisans to provide thewedding party with the true essence of Southern Appalachia.

“We love sharing the farmstead with people,” Wade said.“Nature has already decorated their wedding for them, andthey have very little to do with all we can prepare and provide.”

Wade often finds herself wandering the landscape, where acrisp, clear night in the mountains of Western North Carolinaprovides the stage for the most beautiful show of all – the night sky.

“You feel like you’re on the moon when you can experiencestars like the way you do here,” she said.

Since moving to the farmstead from Fort Lauderdale,Wade has truly embraced the intricate and personal nature ofresiding in a small town. She appreciates the peace and quiet,as well as the unique characters that make up the community.

“I love the natural beauty of the mountains and the land-scape. It’s great being able to take my children on all these

adventures throughoutthe region,” she said. “Icame from a city as large,population-wise, as thisentire area, so being partof a small town is amaz-ing. You go to the grocerystore or the pharmacy orwherever, and everyoneknows who you are.”

With 43 weddingsheld at the Sawyer FamilyFarmstead in 2013, andanother 29 already linedup for next year, Wade iseager for any and all to

come and see for themselves this slice of paradise tucked awayin the hills of Jackson County.

“It’s a blessing to meet so many incredible people throughthis land,” she said. “And seeing them experience and enjoy thisatmosphere is why we’re here.”

Tom Sawyer’s Christmas Tree Farm overlooking Lake Glenville is home to one of the picturesque outdoor wedding loca-tions in Western North Carolina. During the winter, the property transforms into a Christmas tree farm and Santa’s Village,where thousands of visitors come and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the land. Donated photos

FAMILY-RUN CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

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Christmas tree farmsthroughout the regionbegin selling trees the

week before Thanksgiving. Manyfarms offer pre-tagging, allowingfamilies to pick out the tree theywant as early as the first week ofNovember and come back later tofetch it. All farms continue sellingtrees until a few days beforeChristmas, and some up untilChristmas Eve.

All the farms carry Fraser firs, the most tra-ditional and common form used to decoratehomes, but some farms carry other species ofevergreens. Typical tree heights are 5 to 10 feet,but some farms carry large trees suitable forhomes with grand entries or very high ceilings.

Some farms are more formal operationsthan others, with official hours and variousaccoutrements. Others are old-time farmers

with a few acres of Christmas trees on the hillbehind the homestead. When asked for theirhours of operation, some replied “Why, anytimefolks want to come by, we’ll fix them right upwith any tree they want.” Ultimately, we tried tolist hours that are guaranteed times to find thefarmers around, but people can always callahead to set up a time outside the listed hours.

In most cases, Christmas tree farmers liveon the farm and use their house as an office, sodon’t be shy to go right on up to the house andknock on the door if you don’t see anyone inthe field. All farms will tie up your tree andsecure it on top of your car for you.

With many farms, getting there is half thefun. It’s a great excuse to take a beautiful coun-try drive down scenic back roads that you oth-erwise may never travel on. Many families fromSouth Carolina, Georgia and Eastern NorthCarolina make an annual pilgrimage to themountains to get a tree every year.

The guide to local chambers of commerceis on page 4 of the WNC Travel Guide, andpeople in each county will gladly answer ques-tions about special events some growers offerduring the holiday season.

Find a tree HAYWOOD

Boyd Mountain Tree Farm143 Boyd Farm Road • Waynesville828.926.8888 or 828.506.3513.Dutch Cove Christmas Tree Farm280 Setzer Drive • Canton828.648.9133.Nesbitt Christmas Tree Farm333 Sunset Ridge • Clyde 828.456.9914

JACKSON

Adrian Fowler Tree Farm2478 Cedar Creek Road • Cashiers828.399.0673.Ammons Brothers Nursery2231 Wolf Mountain RoadTuckasegee828.293.5398.Chris Burrell Christmas TreesTuckasegee828.743.2882 or 828.586.8782.D’s Trees FarmCane Creek Road • Cullowhee828.293.3308.Flat Creek Tree Farm1749 Flat Creek Valley RoadLake Toxaway828.966.4300 or 828.577.2297.Grandy Mountain Farm841 Breedlove Road • Cashiers828.508.8183 or 828.743.1737.HCL Farm303 Fowler Road • Glenville828.226.9327.Hutch’s Mountain Trees, LLC455 Lakeside Circle • Glenville828.736.1405.Jim Fortier6701 Charlies Creek RoadTuckaseegee985.674.1445.Lazy Acres Farm1081 Breedlove Road • Glenville828.507.5072.Moss Tree Farm1822 Norton Road • Cashiers828.226.2397 or 828.743.2215 828.226.2340 or 828.743.6398.Neil DawsonTuckaseegee828.506.3534 or 828.293.5057.Pressley Tree Farm770 Shirley Pressley Road • Glenville828.399.1505 or 828.743.2275.Ryan Holquist4735 Charlies Creek RoadTuckaseegee828.506.2231 or 828.293.1141.

SnowBird Farms4484 Pine Creek Road • Cullowhee800.511.6404 or 828.743.5329.Stewart’s Tree Farm244 Shook Cove RoadTuckseegee828.293.5329 or 828.226.4174.Tom Sawyer Tree Farm240 Chimney Pond Road • Glenville828.508.2301 or 828.743.5456.Ty-Lyn Plantation971 Lloyd Hooper RoadCullowhee828.508.9612 or 828.743.3899.Wind Dog Farm360 Comanche Road • Cullowhee828.743.7938.Windy Gap Tree Farm385 Fowler Road • Glenville828.507.8863 or 828.586.0637.Woodard Tree FarmPumpkin Town Road828.586.8577.

MACON

Peak Experience2820 Dillard Road • Highlands828.526.0229.

SWAIN

Darnell FarmsU.S. 19 • Whittier • 828.488.2376.Ted Craig Tree Farm160 Frasier Fir Drive • Bryson City828.488.3954

GRAHAM

Evergreen Acres NurseryN.C. 28 (near Stecoah Barber Shop) Robbinsville • 828.479.8014.

CHEROKEE

“Fir” Heaven’s Sake220 Nelson Road • Topton828.321.5339.Shields Tree FarmU.S. 64 West (past Triple B Restaurant)Murphy • 828.644.5254.

TRANSYLVANIA

Mount Hardy Christmas Tree34 Rocky Hill Branch RoadBrevard 828.577.2678 or 828.884.8681.

Christmas trees galore

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Nancy Tut’s V{Ü|áàÅtá f{ÉÑ

since 1969

488 Haywood St. • Dillsboro NC • 828-586-5391

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148 Front Street • P.O. Box 253 • Dillsboro, North Carolina828-631-5100 • TreeHousePotteryNC.com

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Featuring the works of

Joe Frank McKeeTravis Berning &

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BRADLEY’SGeneral Store

Bradleys-since1888.com

SINCE 1888

Open Thurs., Fri., & Sat. Noon to 7 p.m. (and by appt.)393 Haywood Rd. Dillsboro, NC - Beside the Dillsboro Post Office • 828.586.1888

A Family & Student Friendly Portrait Studio

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Baby pictures, Family reunions, Christmas Cards, Club events, etc

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Make tracks toBradley's Den to explore 4rooms of fun & merchandise

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All your travel needs in one place

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85 Muse Business Park • Waynesville, NC828/452-4757 • [email protected]

See Our Adon the

Back Page

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Begin your adventure at the Bryson City Depot! Travel the historic Murphy Branch Line through scenic Western North Carolina. Ride in restored vintage cars! Enjoy our First Class seating service with a delicious meal served fresh by a private attendant, or experience the rush of riding the rails on an open air car!

It’s the sound of the ancient mountains, the unique people and rich culture of Southern Appalachia. It’s the sound ofSoldier’s Heart.

Filled with the musical attitudes of bluegrass, old-time country and early rock-n-roll, the band is influenced as much by Bill Monroe as The Band, by JohnnyCash as The Grateful Dead. It’s about creating something bigger than yourself,about embracing the deep roots of mountain music and incorporating it intomodern times, and sharing it with those family and friends you care about most.

“It’s half heritage, half cutting edge,” said banjoist Joey Fortner. “It’s the culmi-nation of the modern Appalachian mountains meeting the mountains of the olddays. This area is the greatest place on Earth, and this music is deeply rooted in itshistory.”

Alongside Fortner is Caleb Burress (vocals/acoustic guitar), Chance Kuehn(electric guitar/mandolin), Jeff Mendenhall (fiddle), Rick Shore (drums) andZack Edwards (bass). Each member is a resident of Haywood County, each aspassionate and determined to spread the serenesounds of a landscape that mesmerizes its inhabitants.

WNC MusicVenuesAlley Kats TavernWaynesville828.226.1657Facebook.com/AlleyKatsTavern

Balsam Mountain Inn and RestaurantBalsam800.224.9498 • BalsamMountainInn.net

BearWaters BrewingWaynesville828.246.0602BWBrewing.com

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad DepotBryson City800.872.4681 • GSMR.com

City Lights CaféSylva828.587.2233CityLightsCafe.com

Classic WinesellerWaynesville828.452.6000ClassicWineseller.com

Colonial Theatre53 Park StreetCanton828.235.2760 • CantonNC.com

Frog Level BrewingWaynesville828.454.5664 • FrogLevelBrewing.com

Guadalupe CaféSylva828.586.9877GuadalupeCafe.com

Harrah’s CherokeeCherokee828.497.7777 • HarrahsCherokee.com

Maggie Valley Festival GroundsMaggie Valley828.926.0866MaggieValleyFestivalGrounds.org

Maggie Valley Opry HouseMaggie Valley828.648.7941 or 828.926.9336RaymondFairchild.com

Maggie Valley RendezvousMaggie Valley828.926.0201 • MaggieValleyHotel.com

Mickey’s PubBryson City828.488.9308Facebook.com/Pages/Mickeys-Pub

Mixers Bar and NightclubFranklin828.369.9211 • MixersBarandNightclub.com

Mulligan’s Bar & GrilleFranklin828.349.3183 • Mulligans-Bar.com

Nantahala BrewingBryson City828.488.2337 • NantahalaBrewing.com

Nantahala Outdoor CenterNantahala Gorge888.905.7238 • NOC.com

Nick and Nate’s Waynesville828.452.0027Facebook.com/Pages/Nick-and-Nates-of-Waynesville

No Name Sports PubSylva828.586.2750 • NoNameSportsPub.com

Salty Dog’s Seafood and GrillMaggie Valley828.926.9105Facebook.com/Pages/Salty-Dogs-Seafood-and-Grill

Signature Brew Coffee RoastingCompanySylva828.587.6300Facebook.com/Pages/Signature-Brew-Coffee-Roasting-Company

Smoky Mountain Center for thePerforming ArtsFranklin828.524.1598 • GreatMountainMusic.com

Smoky Mountain RoastersWaynesville828.452.1212Facebook.com/SmokyMountainRoasters

Soul InfusionSylva828.586.1717 • SoulInfusion.com

Stompin’ GroundMaggie Valley828.926.1288Facebook.com/Pages/Stompin-Ground

Tipping Point BrewingWaynesville828.246.9230 • TippingPointTavern.com

The Strand at 38 MainWaynesville828.283.0079 • 38Main.com

Tuck’s Tap & GrilleCullowhee828.293.5400Facebook.com/Pages/Tucks-Tap-Grille

Tuckasegee TavernBryson City828.488.9880 • facebook.com/pages/tuck-asegee-tavern

Water’n HoleWaynesville828.456.4750 • WaynesvilleWaternHole.comF

Heart of the matter

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“Our music is real. It’s a machine andit’s well-oiled right now,” Fortner said.“This is the greatest group of musiciansI’ve ever played with. We’re all focused.The musical roots are deep in these partsand we’re one part of this big wheel ofAppalachian music.”

At the center of the group is Burress,a beloved singer amid the regional musicscene. He has the look and swagger ofsomeone destined for greatness, a notionthat seems closer and closer as the yearswear on. His family has been in WesternNorth Carolina for generations. He aimsto bridge the connection between hisancestors and himself through the vocalshe pushes through the microphone withevery ounce of his soul.

The past year is shaping up to be acornerstone time for Burress. Besides therecent formation of the band last sum-mer, he also himself a character on theDiscovery Channel reality show “HillbillyBlood.” The show features two survivalistexpert hosts from Western NorthCarolina who encounter different peoplethroughout each episode. Besides beingbrought onto the program as part of hisfather’s blacksmithing trade, Soldier’sHeart was also filmed performing at aparty held for the show.

Yes, it has already been quite the yearfor Burress and Soldier’s Heart, but thejourney is long and there’s plenty more todo before all is said and done.

TG: How did Soldier’s Heart comeabout?Caleb Burress: Joey and myself haveknown each other for 15 years andhadn’t really done anything together.Soon, we noticed we had similar musicaltastes and decided to get together on theporch and see what we could do. Thatwas about a year ago. It really kind ofjust fell together and has congealed eversince then.

TG: How would you describe the sound?CB: We want to make music that soundsthe way your grandmothers cookingtaste, comfort music, something that iscomfortable and embracing.

TG: Where does the name come from?CB: Soldier’s Heart is an Antebellum[Civil War era] term for posttraumaticstress disorder or shell shock. It’s a tenderway to talk about something awful. It kindof ties us to the past and we are aware ofour roots. It’s love and war, happiness andsadness. The last shot for the war ofsouthern independence was shot in thisarea. My dad still has my great-great-grandfather’s drum he beat for the 62ndNorth Carolina before he was captured atCumberland Gap and spent two years at aprison camp on the south side of Chicago.

TG: Why is this project different frompast musical endeavors of yours?CB: I’ve got some older songs I’ve writtenfrom other projects that I feel are betterrepresented in this project. It’s moreabout how the song feels and the mood itcreates, and that’s really at the center of allof this. It shows a lot more of those roots,instead of just playing rock-n-roll music,why don’t we play something that’s moretrue to this area? Everybody thinks of thisarea as bluegrass, but its part of the equa-tion and not all of it.

TG: The band was asked to perform for“Hillbilly Blood.” What was that experi-ence like?CB: I was worn out. I was a character onthe show, picked up a week of work as amember of the build crew, and then wedid the band thing for one of theepisodes. I think the experience will openup some doors for us. It’ll definitely be afeather in our cap. We’ve been workinghard for a year. We’re ready to get thisout there and drive it around a little bit.

ART AFTER DARKFIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH, MAY-DECEMBER:

Galleries open until 9 p.m. Artist receptions, music and food.

CHURCH STREET ART & CRAFT SHOWOCTOBER 12, 10-5: Celebrating our 30th year! Main Street is transformed

into an art & craft marketplace, widely known as one of the finest juried art showsin the region. Entertain includes Balsam Range & Whitewater Bluegrass, two of

the South’s finest bluegrass bands, clogging, local & international food.

APPLE HARVEST FESTIVALOCTOBER 19, 10-5: 25 years of crafts, music, dance, food,

& bushels of apples on Main Street.

TREATS on the STREETOCTOBER 31, 5-7: Merchants offer treats to young children. First Baptist

Church, Police & Fire Departments also participate.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSENOVEMBER 24, NOON-4: Enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds as the holiday

season begins in our fesively decorated shops and galleries.

CHRISTMAS PARADEDECEMBER 9, 6 P.M.: Main Street, downtown Waynesville.

“A NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS”DECEMBER 14, 6-9 P.M.: A Family holiday tradition downtown.

Restaurants, shops & galleries remain open. Live music, caroling, BethlehemMarketplace, Live Nativity, storytelling, Santa, old fashioned wagon rides,

luminaires and more.

WAYNESVILLE

DOWNTOWN WAYNESVILLE ASSOCIATION

www.downtownwaynesvi l l e .com • 828.456.3517

SPONSORED IN PART BY HAYWOOD COUNTY TOURISM

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY • 800.334.9036 •WWW.VISITNCSMOKIES.COM

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Aloud roar echoed fromthe back of thebuilding. Thedeafening sound is

terrifying, yet exhilarating, with thesmell of burning oil and gasolinepermeating through the air.

It’s the sound of a 1928 Harley-DavidsonHillclimber.

“It’s more than the sound,” said DaleWalksler. “It’s also the sight, smell and taste.Starting this motorcy-cle up achieves all ofyour sensitivities.”

Owner/founder ofthe Wheels ThroughTime Museum inMaggie Valley, Walkslerstraddled the bike on hiselaborate showroom.Several people strollingthe museum immedi-ately head for Walksler, not only hear and seethe historic machine, but also listen as heexplains where it came from and how it works.The one-of-a-kind motorcycle was rescuedfrom an old general store in Central City, Colo.

“We rebuilt this here and had it runningin one day,” he said. “This museum is a veryearthy place, where things are brought back tolife everyday.”

The Hillclimber became one of the sub-jects of Walksler new reality show, “What’s InThe Barn?” Produced by Velocity TV, a divi-sion of the Discovery Channel, the show trav-els around the country in search of forgottenand highly prized motorcycles to bring back toMaggie Valley to resurrect and once again hitthe open road. Filmed from Labor Day lastyear through Easter, the eight-episode firstseason has been airing throughout the sum-mer. With much worldwide interest, plans arealready in the works for the next season.

“It’s a very simple premise where we take across-section of American history, where it’sabout finding something and doing some-thing with it,” he said. “We aren’t like the othermainstream reality shows where they findsomething and make a buck or take advantageof somebody to make a buck.”

Created in 1992, the museum has residedin Maggie Valley since 2002. Featuring more

than 320 of the most highly sought afterAmerican motorcycles in the world, the col-lection is a living, breathing history of thiscountry on two, three and four wheels, withhundreds of thousands of visitors over theyears. At the center of it all is Walksler, whohas spent more than 45 years scouring theworld, from musty barns to urban storageunits, in an effort to preserve the mechanicalhistory of the United States.

“I have the best connections and reputationfor vintage motorcycles in the world,” he said.“My phone rings everyday with opportunity.”

Wheels Through Time is no stranger totelevision. Since its inception, Walksler hasbeen producing hundreds of his own videosonline of bike rebuilds and treasure hunts. TheHistory Channel and Discovery Channel haveboth featured the Walksler and the museumnumerous times, with popular show “AmericanPickers” tapping his shoulders over a half-dozen times. Eventually, Velocity TV and themuseum decided to do their own project.

“This show is the reflection of what we dohere at the museum, which is to inspireAmericans to love their country while we’rebringing things back to life,” he said. “This isnot a chase a dollar show. Education is at thetop of our ladder. We want to provide educa-tion and discovery through entertainment. It’sabout history and preservation.”

Thus far, the program has Walksler andhis son Matt traveling to Fresno, Pittsburgh,Denver and Philadelphia, among other places.The Hillclimber discovery came through acold call, where the owner of the motorcyclesent along some blurry photos of what he

thought was something unique and worthchecking out. Walksler jumped on the chanceand headed for Central City, Colo.

“Hillclimber motorcycles are what I’mfamiliar with intimately,” he said. “I’ve beencollecting them for over 40 years and know

every inch of every one made between 1926and 1932.”

The trip resulted in three bikes, the 1928Hillclimber, 1928 Harley-Davidson JD and a1929 Hillclimber, all of which laid dormant inan old general store for the better part of thelast 80 years. Walksler figures they were orig-inally custom built for Harley-Davidson leg-endary rider Floyd Clymer. The bikes foundtheir way into the hands of a man named“Wild Bill,” who used them to smuggle moon-shine during Prohibition. From that point,the exquisitely preserved bikes were left in thestore to gather dust and remain forgotten.

“I have to be one of the luckiest guys in theworld finding these motorcycles,” he said.“There are other people in the industry withas much passion as me who know what I’mlooking at is a one-of-a-kind built machine.”

And that passion for motorcycles seeps

into the deepest parts of Walksler’s soul. He’s abundle of energy, a lightning in a bottle person-ality who bounces around his 38,000 squarefoot showroom like a pinball. He shakes handsand takes photos with anyone he crosses pathswith. They’re visitors from all over the world,all wanting to experience the vision Walkslerhad those many years ago that remains today.They follow him around, hanging on his everyword and action. One moment, he’s crankingup a bike, the next he’s pointing out where anantique sign or machine part came from. Eachpiece in the museum has a story, and Walkslerknows them all.

“This isn’t just a museum of motorcycles,it’s a museum of people’s lives,” he said. “Passionfor what you do is something that’s contagious.Whether you’re three years old or 80, every-thing in here appeals to everybody, and thisshow is really the proof in the pudding.”

Showcasing the historyof the open road

Go visitWheels Through Time is located just offSoco Road on Maggie Valley’s main strip.828.926.6266 • www.wheelsthroughtime.comHours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-MondayClosed Tuesdays & WednesdayAdmission: adults $12; seniors (65 and up)$10; children $6

Based in Maggie Valley, the Wheels Through Time Museum is home to the world’s pre-mier collection or rare American vintage motorcycles. The nonprofit organization recentlyfinished Season One of their reality show “What’s In The Barn?” through Velocity TV, adivision of the Discovery Channel. Garret K. Woodward photos

Dale Walksler

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115 Everett St. • Bryson City, NC 828.488.8010

McClanahansFurniture • Home Décor • Clothing Shoes • Accessories & more

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All guests will enjoy free hot breakfast buffet, brand new 32” flat panel LCD televisions, free

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We also offer packages to ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or to go rafting at Nantahala Outdoor Center (please book in advance).

We also offer the train and rafting tickets individually.

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SIX ISSUES PER YEAR: $25smliv.com

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MAGAZINE

BRYSON CITY

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Offering a variety of lodging, restaurants,

and activities withinminutes of Bryson City, the

Nantahala Gorge, Fontana Lake and other

area attractions.

828.488.9000WWW.NANTAHALAVILLAGE.COM

CALL 828-280-1381FOR DETAILS ABOUT OUR WINTER MARKET

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If you build it, they willcome. If you brew it, theywill come and party.

“If you make a great product, people willcome and find it,” said Joe Rowland, co-owner of Nantahala Brewing Company inBryson City. “This town is one of the lastoutposts where you can be this close to agiant wilderness area and still be able to goout there and explore it. You can’t get thatanywhere else.”

For years, Rowland worked in marketing and operated a kayaking outfitter inCharleston. Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, BrysonCity mesmerized him and his colleagues whenever they would visit the region.The brewery was launched in 2010 in an effort to bring together two passions –craft beer and the great outdoors.

“We fell in love with Bryson City and kept trying to find ways to live here,”Rowland said. “So, a handful of us got together and started the brewery. It’s greatto be involved in an industry that people appreciate and are happy when theyleave, which that in itself is rewarding.”

The philosophy for Nantahala Brewing is simple – quality over quantity.Instead of mass-produced basic brews, the company aims to concoct unique, deli-cious flavors that tease the senses.

“Certain people are used to sitting down and drinking something that tasted

WNC BREWERIESWestern North Carolina has become one ofthe country’s craft beer hotspots, and nearbyAsheville was named Beer City USA forthree years running. The area west ofAsheville is home to five breweries, which allproduce beer as unique as the communitiesthemselves.

Bear Waters130 Frazier Street, Suite 7 • Waynesville828.246.0602 • www.bwbrewing.com

Frog Level56 Commerce Street • Waynesville828.454.5664 • www.froglevelbrewing.com

Heinzelmannchen545 Mill Street • Sylva 828.631.4466 • www.yourgnometownbrewery.com

Nantahala61 Depot Street • Bryson City828.488.2337 • www.nantahalabrewing.com

Tipping Point190 North Main Street • Waynesville828.246.9230 • www.tippingpointtavern.com

MAGICin a bottle

Swain County’s home to live music andcraft beer, Nantahala Brewing Company

in Bryson City offers an array oflocal/regional performers alongside a

constantly evolving variety of brews.Garret K. Woodward photo

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Offering Guided Hikes & Eco-Toursof Cataloochee Valley

in the Great Smoky Mountains

Call 828-450-7985 for reservations or visit our website at www.cataloocheevalleytours.com

Waynesville N.C.

The Best Kept Secret in the Smokies

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Join WNC’s Hidden Jewel:

Laurel Ridge Country ClubFor a limited time, reduced initiation fees

for golf and social memberships.

Call 828.452.0545 for more details.

www.laurelridgegolf.com

Premade Baskets offered as well as Create your OwnWe’ll do the searching, shipping, & packaging for you.

C Amy Bennington | 828.734.4281 | www.mountainfavors.com

Individual items arealso available

Mountain Favorscreates local artisan

gift basketsfilled with the bestof the mountains

featuring exclusivegourmet gifts for

any occasion

1431-63

the same, and was cheap. The mentality wasabout how many beers you could get for $20,”Rowland said. “Now, you go in, sit down andhave a great tasting beer, where it’s not abouthow many you get, but rather it’s about whatvalue you get for your dollar.”

Alongside their flagship Noon Day IPA,the brewery also serves their AppalachianTrail Extra Pale Ale, Bryson City Brown,Dirty Girl Blonde and Up River Amber.Throughout the year, they release seasonals,high gravity selections and host a variety ofevents during their “Trail Magic Ale” series.

The series and festivities are all in an effortto showcase the adventurous spirit ofSouthern Appalachia and the mystical ways ofthe Appalachian Trail (A.T.) that runsthrough the heart of Western North Carolina.

“It’s a huge party, and we never expected itto be that way,” Rowland said.

Started as a way to incorporate the ideals of

the business with the ambition and diversecharacter of people hiking the entire A.T., fromGeorgia to Maine (or vice versa), the releases(three a year – March, June and October) havegarnered quite a following of beer connoisseursand nature wanders. The events focus on theidea of “trail magic,” which is why a random actof kindness occurs on the trail, whether it beproviding food to a hungry thru-hiker or invit-ing them into your home for a rest.

“That whole concept of doing somethingtotally random, an act of kindness we can tie tothe A.T. just fit us,” Rowland said. “So, we cameup with the series, which coincides with thelaunch time, midway point and end of hike.”

Besides the brewery’s own fascination andenjoyment of the A.T., brewmaster GregGeiger was actually hiking the trail when hefirst crossed paths with Nantahala Brewing.Geiger was living in Knoxville in 2011 anddecided to do a 500-mile trek through the

Southern Appalachian portion of the route. Afriend of his who worked at the brewerycoaxed the 17-year homebrewer and industrialengineer off the trail to help volunteer at a craftbeer festival. Geiger felt a kinship with thebrewery and the rest is history.

“I just hiked 500 miles of thisarea and fell in with it all,” he said.“It’s the mountains, the water,how lush the landscape is, howmuch variety there is with theflora and fauna.”

Taking his longtime love ofhomebrewing to the next level,Geiger enjoys the idea of thebrewery as his laboratory, withhim playing the mad scientist role.

“This is my playground to toyaround with new things,” he said.“There’s so much you can do toexperiment, to push the bound-aries and make new flavors, newthings you’ve never tried before,and we have that freedom here todo just that,” he said.

And yet for Rowland, all ofthese people, places and things arepart of the rich philosophy ofwhy he and his comrades decided

to set deep roots in Western North Carolinaand create fine craft beer.

“We really could be anywhere, but wewanted to be here, and we’re lucky for that,” hesaid. “And we’re just going to keep getting bet-ter and better.”

“We really could be anywhere, but we wanted to behere, and we’re lucky for that. And we’re just going tokeep getting better and better.”

— JOE ROWLAND, CO-OWNER OF NANTAHALA BREWING CO.

Nantahala Brewing Company co-ownerJoe Rowland and brewmaster Greg Geiger.

Garret K. Woodward photo

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The feeling of a new customerwalking through the door nevergets old for Haley Milner.

“I want them to feel satisfied, to feel full and good, for themto know they’re always welcome back and will always be greet-ed with a smile,” she said.

Owner of Soul Infusion TeaHouse & Bistro in Sylva, Milner hasoperated the 13-year-old business forthe better part of the last two years.For her, it’s about creating a comfort-able atmosphere where people from allwalks of life can come together and cel-ebrate through food, drink, music andhearty conversation.

“I love the way this place makespeople feel, whether if you come in by yourself or with a groupof friends,” she said. “People come here to hang out, play on theInternet, have lunch or have a couple of beers. The atmospherejust gives you such an energy.”

Originally from Georgia, Milner grew up in a cookinghousehold. Everyone in her family knew their way around thekitchen, with Milner picking up all the secrets and techniquesalong the way.

“My love for cooking started when I was a teenager,” shesaid. “I was one of those kids whose parents both worked, sothey expected dinner to be ready when they got home. I wouldjust go through all of the cookbooks and find something tomake.”

And Milner has been working in the restaurant industry

ever since. Eventually, her significant other was offered a job inWestern North Carolina. Now in Sylva, Milner began fre-quenting Soul Infusion. It became almost a second home forthe culinary artisan.

“I always liked the quality of their food and all the differentvarieties of tea and microbrews they had,” she said. “So, whenthe previous owners were ready to move, I jumped on theopportunity.”

Using the finest ingredi-ents from local markets andstores, Milner sees the valuein providing food based onquality. Once in the kitchen,Milner is like a maestro,moving around the spacewith grace and precision, allin an effort to create ahealthy, delicious meal.

“When I start cuttingthe food and preparing adish for somebody who Iknow will absolutely love it,it makes me feel great,” shesaid. “I want to provide mycustomers with really good,healthy food they will enjoyeating.”

Blending in her ownskills and vision for the busi-ness, Soul Infusion remainsa beacon for music, art, food,drink and culture in JacksonCounty. During the day the

building will be filled with professionals, while at night ithouses local artisans and graduate students from nearbyWestern Carolina University.

“You’ll have doctors, lawyers and nurses in here for lunch,then, around 8 or 9 p.m. on the weekends, comes this magicalpumpkin transformation where the place gets packed witheverybody,” said Martin Adams, head bartender.

Besides his duties behind the counter, Adams also man-ages the bistro and books the musical acts. Everything fromjazz to rock, bluegrass to hip-hop finds its way through thedoors of the venue or into the backyard where numerous actshit the stage for an evening of performance and celebration.

“There’s a lot of very talented, intelligent musicians in thistown,” he said. “A lot of them come from WCU and plenty arehomegrown, as well. We’ll let anybody come in and play theirstuff. That’s the way it has always been.”

A Jackson County native, Adams grew restless after highschool graduation. He and a buddy bought a Volkswagen Bus,packed their surfboards and left town. A few months passedand Adams missed home. He headed back and has resided inSylva ever since.

“It wasn’t until I left and came back that I realized just howspecial this area really is,” he said.

“Even when I travel to the beach or back to Georgia, assoon as I come back over these mountains I know I’m home,”Milner added.

Pointing to the strong diversity and camaraderie of thecommunity, Milner is eager to see what the future holds forSylva and Jackson County as a whole. Everyday more andmore unique individuals are relocating to the region, and withthat comes more people to satisfy as they wander into SoulInfusion.

“Our motto is, ‘Where souls come to meet, eat and drink,’”she smiled. “It makes me feel great to see all the people thatcome in here. The community truly does come together andwe all support each other.”

soul

“People come hereto hang out, playon the Internet,have lunch or havea couple of beers.The atmospherejust gives you suchan energy.”

— HALEY MILNER, OWNER,SOUL INFUSION TEA HOUSE

& BISTRO

Haley Milner

FoodFORTHE

Garret K. Woodward photos

What looked likea risk to somewas a dream forDiane Cutler

and Andy Zivinsky.“If you have a love for the outdoors, this is

the place to be,” Zivinsky smiled.Owners of Bryson City Bicycles, the couple

opened the shop in 2009. Together for the lastseven years, they were living in Raleigh and even-tually grew weary of the 9 to 5 office workday.

“We wanted to do something different. Wewanted to leave corporate America and besomewhere we really wanted to live,” Zivinskysaid. ‘We’ve been able to see a lot of places and doa lot of great things, but we knew we wanted todo something more fulfilling with our lives.”

In need of a vacation, they wandered up tothe Great Smoky Mountains National Park.On one of the days, they wandered intoBryson City. Meeting strangers that nowbecame friends and enjoying all of the ameni-ties of downtown, it was love at first sight.They then packed up everything, sold theirhouse and decided to make their dream ofopening a bike shop a reality in Bryson City.

“We’re really pleased at what we’ve been ableto see and do here in four years,” Cutler said.“We’ve built a customer base from scratch, and

have had a lot of loyal repeat clients. The com-munity support has been incredible.”

And though they were nervous on thatfirst day opened, the duo’s worries werewashed away when a Tampa-based familyentered in search of rental bikes. Cutler andZivinsky correctly fitted each family member,making sure all the angles were right and thatcomfort was a top priority.

“They went out riding, came back thenext day and said they wanted to buy thebikes,” Zivinsky chuckled. “So, we sold fourbikes by the second day of being in business.With that, we knew we could do this andmake it work. We love what we do.”

A competitive BMX racer in his teenageyears, Zivinsky soon transitioned into moun-tain biking. Being out in the woods, on thetrail, he felt at peace. And with the vast net-work of trails in the Smokies, he can head forthe hills at a moment’s notice.

“Bryson City is a jumping off point for thenational park,” he said. “All the things you cando outside, from hiking to biking, paddling tofishing, literally everything is minutes fromyour doorstop. It’s phenomenal.”

That love and accessibility of SouthernAppalachia is a sentiment shared by Cutler.

“I love being outside and in the woods, beingpart of nature and exercising, getting away fromit all,” she said. “I get out there because I love it. I

love just tooling around thetrails, working hard to get upthe hill, then just coastingback down.”

Around WesternNorth Carolina, riders willfind an array of single-tracktrails and never-endingForest Service roads. Hotspots include trail systemsat Tsali, Fontana Dam,Deep Creek and the newlyformed routes through thebackwoods of WesternCarolina University. Thechoices are endless, withmore systems planned inthe coming years withinthe state forests and national park.

“We’re working hard to tie all of themountain bike organizations together, wherewe can move forward together,” Zivinsky said.“We want to expand the biking area and giveback to the sport and people that come hereto ride.”

Alongside their retail sales, the shop isalso a full-service repair and rental establish-ment. They can find a bike for any budget,body size and type of riding. It’s about helpingthe customer, not trying to empty their wallet.

“We’re not about the all-mighty dollar, it’s

about the joy ofriding and beingpart of this com-munity,” Cutlersaid. “Yes, wewant to make aliving with thisshop, but wealso want tomaking a livingmaking peoplehappy, too.”

Now with afirm foothold inthe local busi-ness community,Bryson CityBicycles is aim-

ing for the future. Sales numbers are climbing,with more and more curious riders enteringstepping foot in their shop. It’s been a longroad since sitting in the office in Raleigh, but abountiful one for Cutler and Zivinsky, wheretheir dream has now come to fruition. Thesky’s the limit, with the trails eager and readyfor riders and biking enthusiasts alike.

“We realize people only get so much vaca-tion time, and we want you to come here andhave a great time riding,” Zivinsky said. “Wewant to help you and send you out there togive you an unforgettable experience.”

BIKE SHOPS IN THE AREABike shops are a great place to go to for advice onwhere to ride. Many also sell maps and lead group rides.

Bryson City BicyclesBryson City. Sales, service, repairs and rentals.828.488.1988. www.brysoncitybicycles.com.

Fontana Village Adventure CenterRobbinsville. Sales, service, rentals and repairs.800.849.2258. www.fontanavillage.com.

Motion Makers Bicycle ShopSylva. Sales, service and repair. 828.586.6925. www.motionmakersbikes.com.

Nantahala Outdoor CenterNantahala Gorge. Sales, service and rentals, guidedtrips, mountain biking courses. 828.488.2175 or 800.232.7238. www.noc.com.

Rolls RiteWaynesville. Sales, service and repairs. 828.276.6080. www.rollsritebicycles.com.

Smoky Mountain BicyclesSales, service, and rentals. Located beside the LittleTennessee River greenway for quick access to riding outthe back door. 828.369.2881. www.smokymtnbikes.com.

Putting the pedal — and roots —

down in the Smokies

Andy Zivinskyand Diane Cutler.

Garret K. Woodward photos

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Bikinghot spotsRough Creek Watershed, Canton

A 830-acre preserve with a 10-milemountain bike trail. The trail system consistsof three loops, kind of like a figure-8 with anadditional horseshoe-shaped protrusion.

The main trail system only has 350 feetof elevation gain. The downside, however, isthe haul from the parking area to the trailsystem. A mile-long climb of about 700 feetof elevation has to be overcome beforereaching the first loop.

Directions: From Waynesville, head easton I-40 toward Asheville. Get off at Exit 33and make a right at the end of the exit ramp.Make a right again onto Beaverdam Road. (Itwill take you back under the Interstate.) Turnleft onto Rice Cove Road. Turn right on RoughWater Plant Road. When the road forks, goleft onto a narrow paved road that leads tothe old water processing plant.

Lewis Soles Memorial Trail, FranklinAdjacent to the Little Tennessee

Greenway, there is a total of 2.6 miles of sin-gle-track with three loops: the Upper Loop,the Lower Loop and a River Loop. The Upperand Lower loops are just under one mileeach. The River loop is six-tenths of a mile.The loops can be strung together in a figure-8 fashion. Access it by riding the Greenwayto the trail system or from the Macon CountyPublic Library.

Jackrabbit Recreation Area, HayesvilleA 15-mile single-track trail system is on a

peninsula jutting into Lake Chatuge, locatedat Jackrabbit Recreation Area in Clay Countynear Hayesville. About two-thirds of the trailsystem is a perimeter trail bordering the lake,generally flat and easy for beginners. Theremaining miles are the inner connectors,with some climbing and more advancedstretches. There is a lakeshore recreationwith a swimming area and beach up theroad from the mountain bike trail head for acool dip after riding.

Directions: From Franklin, take U.S.Highway 64 west for about 23 miles. Beforeyou get to Hayesville, turn left on N.C. 175 S.Cross over Lake Chatuge and turn right atJackrabbit Mountain Campground sign.Parking area is on left just past PhiladelphiaBaptist Church.

www.sabacycling.com/jackrabbit.shtml.

Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bryson CityThe Nantahala Outdoor Center in the

Nantahala Gorge has its own trail, which

allows riders to try their hand at some tech-nical maneuvering. The 4.5-mile Flint RidgeTrail system was designed specifically formountain bikers. It features technical ridingas well as some rolling single-track.

Directions: From Bryson City, go south onU.S. 74 for 12 miles and the NOC campus willbe on the right. The highway will narrow totwo lanes after about 8 miles.

www.noc.com/adventures/biking/mountain-biking.

Fontana Village, RobbinsvilleThere are a ton of trails in the village,

each of them labeled and fairly well blazed.Mix and match from numerous options tomake your own loop.

You can get a good bit of climbing andlong descents, plus technical rock gardens,stream crossings and log crossings on the20-mile trail system that is among the best inthe region.

Directions: From Bryson City, take U.S. 74south eight miles past Bryson City. Turn righton N.C. 28. Go about 25 miles.

www.fontanavillage.com/hiking.

Tsali Recreation Area, near Bryson CityThe famed mountain bike trail system

on the shore of Fontana Lake is fast andusually well-packed. There are a few steephills and technical sections but for the mostpart Tsali is manageable for even noviceriders. If you run into some locals or someriders who look like they’ve ridden thereoften, ask them about the loop that leads tothe awesome view of Fontana Lake. It’sworth the climb.

Directions: From Bryson City, take U.S. 74south for eight miles. When the highway nar-rows to two lanes, turn left on NC 28. Go aboutthree miles to the top of the hill and a sign forthe Tsali Recreation Area is on the right.

Oconaluftee River Trail, CherokeeThis flat, wide 1.5-mile trail meanders

along the river. It’s excellent riding surfaceand gentle terrain make it great for begin-ners, kids and even families pulling weeones in a trailer. A series of well-done bul-letin boards share Cherokee history, cultureand mythology along the way, along withbenches overlooking the river. Advanced rid-ers should check it out as well, as one ofonly a couple of trails in the Great SmokyMountains that allow mountain bikes.

The reward is even sweeter than mostrides: the trail emerges from the nationalpark just a stone’s throw from ice cream,fudge and souvenir shops.

Directions: From Cherokee, head north onU.S. 441 and park in the Cherokee Transit loton the left just before you leave the reserva-tion. Cross the road to reach the trail head. Orbegin from the visitor center just inside thepark entrance.

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What started as an unsureadventure turned into apassion-filled career forJim Rowell.

“I certainly remember that first day, and it was terri-ble,” the 64-year-old chuckled.

A 25-year veteran instructor at the Cataloochee SkiArea, Rowell was fresh out of college when he was firstasked to hit the slopes of his now second home. Thoughhe had attended nearby Western Carolina University inpursuit of a writing degree, he never made it up to therenowned ski resort in nearby Maggie Valley. It wasn’tuntil he was a sports writer at the Asheville Citizen-Time that his boss Larry Pope took him up the hill.

“Larry said, ‘Let’s go skiing,” and I replied, ‘I’ve neverbeen,” Rowell said. “But, he insisted, so I decided to takehim up on the offer.”

Buying a pair of jeans and a parka, Rowell preparedfor the outdoor endeavor by spraying the denim withlayer upon layer of scotch guard.

“I sprayed so much on them, I swear they could havestood up on their own,” he smiled. “But, it kept the waterout, and me dry.”

Heading up the chairlift, Rowell was instructed byPope to “just follow my lead,” to which Rowell fell againand again and again. After about an hour, he decided toget himself a lesson. It was an experience that made allthe difference. From the helpfulness of instructor KathyNew (who’s still teaching on the mountain), Rowell gotthe hang of it and has been honing his skills ever since.

“People who are beginners always say they don’t needa lesson, which is a huge mistake,” Rowell said. “I see it allthe time when folks think they can figure it out them-selves. Skiing is a very intuitive sport. It’s a very simplesport, but you need those lessons to know where to posi-tion your body on the skis and have an enjoyable time.”

After that first lesson, Rowell skied throughout theeast coast and out west for the next 15 years, immersinghimself in the grandeur and splendor of breathing in thefresh mountain air and winding down the trails andbackwoods.

“I love the freedom skiing gives me,” he said.“Especially when you’re by yourself and find your perfectrhythm on the trail, when your skis are responding andyour body just glides down the slopes.”

Soon, Rowell’s entire family was hitting the moun-tain. Looking for the most sensible economic way tomake sure everyone had what they needed for a fun dayon the hill, someone suggested he become an instructor.

“I had a wife, three kids and a mortgage, so being aninstructor and getting family discounts to Cataloocheeseemed like a great plan,” he said.

Though a seasoned skier in his own right, Rowell wassurprised at how much he still needed to learn, especiallyif he wanted to adequately be able to teach others. Hewas initially hired on a provisional level until he figuredout how to properly instruct.

“Speed is a great compensator for a lack of skills,” hesaid. “It’s when you slow down and try and do a properdemonstration that you see how far off you are in yourskills. I had to take my instructor test and demonstrate at

The fastest way down

Cat

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Ski

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half-speed. It was frustrating, but I eventuallylearned the correct methods.”

Now after years as an instructor, Rowellhas picked up an array of knowledge and car-ries with him a “bag of tricks” to help beginnerswith their greatest need – a sense of comfort.

“The real key to being an instructor iscommunication. It’s not how well you ski, it’sabout how well you can communicate to peo-ple what’s it’s all about,” he said. “The trick isto build trust because if they don’t trust you,they’ll never learn. You have to keep them intheir comfort zone, back things down andwork with them because everyone has a differ-ent level of comfort.”

For beginners, Rowell points out theimportance of proper clothing, which alsohas comfort as a top priority. Those new tothe mountain have to remember they’ll sweatheading down the hill and cool off riding thechairlift – so, dress appropriately. He alsosuggests to rent equipment those first fewtimes in an effort to get acquainted with gearbefore plucking down money for top-of-the-line attire. Rowell is excited for the upcomingski/snowboard season, and is ready for awhole new group of eager beginners that will

grace his presence day in and day out. It’s alabor of love, one that has resonated withinhim since that first day on the slopes.

“People here tend to look out for eachother and take care of each other,” he said. “Ifyou’re not having fun and learning the sport,

then I’m not doing my job. The idea atCataloochee is to have fun, and that’s whatwe’re all about.”

“The trick is to build trustbecause if they don’t trustyou, they’ll never learn.

— JIM ROWELL

Jim Rowell, 25-year veteran ski instructorat Cataloochee Ski Area. (right) Slopes illuminated at night. Cataloochee Ski Area photo

At a glance Elevation: 5,400 feetVertical Drop: 740 feetTrails: 17 (25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% expert)Longest Run: Upper and Lower Snowbird (3,500 feet)Lifts: 5 (quad, triple, double chair, two moving carpet)Snowmaking: 100 percentDay: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, non-holiday8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and HolidaysHalf Day: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m weekday; 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. weekends; 1p.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekday and weekends.Twilight Skiing: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.Night Skiing: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.Marathon: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays; 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. weekends.

Rates: Lift ticket pricing ranges from $39 weekdays to $59 week-ends. Ski and snowboard equipment can be rented at the ski area,with rental costs ranging from $21 for juniors to $26 on adults.Cataloochee offers several midweek programs and packages suchas our “Kids Stay and Ski Free,” “Drive, Slide, & Stay” and a free“Intro to Skiing or Riding” program. Outer gear rentals, such asoverall bibs and jackets and accessories, can be found at The Shop

at Cataloochee, the mountain gift shop. Bib and jacket rentals areavailable there for a nominal fee plus deposit.

Amenities: Terrain park, cafeteria, bar, tubing, gift shop, apparelshop, rental/lesson shop.

Directions: Cataloochee Ski Area is located four miles off U.S. 19above Maggie Valley and is easily accessed from Interstate 40(GPS devices can incorrectly direct you through impassable roads.Use the directions below for the quickest routes. Use the GoogleMap service for driving directions.)From the East (Asheville/Charlotte): Take I-40 West to Exit 27(Maggie Valley). Exit on to U.S. 19 South (exit right) and follow thesigns. From the West (Knoxville): Take I-40 East to Exit 20 (Maggie Valley).Exit on to U.S. 276 South (exit right) and follow the signs. From theNorth (Cherokee): Take U.S. 441 South to U.S. 19 North (MaggieValley) and follow the signs. From Atlanta (and points south): Take U.S. 441 to U.S. 23 exiting atWaynesville (Exit 102B). Take 276 North to U.S. 19 South (turn left)and follow the signs.For additional directions or assistance: 800.768.0285, 828.926.0285or www.Cataloochee.com.

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The Scottish Tartans Museum

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Come check out our new location: 31 East Main St., Downtown Franklin (Old People's Building)

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North Carolina Arboretum, AshevilleThe North Carolina Arboretum in

Asheville is a paradise for kids and families.A series of trails and paths meander throughwhimsical gardens begging to be explored.The sense of wonder is heightened by thediscovery of secret benches, foot bridges,waterfalls, outdoor art and sculptures andother treasures tucked into the lush gardens.There are several garden themese, from aquilt garden to an Asian bonzai garden. Also,a series of groomed woodland footpathsform a network of loops to create the perfectlength “hike” for any size legs.

As an added perk, kids can borrow anexplorer’s backpack, complete with a magni-fying glass, binoculars, net, garden trail map,clipboard and scavenger hunt checklist.Make sure to check out the rotating exhibitsand rich line-up of special events, children’sprograms and day-camps.

For those with older kids or traveling withbikes, the Arboretum has a total of 10 milesof hike and bike trails.

www.ncarboretum.org or

Oconaluftee Indian VillageThis exceptional living history site is like

stepping back in time to a 1760s Cherokeevillage. Costumed guides stationedthroughout the recreated village go aboutdaily tasks, allowing kids to see first handthe way life was lived 250 years ago andexplore Cherokee culture. Blowgun demon-strations, dugout canoe building, weavingand pottery making, cooking, tanning ani-mal skins, ceremonial dances and more. Atrail leads through the forested setting,which includes Cherokee huts and animpressive council house.

828.497.2111 or www.cherokeehistorical.org/OconalufteeVillage.html

Gem miningWestern North Carolina boasts native

gems such as rubies, sapphires and emer-alds. Head to a local gem mine and get a lit-tle dirty in your quest for mineral riches. Kidsdelight getting a bucket of sand and crushedstone and letting the water from the flumeflow over it, gently rinsing away the sand asthey sift for the hidden, colorful gems.

The greater Franklin area is a geologicalhotspot for gems and boasts a whopping eightgem mines open to the public. There’s alsoRuby City and the Gem and Mineral Museum,both in downtown Franklin, where you canlearn about what comes out of the ground.

For a list, contact the Franklin AreaChamber of Commerce at 828.524.3161 orgo to www.franklin-chamber.com/whatto-do/gemmining.php.

There are a couple gemmines in Cherokee and one inMaggie Valley as well. Alsocheck out the Old PressleySapphire Mine, located nearCanton, where the famous Starof the Carolina’s sapphire wasfound. The gem weighed in at1,445 carats. 828.648.6320 orwww.oldpressleymine.com.

Pisgah Center for WildlifeEducation, Pisgah NationalForest

Feeding the fish — hundredsand hundreds of teaming,splashing, sparkling trout — inthe hatchery raceways is everykids dream. Take a walk onpaved interpretive trails andcheck out indoor exhibits thatfocus on Mountain regionwildlife, including live frogs andsnakes. Several programs areheld throughout the summer forchildren and adults, from streamecology explorations to guidedtours of the hatchery. Free.

828.877.4423 orwww.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Pisgah.asp

Cradle of Forestry, PisgahNational Forest

The Cradle of Forestry in America teach-es kids about forestry, ecology andAppalachian history. Exhibits include a firefighting helicopter simulator, an old locomo-tive, scavenger hunt, and hands-on natureactivities. Get a glimpse of life in the past byvisiting an old one-room schoolhouse, gen-eral store, cabins, blacksmith shop and otherhistoric buildings.

There are often special programs andevents, from “Bug Day” to the annual birth-day party for Smokey the Bear. Woodsy Owl’sCuriosity Club for 4 to 7 year olds is heldevery Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

828.877.3130 or visit www.cradleof-forestry.com.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City

What kid doesn’t love a train ride? There

are few places in America where you canride scenic passenger trains, and the GreatSmoky Mountains Railroad serves up theright combinations for families, with shortexcursions, pretty scenery, open air cars andlay-overs that allow you to get off an walkaround for a bit at either the NantahalaOutdoor Center or the village of Dillsboro,depending which trip you book.

The railroad also offers special themedtrains geared for kids, like Thomas the Train

and Dinosaur Train in the summer, plus thePolar Express and Charlie Brown’s GreatPumpkin Patch train in the fall and winter.

www.gsmr.com or 800.872.4681.

Smoky Mountain Trains, Bryson CityWith its collection of 7,000 Lionel

engines, cars and accessories, a giantmodel train set running through a sprawlingminiature town, interactive children’s trainsets, and gift/toy shop, Smoky MountainTrains in Bryson City is an eye-poppingarray. The museum is owned by the GreatSmoky Mountains Railroad — also a greatexperience for kids — and admission isincluded in most excursion ticket prices.Kids enjoy a scavenger hunt to find morethan 30 items and scenes on the track lay-outs. Make sure to talk to the train opera-tors. Adjacent to the train depot downtown.

866.914.5200.

Catch a troutThere’s nothing quite like the satisfaction

of your own fresh caught trout. If you’venever caught a fish before, stop in to one ofseveral trout ponds. They’ll set you up with aline, bait and show you what to do. They’llalso clean it for you when you catch one —and don’t worry, you will!• Sorrell’s Creek Trout Farm, Waynesville.

828.648.9903.• Ferguson’s Trout Pond,

Waynesville. 828.627.6404.• Soco Gap Trout Ponds,

Maggie Valley. 828.926.3635.• Cooper’s Creek Trout, Bryson

City. 828.507.0620.• Cowee Creek Trout Pond,

Franklin. 828.369.2870.• Rose Creek Campground,

Franklin. 828.524.3225.• Andy’s Trout Farm, Franklin.

828.746.2550.

Fun Factory, FranklinLike an indoor amusement

park, the Fun Factory is a kid’sdream come true. Plan an exitstrategy ahead of time, as majorprotests are inevitable when youtell the kids it’s time to go.Activities include laser tag,mini-golf, arcade, go-carts,bowling, an indoor playgroundgood for toddlers andpreschoolers, plus a steakhouseand pizza restaurant onsite.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10p.m. Friday-Saturday.828.349.8888 or funfacto-ryfranklin.com.

Santa’s Land, CherokeeThis spectacular, vintage-era

amusement park is a great wayto spend a day. Kids can ride the rides overand over, as many times as they want, all daylong. When they want a break, there’s theCandy Mountain playground, a small zoo, andan old-fashioned magic show that’s not to bemissed.

Santa’s Land is ideal for kids 7 andunder, but has enough to keep the interestof older children as well. There’s a fairly largeFerris wheel and the famous Rudicoaster, asmall rollercoaster with a couple of stomach-dropping hills and fast spiral curves.

The grounds are clean, shady and well-kept, the rides are safe, and the staff is friendly.

www.santaslandnc.com or 828.497.9191.

Cherokee Fun Park, CherokeeGo-kart track with under and over pass-

es, arcade with more than 75 games andmini-golf.

www.cherokeefunparknc.com.

Kid-rated adventuresKeeping the kids satisfied is a huge part of any family vacation. Here’sa limited listing of activities for whole families or for children.

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inter 2014Exit 100 off US 74 - 82 Locust Drive | Waynesville, NC828.452.7276 | Visit SMSH.co for our Full Inventory of Bikes

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High placesBlue Ridge Parkway

Highest point on Blue Ridge Parkway(6,053 feet), and Richland-Balsam Trail

The views are great all along theParkway, but there’s even a milestoneachievement available for those don’t wantto hike but prefer just getting out of their carto take a picture, enjoy the view, or have apicnic. Just about halfway between theBalsam Gap (U.S. 23/74) and N.C. 215entrance to the Parkway, near milepost 432,is its highest point, which is marked with alarge sign and a great overlook. Just a mileaway at milepost 431 is the Richland-BalsamSelf-Guiding Trail, which is just one mile longand meanders through a spruce-fir forest.

Mt. Pisgah (5,749 feet)Located near milepost 408, this mountain

with the Biblical name used to be part of theGeorge Vanderbilt Estate (he’s the man whobuilt Biltmore Estate). A parking area is well

marked, and the hike is only about a milebut it is relatively strenuous to the platformatop the mountain. Once there, however, the360-degree views are fabulous.

Tsali’s Fontana Lake overlooks(2,000 feet plus)

If you’re a mountain biker, too often youare in the trees or too dog tired after a climbto enjoy the views, but there are several inTsali that are worth getting off your bike andusing as a rest break, photo-op or both. Allof these are just above 2,000 feet in eleva-tion, but because of the lake’s backdrop theymake for stunning views. Tsali RecreationArea is located 12 miles west of Bryson Cityin the Nantahala National Forest. Go west onU.S. 74 and turn right on N.C. 28. Tsali isabout five minutes down the road. Oncethere, the Mouse Branch, Right and Leftloops all have great overlooks. According toexperienced riders, the Mouse Branch over-look 4.5 miles into that loop is the most stun-ning. On the Right it’s Windy Gap Overlookand the overlook on the Left trail isn’tnamed. All are fabulous.

Mt. LeConte (6,643 feet)The vistas are endless in the Smokies, but

getting to the top of this mountain has theadded advantage of being to check outLeConte Lodge, the only commercial lodgingfacility in the Great Smoky Mountains NationalPark. There are five trails to the lodge, theshortest and steepest being Alum Cave Trail at5.5 miles, which a hiker in good condition cando in approximately four hours. None of thesetrails can be considered a stroll and you occa-sionally encounter ice and snow as late asMay or as early as October. The other trails areRainbow Falls and Trillium Gap, each 6.5 miles,a hike of about five hours; Bullhead at 7.2miles and about five hours; and Boulevard,eight miles and about 5.5 hours. Parking isavailable at the start of each trail. Once at thetop signs lead to the best overlooks.

Wayah Bald (5,342 feet)The Nantahala Mountains are not as tall

as the Smokies, but the views are every bitas stunning. This is a land of 4,000- and5,000-foot mountains in one of the region’swildest areas. Follow State Route 1310 out of

Franklin until you pass Wayah Crest, wherethere is a camping area. A forest serviceroad, with signs, leads to the parking area atWayah Bald, where there is an old CivilianConservation Corps firetower made of stone.Views from the platform are wonderful, andthe Appalachian Trail passes right by.

Max Patch (4,629 feet)This may be the most scenic bald in the

Smokies as well as one of the most accessible.From the top, the 360-degree views, the sheervastness of the bald (which is mowed by theForest Service) and the beauty is well worththe trip. Since the trail to the parking area isabout a quarter of a mile max, it’s a greatplace to picnic and watch the sunset. Take Exit7, the Harmon Den Exit, off Interstate 40 andturn right off the exit onto Cold Springs CreekRoad. The dirt road goes into Pisgah NationalForest. Stay on the main road for several milesuntil you come to a sign for Max Patch. It is aleft-hand turn. Stay on the road until you cometo a parking area with an unobstructed view ofthe bald. Follow the trail to the top of the baldand it intersects with the Appalachian Trail.

The Great SmokiesNational Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park rivals theequatorial rainforests for biological diversity. Why? TheSmokies has an amazing array of mini-ecosystems within itsborders — from peaks over 6,000 feet to low valleys, frommoist, forested coves to dry meadows. A walk from mountainbase to peak compares with traveling 1,250 miles north.Several resident plants and animals live only in the Smokies.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompass-es more than 500,00 acres, making it the largest national parkin the East. An auto tour of the park offers panoramic views,tumbling mountain streams, weathered historic buildings anduninterrupted forest stretching to the horizon.

Here are a few of the highlights on the North Carolinaside of the GSMNP.

Oconaluftee Visitor CenterAlong with knowledgeable rangers who can help you

plan your time in the park, fabulous exhibits will take youback in time among the early settlers and Cherokee whocalled these mountains home.

Located on U.S. 441 at the North Carolina entrance to thepark, north of Cherokee and near the terminus of the BlueRidge Parkway. 828.497.1904.

Mountain Farm MuseumThis stroll through an historic Appalachian farm offers a

window on the ingenuity and self-reliance of early mountainpeople and Cherokee. A blacksmith shop to make everything

from barn door hinges to horseshoes, a spring house to keepmilk and butter cool, and sundry buildings for storing thefood they raised, from corn cribs to apple houses to smokehouses. The outhouse is a guaranteed eye-opener for kids.

Located at the entrance to the park on U.S. 441 just northof Cherokee.

Mingus MillThe rumble of millstones, the whistle of cornmeal sliding

down the wooden shoot, the slap-slap-slap of water fallingover the giant paddle wheel. Explore this historic site just onemile from the park entrance on U.S. 441 north of Cherokee.

Clingmans DomeA paved half-mile trail leads to a soaring lookout tower

atop the highest peak in the Smokies. At 6,643 feet, thepanoramic view offers spectacular scenery and is one of thebest examples of the region’s famed blue mountain ridgesmarching endlessly across the horizon. The tower features aspiraling 375-foot ramp to the top.

Cataloochee ValleyHistory and nature intersect in this picturesque meadow,

a long, narrow valley cradled by mountains on all sides. Anelk herd has been re-introduced into the park and calls thevalley home. Cataloochee Valley is also home to a formermountain settlement, with intact farm houses, churches,schoolhouse and cemeteries that can be toured by car andshort walks. Pick up an interpretive brochure at the camp-ground on the left after you get down to the valley floor.

Deep Creek Enjoy a little of everything at Deep Creek. Hiking to

waterfalls, picnicking, mountain biking, camping and whatDeep Creek is famous for — tubing. Several outfitters rentinner tubes for just a few dollars to float all day in the creek.

OutwardboundWhen nature is the main attraction, adventure surrounds you

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WaterfallsBridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is easy to get to andimpossible to miss. If you are headed westfrom Highlands through the Cullasaja Gorgeon U.S. 64, the falls will go over a small pulloff road on the right. The falls isn’t nearly asimpressive as the other falls in the Gorge,but after all, how often do you get thechance to drive your car under a waterfall?

Bridal Veil Falls is 2.3 miles west ofHighlands on U.S. 64. You’ll see a pull off roadon the right side of U.S. 64 under the falls.

Dry FallsDry Falls is one of the most popular

waterfalls in Western North Carolina and aneasy stop if you are seeing the other fallson U.S. 64 through the Cullasaja Gorge.Visitors can walk behind the falls and to theother side. The powerful waterfall is about65 feet tall.

Dry Falls is in between Quarry Falls andBridal Veil Falls about three miles west ofHighlands on U.S. 64. There’s a small park-ing area on the left if you are headed west.Signs mark the falls on both sides of theroad. If you come on a Saturday during peaktourist season, a parking space will be hardto come by. The trail to the falls is short withsome steps.

Cullasaja FallsCullasaja Falls is the final waterfall on the

Cullasaja River before leaving the Gorge. Thefalls, a 200-foot cascade, is powerful andbeautiful. You can get a good view of it fromthe road, but it would be a hike to get to thebase, and I haven’t seen any trails that leaddown to it. The downside to Cullasaja Falls

is that the pull off is small and is a danger-ous place for traffic to stop.

Cullasaja Falls is about two and a halfmiles west of Quarry Falls on U.S. 64. Thepull off is small and at a sharp curve. Thesmall pull off fills up quickly during peaktourism days. You might have to drive past ita few times before you can get a spot.Heading west, the pull off is on the left sideof the road. You might want to drive past it,turn around and approach it from the east-bound side of the highway.

Mingo FallsOn the Qualla Indian Reservation in

Cherokee, you’ll find the popular Mingo Falls.A small creek falls about 150 feet over mossyrocks. Access to the falls is good — if you canhandle lots of steps. A small bridge goesacross the creek, giving hikers a face on viewof the falls. People often climb around thebridge and on the rocks in front of the falls.Some of the rocks are very slippery, so be verycareful if you choose to stray from the bridge.

Coming from Cherokee, head north onU.S. 441. You’ll turn right onto Acquoni Road.There will be signs telling you to turn therefor Big Cove Road. In about 0.1 mile, turn lefton to Big Cove Road. Again you’ll see signspointing to Big Cove Road. Drive about fivemiles and turn right into Mingo FallsCampground. The parking area is straightahead. The trail starts there, goes up a lot ofstairs, levels out and comes to a bridge over-looking the falls. The trail is about 265 yards.

Soco FallsSoco Falls is one of the closest large

falls to Waynesville. Two creeks flow oversteep rock cascades at a right angle fromeach other. There’s a wooden platform thatfaces the higher of the two falls. The otherfalls is nearly impossible to see face onwithout going down to the base of the falls.There’s a really steep dirt incline that goesdown there without a lot to hold on to. I’venever gotten the guts to slide down — espe-cially with my camera.

From Waynesville, drive north on U.S. 19.You’ll pass under the Blue Ridge Parkway.After passing the Blue Ridge Parkway, drive1.4 miles to a pull off on the left. At the cor-ner before the pull off you want, you’ll see alarge gravel pull off. This is actually a privatedriveway and not the way to Soco Falls. Asign on the right side of the road will tell youto go another half mile. You want a pull offwith a guardrail.

A short, steep path goes down betweenthe guardrails. Follow the trail, which leadsto a wooden platform. The trail beyond theplatform is steeper and more difficult but willtake you to the top of one of the falls. A dirtincline leads to the bottom of the falls thatyou’d have to slide down. It looks like itwould be a challenge to get back up.

Cullasaja Falls.Elizabeth Jensen photo

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250 DEPOT ST. WAYNESVILLEIN HISTORIC FROG LEVEL

828.246.0218ARTONDEPOT.COM

Pottery • Sculpture • Jewelery • Paintings

Plenty of unique, handmade gifts under $30 or less!

ASK MICHELLELocal questions about real estate?

Michelle [email protected]

Stop by our office located at 74 N. Main Street in Downtown Waynesville. Michelle will be happy to help you discover this wonderful area she calls home.

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Carolyn LauterBROKER/ABR

828.734.4822 Cell

[email protected]

“Thanks to Carolyn Lauter wefound the ideal second home.We have lived in about 30different locations and havebeen involved in 20 or so realestate deals both with &without Realtor involvement.From our perspective, thishas been the best managedand least stressful deal in ourexperience thanks toCarolyn’s attention to detailand schedule. You arefortunate to have Carolyn asan associate.”

— D. Berger & M. Berger

1986 SOCO ROAD, HWY 19MAGGIE VALLEY, NC 28751

Commitment, consistency,

results.

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LakeJunaluska

Asheville

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Experience High Country Furniture & Design…with over 35,000 square feet of Distinctive Home Furnishings, Lighting, Wall Art, Fabulous Accessories, Gifts and Professional Interior Design Services.

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3232 Dellwood Rd. (Hwy. 19) • (828) 926-172271 N. Main Street • (828) 454-0846

Two Locations in Waynesville, NC

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OctoberArt After DarkOct. 4 (6 – 9 p.m.)WaynesvilleDowntownWaynesville.com

Maggie Valley OktoberfestOct. 4-5Maggie ValleyMaggieValleyOktoberfest.com

NunsenseOct. 4-13Highlands Playhouse828.526.2695HighlandsPlayhouse.org

Color Fest – Art & Taste of AppalachiaOct. 5 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)Dillsboro828.586.5100VisitDillsboro.org

Dave CoulierOct. 5 (7:30 p.m.)Smoky Mountain Center for the PerformingArts, Franklin866.273.4615GreatMountainMusic.com

Cherokee Indian FairOct. 8-12Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds828.554.6471VisitCherokeeNC.com

Autumn Leaves Craft ShowOct. 10-12 Franklin828.349.4324 • Franklin-Chamber.com

Leaf FestivalOct. 11-13 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)Cashiers828.743.8428 VisitCashiersValley.com

OktoberfestOct. 12Snow Hill Inn, Franklin828.349.6887Franklin-Chamber.com

Maple Leaf Fall FestivalOct. 12 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)Whittier828.497.7589GreatSmokies.com

Church Street Art & Craft ShowOct. 12 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)WaynesvilleDowntownWaynesville.com

The Tuckasegee Ramblers Oct. 12 (6:30 – 8 p.m.)Bryson City Train DepotGreatSmokies.com

Fall Hike Week at FontanaOct. 13-17Fontana Village Resort828.498.2122 • FontanaVillage.com

Alash Tuvan Throat Singing EnsembleOct. 16 (7:30 p.m.)Western Carolina University, CullowheeWCU.edu

Singing in the SmokiesOct. 18-19Inspiration Park, Bryson CityTheInspirations.com

Stecoah Harvest FestivalOct. 18-20Stecoah Valley Center, Robbinsville StecoahValleyCenter.com

Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts ShowOct. 19 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)SapphireSapphireValley.com

Apple Harvest FestivalOct. 19 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)WaynesvilleHaywoodAppleFest.com

Chili Cook OffOct. 19 (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)Bryson City Train Depot800.867.9246 • GreatSmokies.com

Avelina Oct. 19 (6:30 – 8 p.m.)Bryson City Train DepotGreatSmokies.com

Russell Moore & Illrd Tyme OutOct. 19 (7:30 p.m.)Stecoah Valley Center, RobbinsvilleStecoahValleyCenter.com

David CassidyOct. 19 (7:30 p.m.)Smoky Mountain Center for the PerformingArts, Franklin866.273.4615 • GreatMountainMusic.com

Pumpkin FestOct. 25-26FranklinFranklin-Chamber.com

Leaf Lookers GemboreeOct. 25-27FranklinFranklin-Chamber.com

Haunted Indian VillageOct. 25-31Oconaluftee Indian Village, Cherokee828.497.1126 • VisitCherokeeNC.com

NOCtoberfestOct. 26Nantahala Outdoor CenterNOC.com

VeggieTales Live!Oct. 26 (6 p.m.)Smoky Mountain Center for the PerformingArts, Franklin866.273.4615GreatMountainMusic.com

Blue Eyed GirlOct. 26 (6:30 – 8 p.m.)Bryson City Train DepotGreatSmokies.com

Halloween in the ParkOct. 31Franklin828.349.2010 • Franklin-Chamber.com

Downtown Trick or Treat Oct. 31 (3:30 – 6 p.m.)Bryson CityGreatSmokies.com

Treats on the StreetOct. 31 (5 – 7 p.m.)Waynesville DowntownWaynesville.com

Halloween Masquerade Dinner TrainOct. 31 (8 p.m.)Bryson City Train DepotGSMR.com

NovemberArt After DarkNov. 1 (6 – 9 p.m.)WaynesvilleDowntownWaynesville.com

Rumble in the Rhododendron FishTournamentNov. 1-3CherokeeFishCherokee.com

WNC Pottery FestivalNov. 2 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)DillsboroPhone: (828) 586-5100VisitDillsboro.org

Ronnie MilsapNov. 2 (7:30 p.m.)Smoky Mountain Center for the PerformingArts, Franklin866.273.4615GreatMountainMusic.com

Zumz Zuma PerformanceNov. 8 (7:30 p.m.Smoky Mountain Center for the PerformingArts, Franklin866.273.4615GreatMountainMusic.com

The Polar Express Nov. 8-Dec. 29Bryson City Train DepotGSMR.com

WNC Calendar

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inter 2014African Acrobats International Nov. 8 (7:30 p.m.)Smoky Mountain Center for the PerformingArts, Franklin866.273.4615GreatMountainMusic.com

Gun ShowNov. 9-10Franklin828.524.2064Franklin-Chamber.com

Veteran’s Day CelebrationNov. 11Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds, Cherokee828.508.2657CherokeeSmokies.com

Veteran’s ParadeNov. 11 (11 a.m.)FranklinFranklin-Chamber.com

Songwriters in the RoundNov. 16 (6 – 9 p.m.)Balsam Mountain Inn, Balsam800.224.9498MountainLovers.com

Rhonda VincentNov. 16 (7:30 p.m.)Smoky Mountain Center for the PerformingArts, Franklin866.273.4615GreatMountainMusic.com

Holiday Open HouseNov. 24 (Noon – 4 p.m.)WaynesvilleDowntownWaynesville.com

Ring of Fire: The Music of John CashNov. 24 (5 p.m.)Western Carolina University, CullowheeWCU.edu

Thanksgiving Family Festival at FontanaNov. 27-30Fontana Village Resort828.498.2122FontanaVillage.com

Hard Candy Christmas Arts & CraftsShowNov. 29-30 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)CullowheeMountainLovers.com

Stecoah Artisans Drive About TourNov. 29-30 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)Stecoah/RobbinsvilleGreatSmokies.com

DecemberChristmas in the SmokiesDec. 1-30Fontana Village Resort828.498.2122FontanaVillage.com

152 South Main StreetWaynesville, NC

828-456-6000www.BlueRidgeBooksNC.com

1431-22 Two locations to serve youASHEVILLE: 252.3005

WAYNESVILLE: 251.9721www.hunterbanks.com

Fly Fishingthe South

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Local Beer, Organic Wine, Paninis, Crepes & More,

Serving Breakfast, Lunch Dinner & Coffee in Downtown Sylva on Spring StreetCityLightsCafe.com

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With over 25 years of service youcan trust us with all your cycling needs.

Total Data Systems90 East Main St. Suite 2Sylva, NC

[email protected]

Village Electronics44 Cashiers Shopping CenterCashiers, NC

828-743-5581

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D E A L E R / F R A N C H I S E Authorized Agent

Boyd & Lynda Sossamon, Owners

Serving Jackson County for Over 25 Years

All of our items are donated, all of our workers are volunteers

and all of our proceeds benefit the Jackson County

Public Library in Sylva.

536 W. Main St. • Sylva, NC828.586.1221 • www.fojcml.org

HOURS OF OPERATION:Sunday: Noon-4 p.m.

Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

60584

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Massage, Facials, Sauna & more...

Ask about our Membership Club with discounted pricing

Full spa boutique including: Eminence Organic Skincare, Jane Iredale cosmetics,

Jack Black for Men & much more!

Mention this ad for 15% off

828.631.4466 • YOURGNOMETOWNBREWERY.COMMONDAY-SATURDAY • 545 MILL ST. DOWNTOWN SYLVA, NC

Support Your Gnometown Brewery!™

Heinzelmännchen Beer entices your palette and complements what’s on your plate!

Enjoy samples & pints at the brewery and take home growlers of locally crafted beer and sodas.

Established

2004

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Christmas ParadeDec. 1 (3 p.m.)FranklinFranklin-Chamber.com

An Enchanted Broadway Holiday ShowDec. 3 (7:30 – 9 p.m.)Western Carolina University, CullowheeWCU.edu

Art After DarkDec. 6 (6 – 9 p.m.)WaynesvilleDowntownWaynesville.com

Winter WonderlandDec. 6/13 (5 – 8 p.m.)FranklinFranklin-Chamber.com

Dillsboro Lights & LuminariesDec. 6-7/13-14DillsboroVisitDillsboro.org

Mark O’Conner and Friends: AnAppalachian ChristmasDec. 6 (7:30 p.m.)Smoky Mountain Center for the PerformingArts, Franklin866.273.4615GreatMountainMusic.com

Cherokee Christmas ParadeDec. 7Cherokee828.554.6491CherokeeSmokies.com

Waynesville Christmas ParadeDec. 9 (6 p.m.)WaynesvilleDowntownWaynesville.com

White Christmas: The MusicalDec. 12-15Smoky Mountain Center for the PerformingArts, Franklin866.273.4615 • GreatMountainMusic.com

Christmas Arts & Crafts ShowDec. 14Stecoah Valley Center, RobbinsvilleStecoahValleyCenter.com

Bryson City Christmas ParadeDec. 14 (2 p.m.)Bryson CityGreatSmokies.com

A Night Before ChristmasDec. 14 (6 – 9 p.m.)WaynesvilleDowntownWaynesville.com

The Nutcracker BalletDec. 20-21Smoky Mountain Center for the PerformingArts, Franklin866.273.4615 • GreatMountainMusic.com

Holiday HomecomingDec. 21 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)Oconaluftee Visitor Center, CherokeeNPS.gov

New Year’s Eve at FontanaDec. 31Fontana Village Resort828.498.2122 • FontanaVillage.com

Songwriters in the RoundDec. 31 (6 p.m.)Balsam Mountain Inn, Balsam800.224.9498 • MountainLovers.com

New Year’s Eve FireworksDec. 31 (8 p.m.)Acquoni Expo Center, CherokeeVisitCherokeeNC.com

New Year’s Gala with Great SmokyMountains RailroadDec. 31 (8 p.m.)Bryson City Train DepotGSMR.com

January-MarchSmokey Joe’s CaféJan. 26 (5 – 6:30 p.m.)Western Carolina University, CullowheeWCU.edu

1964 – The Beatles TributeFe. 9 (5 – 7 p.m.)Western Carolina University, CullowheeWCU.edu

Squirm Burpee CircusMarch 2. (5 – 7 p.m.)Western Carolina University, CullowheeWCU.edu

Carolina Chocolate DropsMarch 3 (7:30 – 9 p.m.)Western Carolina University, CullowheeWCU.edu

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Home of the 1061 carat sapphire foundat GOLD CITY GEM MINE, featured inPEOPLE WEEKLY, DISNEY ADVENTURESand ROCK & GEM Magazines andappraised at $40,000!

We have Native and Enriched Gemstonesbuckets. We also have Gold Panning.New and Improved large covered flumefor Gem Mining rain or shine. New insideheated flume for cold days.

Located on highway 441, 6 miles northof Franklin, NC.. Open most of the year.Call for Hours. Tour buses group ratesavailable. Bring your rough stones in fora free inspection and cutting from ourprofessional team in our jewelry store.

GOLD CITY GEM MINE9410 Sylva Rd. HWY 441N, Franklin, NC

800.713.7767 or 828.369.3905www.goldcityamusement.com

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828-456-5441Corner of Haywood & Miller

in Waynesville

Celebrating 23Years in Business!

Full line of Arts, Crafts Supplies,Eclectic Home & Cabin Decor, Greeting Cards,Donna Sharp Handbags & more

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20767 Great Smoky Mtn. Expy. (Hwy. 23/74)Waynesville • 7 Days/Week, Year-Round

Between the Rest Area and the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance at Balsam Gap

828.456.1916 www.muddabbers.comC

The creations of 18 local artists in a working studio

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Holiday Open House December 6th, 7th & 8th

Friday and Saturday 10-6Sunday 12-5

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1863 S. MAIN STREET WAYNESVILLE828.454.5002 HWY. 19/23 EXIT 98

ITALIAN MEDITERRANEAN

OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER7 DAYS AWEEK

STEAKS • PIZZA CHICKEN • SEAFOOD

SANDWICHES———————————————————————————————————

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COME ENJOY OUR OUTDOORPATIO!

190 N. MAIN STREET | WAYNESVILLE828/246.9230

CLOSED SUNDAYS

Where delicious food,

handcrafted beerand hearty folks

congregate.

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Local Beer, Organic Wine, Paninis, Crepes & More,

Serving Breakfast, Lunch Dinner & Coffee in Downtown Sylva on Spring StreetCityLightsCafe.com

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454 HAZELWOOD AVE. • WAYNESVILLE Call 828-452-9191 for reservations

Try our New Panini & Sandwich Lunch Menu!

Classic, local, American comfort foods, craft beers & small batch bourbons & whiskey.

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Eats & Drinks

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18 North Main StreetWaynesville • 452.3881

www.citybakery.net

ARTISAN BREADS & PASTRIES

Fair Trade Coffee & Espresso

Scratch-Made Fresh DailyBreads • Biscuits • Bagels

Cakes • Pies • PastriesSoups • Salads • Sandwiches

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • TAKE-OUT • EAT-IN • CATERING

HOMEMADE SOUPS &DAILY SPECIALS

YOUR SUNDAYSPOT FOR BREAKFAST

PROUD TO SERVE LOCAL PRODUCTS

SMOKY MOUNTAIN COFFEEROASTERS, SUNBURST TROUT,

HAW CREEK HONEY, THREE GRACES DAIRY AND MORE!

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ASHEVILLE: 60 Biltmore Ave. 252.4426 & 88 Charlotte St. 254.4289

DOWNTOWN’S ONLY COVERED OUTDOOR DECK

Let us host your next

special event.Corporate meetings,

weddings & receptions,private parties,

luncheons & showers.Enjoy fresh local products,

created daily. Dine with us inour beautiful patio garden.

LUNCH, WED.-FRI. 11:30-2SUNDAY BRUNCH 11-2:30

Bridget’s Bistro

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94 East St. • WaynesvilleLOCATED ONE BLOCK FROM MAIN STREET

828-452-7837For details & menus: www.herrenhouse.com

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC YEAR-ROUND

Bed & Breakfastand Restaurant

Specializing inRegionalCuisine

39 Miller StreetDowntown Waynesville

828.456.5559Reservations accepted Walk-ins Welcome

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www.WNCTravel.com



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Fall 2013 & W

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OCTOBER 12: EVE HASLAM AND SATIN STEEL JAZZ

OCTOBER 19: JAMES HAMMEL TRIO

OCTOBER 26: WENDY JONES QUARTET

NOVEMBER 2: CENTERPIECE JAZZ

$39.99 per person, plus tax & gratuity. Price includes four course dinner and live jazz. Call or email to reserve

your table. Seating is limited. All shows at 7pm.

828.452.6000 • [email protected] Seating • Reservations Required

PresentsJ ZAFALL ZFESTIVAL SERIES

FOR

THE CLASSIC

SECOND ANNUAL

20 Church Street | Waynesville | 452.6000

Come Share Our Passion

Wine • Beer • Food • Live Music

2,800 SQ FT HOME ON SIX WOODED ACRES With two creeks, in Waynesville City Limits.

You’ll fall in love with this authentic log cabincirca 1866 (1,000 sq ft), plus 1,800 sq. ft. new con-struction. Large kitchen w/ handcrafted all wood

cabinets, granite countertops, center island, stainless appliances. Threebedrooms, 2.5 baths with plumbing for third. Cabin bath has antiqueclaw foot cast iron tub. MBR has walk in shower, large bubble tub, walkin closet. Six hundred bottle wine cellar, exercise room. Hickory floor-ing, ceiling fans, split HCAC system, gas fp, laundry room, oversizedgarage. Two covered porches, outdoor patio, stone walkways. 20

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Priced below appraisal at $439,000. Brokers protectedAppointment only: Call 828-550-2555

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western north carolina travel guide

Documents

franklin chamber of

cherokee visitor center

n main

scott mcleod

mark haskett photowinter

amanda bradley

amanda singletary

culture of wnc