2 • Country Roads – Fall 2014 Contentsmatchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/2889/... · 6 • Country Roads – Fall 2014 By Kim HainGe EThe Graham Star lmer and Mary

2 • Country Roads – Fall 2014

If you would like to advertise in the next issue of Country Roads,please contact your sales associate by Oct. 24, 2014.

Publication dates are Nov. 19-20, 2014.

Country RoadsVolume 7, Number 3

Fall 2014Andrews Journal, Andrews: David Brown, publisher; Matthew Osborne, editor; Dave Stevens, sales. To reach the Andrews Journal, call 828-321-4271 or email [email protected].

Cherokee Scout, Murphy: David Brown, publisher; Matthew Osborne, editor; Donna Cook and Dave Stevens, sales. To reach the Cherokee Scout, call 828-837-5122 or email [email protected].

Clay County Progress, Hayesville: Becky Long, publisher/editor; Tracy Smith, sales. To reach the Clay County Progress, call 828-389-8431 or email [email protected].

The Graham Star, Robbinsville: James Budd, publisher/edi-tor; Tara Eller, sales. To reach The Graham Star, call 828-479-3383 or email [email protected].

Layout and design by Christy Guthrie, composition manag-er; Ann Koles, graphic artist.

Students learn from the Destiny Bus............................................4Couple loves fall in Robbinsville....................................................6Arizona resident loves small-town atmosphere.........................8Easier, safer access in Nantahala.................................................12Wine grape region helps economy.............................................14Wine Around the Square.......................................................18Folk school celebrates 41st annual Fall Festival........................25Punkin Chunkin a great fall event..............................................26Calendar of events.........................................................................27

Contents

This edition of Country Roads magazine focuses on wine and fun fall events in far-western North Carolina.Cover design and photography by Cherokee Scout Photo Editor Scott Wallace.This months cover of Country Roads was designed and photo-graphed by Cherokee Scout Photo Editor Scott Wallace. The image shows Eagle Fork Vineyards owner Jerry Smith (foreground) and his vineyard helper, Steve Hall, tending to the vines at the smallest of Smith’s three vineyards. Eagle Fork Vineyards in Hayesville grows nine different varieties of grapes, producing and selling 11 different wines. The area has become noted for award-winning wines.


By Stacy Green

[email protected]

Students at Murphy High School got a chance not many students get when

they learn about DNA and crime scene scenarios in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s Destiny Traveling Science Learning Program. Lynn Deweese’s introduc-tory biology students got to work with Cathy Oakes, a science education specialist with the planetarium, in gel electrophoresis to produce a DNA fingerprint for a scenar-io involving a stolen home-coming crown. The lab involved the DNA sample, stain from Carolina Biological Supply Co. to help see the sample, special buf-fers and restriction enzymes. The students then learned how to use DNA extracting equipment and the process of solving a crime with DNA

samples. Deweese invited the Destiny bus to Murphy High School after she attended a workshop several years ago, which made the school eligi-ble for hands-on workshops. The workshops have become an annual event for students in Deweese’s class. “Students love the work-shops because the biotechnol-

ogy curriculum is an exciting field,” she said. “I discuss the need for people in this career with my students.” Deweese said graduates with an associate’s degree in biotechnology have a beginning salary of $41,000. She added that employers like hospitals and crime labs always are in need of people

with this degree, and some pay for further education in the field. The workshops are special to students at Murphy High because the school could not afford them otherwise. “The pipets used to extract DNA are $250 a piece,” De-weese said. “This makes tele-vision shows like CSI come to life, and it’s something the students will never forget.” Students said the experi-ence was fun and interesting like Mattie Jo Sutton, a soph-omore at Murphy High. “This was definitely an ex-cellent experience,” she said. “I’m glad I got to work with biotechnology.” u

Students learn from the Destiny Bus

Photos by Scott Wallace/[email protected] High School students studying forensics on the visiting University of North Carolina Destiny Bus were able to solve the simulated mystery of the missing homecoming crown. From lef t are Jacob Pressley, Isaac White, Alex Seabolt, Delilah Smith, Amanda Benavente and Bryson Ledford.

In the narrow conf ines of the Destiny Bus, students use monitors to watch the instructions of science education specialist Cathy Oakes.

Frankie Whidden and Cody Truett, Sophomores, take out the DNA com-posed of four ingredients: the DNA sample, a blue stain from Carolina Science Supply Company, a special buf fer that is neutral and a restriction enzyme.

Science education specialist Cathy Oakes gives the students three-step directions on how to use the pipets. The pipets cost about $250 per instru-ment and cannot be turned upside down or the equipment will be ruined.

Country Roads – Fall 2014 • 5


By Kim HainGe

The Graham Star

Elmer and Mary Hinsz just celebrated their 54th wedding anni-

versary, and they both agree that they love fall in western North Carolina. The couple, which split time between Robbinsville and Florida, love Graham County in the fall because of the incredible foliage. “We are lucky enough to be able to stay long enough to watch the gradual change of the leaves in the fall,” Mary said. “We sit on our bench on our property and gaze out at the mountains as the leaves first begin to turn color until there are no leaves left on the

trees,” said Elmer. The couple said mountain folks show they love fall. “You just get the feeling of fall here. People really celebrate the fall in Graham County, unlike where we come from in Florida,” Mary said. “When we drive around the county it is like watching a natural mural painted with all the colors in the world. “In Florida, this doesn’t happen. Here, you feel like you are really living through the entire calendar.” The couple stays longer each year before heading back south. “We stay longer and longer each year,” Mary said. “We feel like we are partial residents now. There are so

many places to visit, too.” In the fall, both recom-mend visiting Fontana Dam, Lake Fontana and other lakes in the county, driving the Cherohala Skyway and walking in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Mary says she loves the festivals that are held during the fall months. “There are Labor Day cele-brations and the Fall Festival at the Stecoah Valley Center. They give you a down-home feeling. My grandchildren in Florida have the opportunity to attend all sorts of tourist attractions and festivals, but they love the festivals here better than anything they have ever done. Graham County is such a friendly

place. Everyone says ‘hi’ and people wave at each other. Men still open the door for me here. “I’ll give you an example. The other day I was down in Robbinsville and saw that Lynn’s Place was advertising their catfish special. I pulled over in front, rushed in and asked them if they could pack two catfish dinners for me. I told them I had to run to the drugstore and would come back to pick them up. They told me that it would be no problem. They didn’t ask for payment first, they just smiled and had the catfish dinners ready when I returned. That’s what makes Graham County wonderful, especially in the fall.” u

Couple loves Robbinsville fallMary and Elmer Hinsz split time between Robbinsville and Florida. They have star ted spending more time in Graham County before heading back south. According to Mary, the couple already feel like they are par tial residents.


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By Kim HainGe

The Graham Star

Marna Fontana lives in Gilbert, Ariz., just outside Phoenix. Each year, she visits Graham County for a change of scenery – especially fall scenery.

“I live in desert country and in the city, Fontana said. “We don’t have fall leaf color. I love to visit Graham County. It is my opinion that the fall colors in North Carolina are the best in the country.” Fontana particularly loves the Joyce Kilmer Memorial For-est in western Graham County. “Each time I come the forest looks a little more beautiful,” she said. “I love looking for the quilt signs on the old tobacco barns as I drive along the winding roads. If I see wild turkeys as I drive along that is an extra special treat. I always make a point to walk the Junaluska Medicine Trail in Robbinsville during the fall.” The Arizona resident also love the small-town atmosphere in Graham County. “Graham County is remote and it is exactly what I am look-ing for. I love small-town living after spending most of my time in the big city,” Fontana said. He added, “I enjoy the little things. I like to follow a road and explore when the pavement ends and the dirt begins. I love picking up the mail for my friend and delivering it. Even

though I don’t live in Graham County, I wave at everyone as I drive by. We don’t do that in the city. The old mountains and Nantahala Gorge are spectacular and look like they have been there forever.” Fontana even likes dropping off her trash at the Graham County dump site. “This is funny”, Fontana said, “I love taking the garbage down to the dropoff sites. It is such a simple thing, but it is unique to small towns and it makes me feel a part of the small-town world for the brief period of time I visit.” When she returns home, there is a part of her that remains here, in a life she perceives as more basic and peaceful. u

Arizona resident loves small-town atmosphere

Marna Fontana is from Gilber t, Ariz., but says she enjoys things in Graham County that the big city doesn’t of fer.


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Clay County Communities Revitalization AssociationP.O. Box 1533 • Hayesville, NC 28904

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Call 828-389-2121 and leave message

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Headquarters for CCCRA Historic Courthouse Fund.

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Welcome to Hayesville

Serving Western NC & Northeast GAfor all your real estate needs.

[email protected]

828-389-9488 • 57 Main St. • Hayesville, NCMaps • Local Info • Events

Community Pride LeadersWe Know The Mountains

Independently Owned & Operated

Historic Downtown HayesvilleThe perfect place to spend the day, on the Square


Fine Arts& Crafts

Custom Picture Framing

828-389-288074 Sanderson St. • Hayesville, NC 28904

Mon. - Sat. 11am - 5pm

Spend a leisurely day “on the square” in historic downtown Hayesville where the folks are friendly

and enjoy living in the moment and... ...delight in the discovery of Morning Song

Gallery with its exceptional collection of fine arts and crafts representing the heart and soul of over

70 artists from near and far.

Joy Susan • DKNY • Life is Good • Adventura

Columbia • Mystree • Alfred Dunner • Ruby Rd.

Tresics • Downeast • W

oolrich • Double Zero • Silver Jeans • Dish Jeans • YM

I Jeans

Clothing & Accessories for Men, Women & Children Home Decor • Gift Certificates

Toys & Gifts for All Occasions (Including Melissa & Doug)Books: Children’s Books, Travel Books,

Local Interest Books

On the SquareHayesville, NC828.389.1342

Chinquapin’s

On the Square • Hayesville, NC828.389.6531

100+ Years in BusinessOld Fashioned Soda Fountain

Tiger’s

10 W Bell St. • Hiawassee, GA706.896.3675

34 Years in Business

Anderson’s

Pend

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ouse

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y Sq

uish

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828-371-4030 • 68 Sanderson Street, On the Square • Hayesville, NC

Email: [email protected]

Knitting & Crocheting Lessons

RegisteR FoR ClassesDay & evening Classes available

Two Busy Hands

892 Main Street • Hayesville, [email protected]

Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Wed. 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. • Closed Sun.

Carol Moffit, owner828-361-3364

Not your ordinaryantique store.

Come & see why!

Clay County Communities Revitalization AssociationP.O. Box 1533 • Hayesville, NC 28904

www.cccra-nc.org

Call 828-389-2121 and leave message

for additional event information, donations or tours

after hours.

Headquarters for CCCRA Historic Courthouse Fund.

Centennial ExhibitFridays & Saturdays

11am - 4pmFeaturing: Quilts & Historic Displays

Veterans’ Room, Farm House Room

Historic Downtown HayesvilleHome to the historic Courthouse, built in 1888

6th Annual

PunkinChunkin

Festival

Saturday, October 25 • 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday, October 26 • 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

811 Settawig Road • Brasstown, NC

Sponsored by the Clay County Chamber of Commerce.For more info call: 828-389-3704 or 877-389-3704 or visit www.ncmtnchamber.com.

Food • CraftsEntertainment

Games

Chili Cook-Off • Pie Eating Contest • Spud Gun Competition

Zipline

Airplane

RidesRock

Climbing

Wall

Parking $3 • General Admission $5Children (5-10) $1 • Under 5 Free

Sorry! No pets

allowed on premises.

Stop by our table during the Wine Around the Square for refreshments and more information

on the Punkin Chunkin.

Best Sellers • Classics • Science Fiction • Children’s • Mysteries • Cookbooks

Clas

sics •

Reli

gion

• Bo

oks o

n Ta

pe &

CD

Mag

azin

es Rom

ance • Books on Tape & C

D M

agazines • Mysteries

Friends of the LibraryBookstore26 Anderson St. • Historic Downtown Hayesville, NC 28904

828-389-8401

Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.20%

OFFYour purchase

at the Friends of the Library Bookstore

Westerns • Biography • Memoirs • Gardening • Hobbies • Science Fiction

Browse through 1,000’s of gently used books in a cozy & friendly atmosphere.


and Welcome Center on the Square

Welcome to Hayesville

Serving Western NC & Northeast GAfor all your real estate needs.

[email protected]

828-389-9488 • 57 Main St. • Hayesville, NCMaps • Local Info • Events

Community Pride LeadersWe Know The Mountains

Independently Owned & Operated

cHeroKee Scout

Getting in and out of Nantahala River has gotten

a whole lot easier. Based on input gath-ered from stakeholders during a relicensing agreement by Duke Energy and the Fed-eral Energy Regula-tory Commission, the energy company has built six new access areas, including a handicapped-accessible fishing platform, along a 3.9-mile stretch of the river. The access areas, which begin at Wis-hon’s Fishin’ Hole off Wayah Road just below the Nantahala Hydro Power Plant and end with a paved pull-off with concrete stairs de-scending to the river’s bank, were completed in the spring. “We’ve been working in earnest to get these new and enhanced access areas running,” said Lisa Hoffman, spokeswoman for Duke Energy. “It’s part of the way we give back to the community in response to allowing us to use the lakes and river for power production.” Wishon’s Fishin’ Hole, named for the late John Wishon, a former Duke Energy employee who led the Nantahala hydro reli-censing efforts, includes a paved walkway, a handicapped-accessi-ble fishing platform, an informational kiosk and a gravel parking area that has 12 parking spaces, two of which are accessible to the

handicapped. Up Wayah Road from Wishon’s Fishin’ Hole – approximately 2.9 miles up through the delayed harvest section of the river – is the first of five addi-tional paved pull-offs. Each pull-off features a paved parking area, as well as concrete stairs that lead down to small concrete platforms, which make for easy in-and-out access for anglers and whitewater rafters. Of the five pull-offs, three are on Wayah Road above Wishon’s Fishin’ Hole, and two more on Old River Road – one at the confluence of Whiteoak Creek and the river, and another one that is two-tenths of a mile upriver. “Duke did a very good job on the access areas,” said Justin Mickens, Appalachian Outfitters store man-ager and fishing guide. “They are awesome.” Mickens, who fishes the delayed-harvest section of the river regularly during the winter and spring, said the new access areas have only improved the river, especially the fishing. Mickens pulled a 17-inch rainbow trout from Wishon’s Fishin’ Hole in March. “I am very glad to see them open up that por-tion of the river,” said Mickens. “I was wary at first, but it hasn’t changed fishing at all. It has allowed more people to use certain areas.” And a little easier. u


Easier, safer access on Nantahala

Photos by Scott Wallace/[email protected] park near one of the new f ishing access points on the Nantahala River, paid for and con-structed by Duke Energy to give back to the people of the area for allowing Duke to use the natural resource for power production. This pull-of f is at the conf luence of the Nantahala River and White Oak Creek of f Old River Road.

A f isherman whets his line at another of Duke Energy’s new access points to the Nantahala River, directly of f Wayah Road. The concrete stairs and f ishing plat forms allow easier and safer access to the river for anglers and sightseers, plus help prevent erosion of soil into the water.



By Stacy Green

[email protected]

North Carolina has a long history of being a prime grape-grow-ing state dating back to French

explorer Giovanni de Verrazano in 1524, according to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences. The Upper Hiwassee Highlands American Viticultural Area for west-ern North Carolina and north Georgia covering 690 miles was announced July 18 and officially established Aug. 18 by the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau. AVAs are a living example of North Carolina’s rich wine grape growing his-tory. Before Prohibition, North Carolina was the largest state in the nation for wine, but was not fast to get back into the swing of things after years of alcohol Prohibition in America. Whit Winslow, wine marketing specialist for the N.C. Department of Agriculture and executive director of the N.C. Wine & Grape Council, said the state is very diverse as far as climate and soils, helping it grow a large variety of grapes that cannot be found anywhere else. “North Carolina has the ability to grow the native grapes like the ones that grow in the sandy soil of the piedmont and outer banks,” he said. “Then the mountains have a more Mediterra-nean-type climate for growing European grapes.” Cherokee and Clay counties, along with Fannin, Union and Towns counties in north Georgia, have become part of the fourth AVA for North Carolina and a first for Georgia. There are more than 20 vineyards in the Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA and eight vineyards with wineries. An AVA is based on climate, topography and soils unique to the area. Popular AVAs in the United States include Napa Valley in California and Yadkin Valley in North Carolina. “The impact of an AVA is tremendous to a region,” Winslow said. “An AVA is like a sign that says, ‘This is a great place to grow,’ and vineyards pop up. Yadkin Valley has 40 vineyards within the AVA.” He said the total economic impact of

wineries in North Carolina was about $1.28 billion in 2009, which is up 60 percent from the $813 million in 2005. Winslow said North Carolina is ranked third in the nation for top wine tourism states, following behind just California and New York. Winslow said AVAs are import to economical development in regions be-cause as more people see how successful the area is, the more wineries will open. He said this brings in more restaurants and hotels for the AVAs guests to the area as it becomes more popular and

offers wine tours. AVAs can be petitioned to the Alco-hol and Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau after a boundary has been determined. Any interested individual or group can petition including substantive documen-tation and evidence for distinguishing features. Eric Carlson, owner of Calaboose Cellars in Andrews, said the process to become an AVA started four years ago in 2010 and was only supposed to take a little over one year to complete. “We’re thrilled we got this and it was

Wine grape region helps economy

Photos by Scott Wallace/[email protected] volunteer harvests grapes on a cool, foggy early fall morning at one of Calaboose Cellars wine vineyards just a minute’s drive from downtown Andrews.

A friend of Bill Reece, owner of Valley River Vineyards in Martins Creek, pours buckets of freshly harvested grapes onto a waiting truck.


not easy,” he said during the press conference July 24 at The Valleytown Corner Ball-room in downtown Andrews. “It figuratively and literal-ly puts use on the map. It’s a difficult area to grow grapes with cold winters and lots of rain.” Carlson worked with other vineyard owners in the region as well as Dr. John Havlin of the Department of Soil Science at N.C. State Uni-versity; Sarah Spayd, viticul-turist at N.C. State Universi-ty; and Dr. Joseph Forrest, an independent geologist who helped research the area. “Dr. Forrest was the one who made a trip to the nation’s capital for meetings and who created the final 46-page application,” Nottely River Valley Vineyards own-er Steve Thompson said. “He put the rubber on the road for this.” Thompson, of Murphy, said Forrest spent time in the area in the late 1960s while he was working on his thesis in graduate school. Having a lot of the information from his previous studies, Forrest vol-unteered his time and energy to work with local vineyards to petition for the AVA. Forrest said he went to Washington to speak to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau after the first application was denied. For-rest had to measure elevation, slope, rainfall amounts, wa-tershed boundaries, growing season, sunlight angles and geological points for the ap-plication. Spayd, who attended the press conference July 24, said Forrest came to her office asking her to write a letter to prove that grapes can be grown in the area. “If you are distinct from the surrounding environ-ment, they had to establish they don’t just blend in with everything else,” she said.

“Think of laying out the boundaries and they had to justify the boundaries by soils, climate, history and that grapes can be grown there.” She said it’s important to establish an AVA because it puts areas on the map. She said there can be smaller AVAs within a larger one. Vineyards and wineries are new to the area with many vineyards being established in the 2000s. Thompson said the oldest vineyard is on Martins Creek Road and was established in the 1990s by Bill Reece. Reece said he began Valley River Vineyards in 1997 with a Vinifera vine. He said he received some vines from a family friend, who ordered wine grapevines from New York. “The AVA will definitely impact the region, it puts us shoulder high with Napa Valley,” he said. “I always wanted to grow grapes, and I’ve been making wine my whole life.” Thompson said North Carolina has evolved into a wine-growing state making

legislation to help vineyard owners. “In 1996, North Carolina changed the requirements to make it easier to sell and market wine in the state,” Thompson said. “North Carolina is one of the more progressive and friendly states for wine production.” Several varieties of grapes grow within the AVA like the French-American Hybrids, Vinifera and many more. According to the Wine Insti-tute, vineyards in an AVA can place a “Appellation of Origin” to determine the geo-graphic pedigree of the wine. Thompson said local wineries can now put a tag stating “estate-produced,” meaning the grapes were grown on the property. He said even though the grapes might have been grown on the property before, they could not put those words on the label. “About 85 percent of grapes has to come from the geographical location for the wine,” he said. “We don’t know how much of an impact it will make, but we know it

will make an impact for years to come.” Wineries like Cherokee Cellars in Murphy and Cal-aboose Cellars are making a name for themselves in state and national competitions. Cherokee Cellars wines won silver and bronze medals in the Indy International Wine Competition at Perdue Uni-versity in West Layfayette, Ind., on July 30. Steve Cammick, owner of Cherokee Cellars, said the winery buys grapes from vineyards in north Georgia and western North Carolina for their wines. He added that the four-hour drive to get the grapes gives him the time to start the wine-making process in the same day. “The new AVA will create more awareness to a lot of the local wines in the area and inspire everyone to look for more wineries in the area,” he said. “International compe-titions help validate what we’re doing. Wine makers make the wine they like and it’s good to see other people like it, too.” u

Nottely River Valley Vineyards owner Steve Thompson sits on one of his antique tractors at his vineyard in Culberson. His farm, and more than 40 others in Cherokee and surrounding counties, were par t of the summer’s Southern Appalachian Family Farms Far West Farm Tour.


By Lorrie roSS

[email protected]

A popular event will return to the Town of Hayesville in early

October. The second annual Wine Around the Square will be held Friday evening, Oct. 3. Thanks to a new ordinance, visitors may sample a variety of wines from at least 10 win-eries in a relaxed atmosphere that will permit visitors to enjoy their wine outdoors, if they choose. Around the square, many shops will keep their doors open late and additional shop-ping will be found among visiting artisans and crafters featuring wine and grape-re-lated products. Rib Country will be selling meals and other foods will be available to com-plement the wines. The wine tasting opens at 5 p.m. followed by Susan Riley and the Junction Band in con-cert at 7 p.m. in the gazebo on the courthouse lawn. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased ahead of time at any of the partici-pating vineyards, the Town of Hayesville’s Centennial Exhibit next to the post office or the Clay County Chamber of Commerce at the round-about in Hayesville. Attendees may also pay the $20 entrance fee at the gate. The ticket price includes the wine tastings along with the concert. Only those ages 21 and over will be allowed in and identification will be required. Blue Ridge Mountain Tours will operate a shuttle service to the square from the Peacock Performing Arts Center and other parking areas. Wine Around the Square proceeds will go to the Clay County Historic Courthouse Restoration fund, which is be-

Wine Around The Square

Calaboose Cellars and Andrews Brewing Co. will be bringing wine and beer to the Wine Around the Square. Calaboose is the smallest free-standing complete winery in the United States.


ing overseen by Clay Coun-ty Communities Revitaliza-tion Association. Leave a message at (828) 389-2121 or visit www.cccra-nc.org for regular updates. All of the wineries participating in the Wine Around the Square are small local wineries from the mountains of western North Carolina or north Georgia, where the climate has been discovered to be ideal for growing wine grapes. The entire region, known as the Upper Hi-wassee Highlands Ameri-can Viticultural Area, was officially designated by the

U.S. Department of Trea-sury as a designated wine grape-growing region in July. At press time, participa-tion of some wineries was unconfirmed. However, the following wineries had confirmed they will take part in the Oct. 3 Wine Around the Square. Eagle Fork Vineyards Clay County’s Eagle Fork Vineyards Inc. will offer some of the 10 wines available at its Shooting Creek vineyard and tasting room. Currently in its third season, the winery owned

Photos by Lorrie Ross/Clay County Progress Clay County’s own Eagle Fork Vineyards in Shooting Creek of fers may varieties of award-winning wines at its new tasting room on U.S. 64 East. Owners Jerry and Theresa Smith combined Smith’s chemistry background with what he learned growing up in the wine industry.

Truckin’ at Eagle Fork Vineyards in Shooting Creek.


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by Jerry and Theresa Smith, recently opened a larger tasting room and event center seven miles east of Hayesville at the corner of Cedar Cliff Road and U.S. 64 East. In addition to an underground wine cellar, Jerry Smith said the new facility has a breathtaking view, a large parking lot that will accommodate buses, a cater-

er’s kitchen, a bride’s dressing room and a large covered pavilion with a stage for music performances. Three vineyards on 12 acres pro-duce nine varieties of grapes for wines ranging from sweet to semi-sweet and dry. Jerry Smith was raised around the wine industry but worked as a chemist for many years. After moving to Clay

County, Smith combined his chemistry and grape-growing knowledge to begin growing grapes in the Eagle Fork area of Shooting Creek. Winery tours are avail-able on request; however, large groups are asked to call ahead. Open from noon-6 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday from April through October, the winery also is

Crane Creek Vineyards is just three miles nor th of Young Harris (Ga.) College near the border of North Carolina and Georgia. It has accumulated awards from many national wine competitions.


available for special events. Call (828) 389-VINO or visit the website www.eagleforkvineyards.com.

Tusquittee Valley Vineyards Tusquittee Valley Vineyards also calls Clay County home. While it is only in its second year of production, the vineyard actually was planted six years ago by James V. Ledford and Kerry Staton. After a trip to Italy, Ledford had dreamed of bringing viticulture to Clay County. With some agricultural help from Salvador Moreno and the business management of Ledford’s son, Rex Ledford, the Vineyard now grows Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc and Concord wine grapes. From these, three va-rieties of wines are produced, each named for a specific area of Clay County. Smackass Red is a full-bodied, deeply colored wine of purples and reds best at room temperature. The label on the gold Tusquittee Moon says “making the moon shine.” The semi-sweet, supple wine boasts rich aromas and fruity flavors and is best served chilled. The Peckerwood Pink is a slightly sweet medium-bodied wine that is crisp and clean that is best served chilled. The name comes from a local area where the rubies are pink. The Tusquittee Valley Vineyards Winery does not open for tours. The wines of Tusquittee Valley Vineyards are available exclusively at Joe’s Coffee House, Wine Bar & Trading Post at 82 Main St. in Hayesville. Call (828) 389-4560 for details.

Crane Creek Vineyards Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, Ga., also will be participating in the event. At 916 Crane Creek Road, it is a family-run business just 3 miles north of Young Harris Col-lege and in the shadow of Brasstown Bald, the state’s highest peak. Owner Eric Seifarth said all staff members are also family members, each with individual specialties and unique personalities. “But are all experienced in each facet of the wine-making process and other activities at the vineyard,” he said. “We may spend one day together harvesting and the next weekend working at one of our many public or private functions. Each day and each season is filled with rewards as we work day to

Visitors are welcomed to Sharp Mountain Vineyard to share tastings at the mountain estate with owners Ron and Jody Rathgeb.

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day with the land, the vines and the incredible backdrop of our mountain home.” With a dozen wines to choose from, Crane Creek offers a wine for everyone and many have been recog-nized at some of the nation’s top wine competitions. For example, Sweet Sally is a sweet and fruity picnic wine named in honor of the vine-yard dog, Sally, whose spirit remains at Crane Creek. This wine and CCV’s Seyval Blanc earned the silver medal at the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. That same year, Hellbender Red won the bronze medal at the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and bronze at the 2012 Finger Lakes Inter-national Competition. A gold medal was earned for Hellbender at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Villard Noir and Enotah White have re-ceived awards, as well. Wine tastings are available from April through December on Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Hours are different Jan-uary through March. Call (706) 379-1236 or visit www.cranecreekvineyards.com.

Calaboose Cellars of Andrews Calaboose Cellars of Andrews will be bringing wine to the Wine Around the

Square, but also beer from its own Andrews Brewing Co. Calaboose claims to be the smallest free-standing complete winery in America. On the property, an old stone building with bars on the windows overlooks the vine-yard. The Calaboose website explains a local legend about a lawman who locked up hooligans there to cool down until time for the magistrate to see them. “Now we use the calaboose to incarcerate our wine before it makes its escape to you,” owners Eric and Judy Carlson say. Calaboose wines have all received multiple wine com-petition awards. Everything from the “fully loaded gorilla of wine” Norton to the semi-sweet Jailbird Blackberry and

Up The River Strawberry Rhubarb wines have earned recognition nationwide. Beers range from amber, dark, to malty and lights. Calaboose Cellars and An-drews Brewing Co. are at 565 Aquone Road in Andrews. The tasting hours are Thurs-days, Fridays and Saturdays

from noon-8 p.m. Call (828) 321-2006 or visit the website www.calaboosecellars.com to check out the winery sensors that actually monitor tem-perature and humidity.

Hightower Creek Vineyards Hightower Creek Vine-yards is right down the road from Hayesville at 7150 Canann Drive in Hiawassee, Ga. This small farm winery first planted grapes in 2009 and now has about 3,200 vines on about six acres, with plans to add more in the near future. The seven varieties of grapevines being grown help produce six wines for the tasting room. Chatuga White, an off-dry Vidal Blanc, is the perfect summer wine of tart pear and citrus with a hint of sweetness. Trillium is Hightower’s signature white blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne and Vidal Blanc grapes while Epiphany is a

The vines sleep at Nottely River Vineyards near Murphy, where the vineyard is par t of a family farm that is approaching 200 years old. This image is from the vineyard’s Facebook page.


fresh, clean and crisp white with flavors of apple, pear and honeysuckle. Red Clay Rose wine is a naturally fermented Cabernet Franc. The three red wines offered are Cynthiana, the south’s heirloom variety. It is a smooth dry red perfect for barbecue; Deliverance, named after the movie that was filmed nearby, is a pre-mium red blend that is burly with a soft mouth feel. Chatu-ga Red is an off-dry red, made from the same grapes as Deliverance, but blended differently with some resid-ual sugar added to make it a refreshing Sangria-like wine that is great served chilled.Hightower Creek Vineyards has a large two-level deck overlooking the vineyard as well as ponds and the moun-tains. The scenic setting in-cludes a facility for weddings, parties and other events. The vineyard has many events planned throughout the year. Visit www.hightow-ercreekvineyards.com or call (706) 896-8963 or (855) 682-4112 toll-free. Hightower Vineyard’s tasting room is closed Tuesdays, but open Sundays from 12:30-5 p.m. and every other day from noon-6 p.m.

Paradise Hills of Blairsville Paradise Hills of Blairsville is returning to Wine Around the Square this year. Not just a vineyard and winery, Para-dise also boasts lodging and a full-service day spa. Three years ago, grape vines were planted at the family-owned resort and a tasting room was opened at the micro-winery in summer 2013. Paradise grows Traminette, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Caber-net Franc, Chardonnel, and Sangiovese to combine with purchased grapes and create five varieties of wine. Aged in American oak for 24 months, the Cabernet Sau-

vignon has soft tannins, hints of blackberry and raspberry, rich vanilla, and a smooth full finish. Starry Night, which is a blend of Seyval Blanc and Vidal, has a green apple middle with a lemony finish.Eclipse, a non-vintage off-dry blend wine, is at least 50 percent Chambourcin, some Merlot, Cabernet and 20 percent white wine to smooth the blend. Sunset is a medium dry fruity wine that makes a nice casual sipping wine. There are a limited number of cases of Thunder Moon Reserve. This 2006 blend that displays a balance of dark berry, black cherry and soft jam, laced with spice and herb. These grapes were uncrushed, gravity fed and hand-punched, each a quality hallmark of hand-crafted, limited production wine. The tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday from noon-6 p.m. or by ap-pointment only on Monday,

Tuesday and Wednesday. A Vintner’s Wine Tour is available on Saturdays at 1 p.m. for $20 per person, which includes a winemak-er-guided tour of vineyards, winery production, exclusive wine tasting and souvenir wine glass. Reservations are highly recommended. Para-dise Hills, Resort & Spa is at 366 Paradise Road in Blairs-ville, Ga. Call (877) 745-7483 or go to www.paradisehill-sresort.com.

Nottely River Valley Vineyards Nottely River Valley Vine-yards is Cherokee County’s largest vineyard and winery. Established in 2008 with the largest planting of Vitis Vinif-era grapes west of Asheville, it is a family-owned and operated sustainable agricul-ture vineyard. The vineyard, which sits on 10 acres of a 93-acre farm that has been in Steve Thompson’s family since 1832, consists of high-

density plantings of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Zinfandel and a small block of French hybrids. In addition to the high-density plantings, viticulture practices include leaf pruning, cluster thinning, and limited fruit production which provides the win-ery with high quality fruit. Minimal intervention is used throughout the wine-making process in order to make an old world style wine. The tasting room has great views and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Other times may be arranged by appointment. Nottely Riv-er Valley Vineyards is at 1150 State Road 1597, also known as Old Culberson Highway in Murphy. Visit www.nottelywine.com or call (828) 837-7822 for details.

Valley River Vineyards Valley River Vineyards is in the Martins Creek area of Cherokee County. The win-ery says it has something for every taste in the collection of Valley River Vineyards estate wines. Dry wines include North Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a spicy blackberry and cherry aroma and flavor; North Carolina Chardonnay, a medium-bod-ied, white wine with a hint of tropical fruit; North Carolina Vidal Blanc, a full-bodied, white wine with fruity citrus and melon flavors and Mattie Hatchett Red, a well-bal-anced, spicy Chambourcin wine to serve at room tem-perature or chilled. Four sweet wines also are available. Hooray White is a sweet, white, crisp Musca-dine table wine perfect for all occasions. Country Boy Blush is a semi-sweet Mus-cadine dinner wine to enjoy with a traditional Southern meal, or for just sipping on

The newest Clay County winery, Tusquittee Valley Vineyards, produces three wines, which are sold at Joe’s Cof fee House, Wine Bar & Trading Post on Main Street in Hayesville.


a warm summer day. North Carolina Red Muscadine is a sweet southern red wine with a nice finish. Semisweet Mattie Hatchett Red is a Chambourcin wine that goes great with nuts, cheeses and chocolates. Valley River also sells home winery supplies includ-ing yeasts, corks, bottles and capsules. Or pick your own grapes from the vineyard. Free wine tastings are avail-able on Fridays and Satur-days from 1-6 p.m. Vineyard and winery tours are free, but an appointment must be made. Valley River Vineyards is at 4689 Martins Creek Road in Murphy. The business phone is (828) 321-5333 and the winery is (828) 837-0691. Visit www.valleyrivervine-yards.com.

Cartecay Vineyards Cartecay Vineyards will be joining the Wine Around the Square all the way from Ellijay, Ga. The word Cartecay is Cherokee for “bread val-ley.” When Cartecay Vine-yards was bought in 2007, the original farm that dated to 1890 had become empty and overgrown after decades of growing corn and hay and raising cattle, hogs and mules. Cartecay Vineyards farm was carefully planned by combining elements of the original farm with the needs of a vineyard. The original 1890s barn has been refur-bished into a “Tasting Barn,” using much of the original barn wood with additions of a black walnut bar and cherry wood handrails, all made from wood harvested off the farm. What was once a hay loft is now an events center that seats 45 people. Cartecay’s chimney logo comes from an original farmhouse chimney that still resides where it was built in 1890.

With western-facing slopes that allow vines to receive maximum sun exposure, elevations ranging from 1650 feet to 1750 feet, and sloping landscapes, the clay loam soil is exceptional for grape growing. Manager Kathy Love said Cartecay has 14 acres plant-ed with six varietals of wine grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvvignon, Vidal Blanc, Catawba, Traminette and Norton (Cynthiana). Cartecay has several varieties of wine, many of them award-win-ning varieties. The wines include the 2011 Vidal Blanc, 2011 Traminette, 2011 Chimney Blush, Chim-ney Red, 2011 Merlot and Chimney Noel, a seasonal nouveau wine only available during the holidays. Open 7 days a week, Mon-day through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30-5:30 p.m., Carte-cay Vineyards is at 5704 Clear Creek Road in Ellijay. Call

(706) 698-9463 or go to www.cartecayvineyards.com.

Sharp Mountain Sharp Mountain was the first vineyard in this region. Located in Jasper, Ga., the vineyard was established in March 1995 on a 26-acre estate with a breathtaking view of Sharp Mountain. Owner Ron Rathgeb began his labor of love by planting Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Viognier vines. Addition-al plantings have been added since 2000, that include Pinot Gris, Primitivo, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese and Trebbi-ano, allowing Sharp Moun-tain to produce 11 varieties of award-winning wine. Sharp Mountain Vineyards operates on a simple but es-sential principle; to produce the finest wine, you must begin with the finest fruit. With vines that are all Euro-pean Vinifera, SMV produces

about 800 cases per year. This enables the Rathgebs to give personal attention to every detail from tending the plants to personally harvesting and processing every grape. The family owned vineyard in-tentionally maintains a lower production to focus on only one thing: wine. Sharp Mountain’s tasting room and weather-proof pavilion has a beautiful view of rows of espaliered vines against a backdrop of rolling hills and Sharp Mountain. From March through Decem-ber, Sharp Mountain is open Fridays and Saturdays from noon-6 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30-5 p.m. January and February hours are Sat-urdays from noon-6 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30-5 p.m. The vineyard also is open on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. It is at Rathgeb Trail, GA 30143. Call (770) 735-1210 or go to the website www.sharpmounta-invineyards.com. u

Kathy Love/Contributing PhotographerGrapes ready for the wine press at Cartecay Vineyards in Ellijay. Cartecay Vineyards in Ellijay. Car tecay is a Cherokee word for “bread valley.”


Crisp, cool weather and brightly colored leaves mean the mountains’ fall season has arrived. Fall also brings John C. Campbell Folk School’s annual Fall Festival, a joyous celebration of Appalachian

cul-ture. Now in its 41st year, the

Fall Festival will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Satur-day and Sunday, Oct. 4-5. The folk school’s Brass-town campus on the Chero-kee-Clay county line provides a scenic setting for this popu-lar event, attracting attendees from allover the Southeastern United States – and beyond. More than 200 juried and non-juried craft exhibitors

will be selling items such as jewelry, pottery, wood, met-alwork and baskets. More than 40 artisans will demonstrate traditional and contemporary crafts includ-

ing weaving, spinning, black-smithing and pottery. More than 30 bluegrass, gospel, folk and Celtic groups are scheduled to perform on two stages throughout

the weekend. In the audi-ence, he John C. Campbell Folk School Cloggers, and Brasstown Morris Dancers & Band will enliven the Festival Barn stage with their colorful costumes and joyful dance routines. Children will enjoy pony and wagon rides, as well as a drum circle. Local commu-nity and non-profit groups will offer tasty foods such as barbecue, assorted wraps and sandwiches, ribbon fries, ket-tle corn, ice cream, and fried apple pies to satisfy attend-ees’ appetites. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 12-17, and free for children under age 12. Visit teh website www.folkschool.org/fallfestival for details. John C. Campbell Folk School is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization. u

Folk school celebrates its 41st Fall Festival

Children will enjoy pony and wagon rides as well as a drum circle. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 12-17 and free for children under age 12. Visit the website www.folkschool.org/fallfestival for details.


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Clay County Progress Charlie Brown’s search for a large flying pumpkin would not have ended in disappointment if he had come to Brasstown each fall. For the sixth year, pumpkins will soar through the air at the Punkin Chunkin on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25-26. Sponsored by the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, catapults and trebuchets are brought from near and far to toss pumpkins hundreds of feet. Only the best machines will beat out the competition by launching pumpkins the

longest distance for the championship and Punkin Chunkin title. Last year, the event relocated to 811 Settawig Road in Brasstown to allow for additional space and more parking. That location will be the venue for this year’s event and the chamber expects it to be bigger than ever, according to chamber Director Pam Roman. There will be fun and games for the entire family along with food, vendors, crafts and even a beer tent. Adventur-ous folks can try the zip line or take an airplane ride. Along with live music and entertainment, there will be a pumpkin

pie eating contest and a chili cook-off. A new addition brought to the Punkin Chunkin this year is a Spud Gun compe-tition. Competitors can build their best tater guns and bring them for a shoot. General admission is $ 5. Children ages 5-10 get in for $1 and kids under age 5 are free. No pets allowed, only service animals. Call the chamber, 389-3704 for de-tails or to enter your flying machine in the Punkin Chunkin. Entry forms are available online at the website www.ncmtnchamber.com/activities/fall/pun-kin-chunkin. u

Scott Wallace/[email protected] styles were as varied as the catapults at the 2013 Punkin Chunkin held of f Settawig Road in Brasstown.

Punkin Chunkin a great fall event


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Calendar of fall eventsWEEKLY

u The Cedar Valley Farmer’s Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through October at the L&N Depot on Hiawassee Street in downtown Murphy with ar ts, craf ts and locally grown produce. For details, call manager Jeremiah Smith at 828-837-3400. u Chevelles Restaurant & Bar in downtown Murphy has live music at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights. To f ind out who’s playing when, call 828-835-7001. u Calaboose Cellars, 565 Aquone Road in Andrews, presents Unplugged Thursdays with live music at 6 p.m. weekly through October. Admission is free. For details, visit www.andrewsbrewing.com. u Andrews Brewing Co., 565 Aquone Road, presents the Summer Concer t Series at 7 p.m. Saturdays through October. There is a $5 cover charge. For details, visit www.andrewsbrewing.com.

AUG. 29 u Hot Duck Soup will play at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, in the Festival Barn

at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. For details, visit www.folkschool.org. u Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, will feature the annual Lakeapalooza at Fontana Village. The multi-day event will feature music, f ireworks and outdoor activities at the marina. For details, call 800-849-2258.

AUG. 30 u A free seminar, “Money for Local Solar,” will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Blue Moon Elise, 26 Valley River Ave. in downtown Murphy. Those attending will learn how to fund small-scale solar electricity projects in Cherokee and Clay counties. For details, call 828-835-0015 or visit www.CarolinaMountainSolar.com.

SEPT. 1 u USCS Sprint Car Labor Day Championship plus Faster Pastor Race, with suppor t classes to be announced at Tri-County Race Track in Brasstown on Monday, Sept. 1. Stand tickets: adults $18, ages 11-16 $10, ages 10 and under free. Pit

tickets: adults $30, ages 11-16 $15, ages 10 and under free. The 53rd person through the front gate each program will be admitted for free. Everyone under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. For details, visit www.tricountyracetrack.com.

SEPT. 4 u The Hayesville Evening Market, “Health and Wellness,” will feature the musical talents of Tara Mae. The market is open from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, and will have locally grown fruits, vegetable and ar ts and craf ts. For details, visit eveningharvestmarket.com. u Heritage Par tners will hold the annual RiverWalk fundraiser from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, on the porch at Doyle’s Cedar Hill Restaurant in Murphy. Tickets are available at $28 per person at The Daily Grind & Wine, Curiosity Shop Bookstore and Hiwassee Valley Pool & Wellness Center in Murphy. Heritage Par tners is a volunteer nonprof it organization, and all proceeds benef it the Murphy RiverWalk & Canoe Trails. For details, call Barbara Hughes at 828-837-6821

or Paula Bryan at 644.0292, visit www.HeritagePar tners.org or email info@HeritagePar tners.org.

SEPT. 5 u A local ar tists exhibit featuring the father-daughter duo of Dean and Brit t Williams star ts Friday, Sept. 5, at the Andrews Ar t Museum, on the second level of the Valleytown Cultural Ar ts Center downtown. For details, visit www.andrewsvalleyar ts.com/the-museum.asp. u First Friday Murphy Ar t Walk will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, downtown. Presented by the Valley River Ar ts Guild, there is something for everyone. Admission is free. For details, call David Vanderlaan at 828-644-0043. u Song Swap with Norman Kennedy, Sara Grey and Melissa Weaver Dunning will be held at John C. Campbell Folk School’s Festival Barn in Brasstown. The concer t will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, and admission is free. For details, visit www.folkschool.org. u The Licklog Players’ next production A Piece of my Heart will


Calendar of fall eventsrun Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-7 and Sept. 12-14. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinées at 2:30 p.m. The box of f ice will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday star ting Monday, Aug. 25. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $8 for students. For details, call 828-389-8632 or email [email protected].

SEPT. 6 u Travel back 3,000 years into the deser t between Egypt and Palestine. There two million people together built a tabernacle to God. An ancient sanctuary replica will be in Cherokee County from Saturday through Sunday, Sept. 6-14. The exhibit will be 1.3 miles east of Walmar t in Murphy of f Tomotla Road. For details, visit www.makemeasanctuary.com. u Contra and square dance with Connie Carringer and the Mountain Creek Boys from 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, in the Keith House community room of John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. Admission

for the event is adults $7, ages 12-18 $4 and under 12 $3. For details, visit www.folkschool.org.

SEPT. 11 u Hayesville Evening Market, “Honoring the Red, White and Blue,” will feature the musical talents of Irons in the Fire. The market is open from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, and will have locally grown fruits, vegetable, ar ts and craf ts. For details, visit eveningharvestmarket.com.

SEPT. 12 u Tarheel 50 Tune-Up Race plus a full racing program is set for Friday, Sept. 12. Stand tickets: adults $18, ages 11-16 $10, ages 10 and under free. Pit tickets: adults $30, ages 11-16 $15, ages 10 and under free. The 53rd person through the front gate each program will be admitted for free. Everyone under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. For details, visit www.tricountyracetrack.com.

SEPT. 13 u “Wine Under the Stars” is

planned for Eagle Fork Vineyards with music and fun from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Raven and Red will be the enter tainment for the evening. Tickets are $15. For details visit www.eagleforkvineyards.com. u Songwriters Showcase featuring Rob Tiger and Friends is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Peacock Per forming Ar ts Center in Hayesville. The popular series of original Americana/folk music spotlights talent in an intimate round-robin concer t style. Tickets are $11. For details, visit www.peacockplayhouse.org. u Third annual Pet Celebration on the square in Hayesville. The fun begins at 8 a.m. and lasts until 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, with a pet parade, look-a-like contest, best-dressed parade and more. For details, visit lakechatugeanimalhospital.com. u The Hill Climb for per formance cars will be at Maple Springs Road southwest of Robbinsville on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13-14. For details, call 828-479-3790.

SEPT. 18

u Hayesville Evening Market, “Sumpkin Pumpkin,” will feature the musical talents of Pat List and Gnarly Friends. The market is open from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, with locally grown fruits, vegetable, ar ts and craf ts. For details, visit eveningharvestmarket.com. u N.C. Writers Network West will hold a reading at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, with Janice Moore and Mary Ricketson in the Keith House at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. For details, visit www.netwestwriters.blogspot.com.

SEPT. 19 u John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown will host Lorinda Jones at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, in the Keith House community room. Admission is free. Visit www.folkschool.org for details.

SEPT. 20 u Murphy Medical Center’s 24th annual “Two Hours From Anywhere” 5K Challenge, Two-Mile Hear t Walk and Kid’s Fun Run will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, at Murphy


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Calendar of fall eventsMedical Center in Peachtree. The public is invited to par ticipate in one of western Nor th Carolina’s best road races to help provide three new blood pressure kiosks so community members may know their hear t-healthy numbers. To make a tax-deductible donation, or to register for the event, call Deena Collins at 828-835-4340 or go to www.murphymedical.org/race. u John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown will host a contra and square dance with Jack Mitchell and the Aant Gardners from 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, in the Keith House community room. Admission will be adults $7, ages 12-18 $4 and under age 12 is $3. For details, visit www.folkschool.org. u The Cherokee Heritage Festival and Ar t Show will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, in Hayesville. The ar t show will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Clay County “Old Jail” Museum. The Cherokee Heritage Festival will be at the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit adjacent to the museum. There is no charge. Ar tists wanting to par ticipate in the ar t show

should call 828-389-3045 for details or to request an application.

SEPT. 25 u Hayesville Evening Market grand f inale, “Pie Palooza,” will feature the musical talents of Steven Phillips & Midnight Express from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, with locally grown fruits, vegetable and ar ts and craf ts. For details, visit eveningharvestmarket.com.

SEPT. 26 u Singing Tree will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, in John C. Campbell Folk School’s Keith House community room in Brasstown. Admission is free. Singing Tree per forms a wide variety of folk music from around the world. For details, visit www.folkschool.org.

SEPT. 27 u Smokey Mountain Money Madness will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, at Bear Ridge Speedway of f U.S. 19/74 in Andrews. For details, visit www.bearridgespeedway.net. u The annual Clay County Tractor Parade will roll through Hayesville and

around the square downtown. Entry fee for the parade is $15. Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, with the parade to follow at noon. For details, call 828-361-3640. u SABA Bike Race, a six-hour endurance trial, will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Jackrabbit Trails in Hayesville. Entry fees begin at $70. For details and rules, visit www.chainbusterracing.com. u Clay County Chamber of Commerce annual yard sale is set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, in the chamber parking lot, 388 U.S. 64 Business in Hayesville. Rent a space for $10. For details, call 828-389-3704 or visit www.ncmtnchamber.com. u One Leg Up will per form in the Peacock Per forming Ar ts Center at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, with a vibrant mixture of upbeat Gypsy jazz, Latin, swing and original compositions. Tickets are $20 for adults, $11 for students and $5 for children. For details and seating, visit www.peacockplayhouse.org.

OCT. 3 u First Friday Murphy Ar t Walk

will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, downtown. Presented by the Valley River Ar ts Guild, there is something for everyone. Admission is free. For details, call David Vanderlaan at 828-644-0043. u The second annual Wine Around the Square sponsored by the Clay Counties Community Revitalization Association features a wine tasting and concer t at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. Local vineyards will have fruits of their labors for the taste test. For details, visit www.cccra.org. u Chompin’ at the Bit String Band will per form at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at John C. Campbell Folk School’s Keith House community room in Brasstown. Admission is free. For details, visit www.folkschool.org.

OCT. 4 u John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown hosts the annual Fall Festival at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, with plenty of ar ts and craf ts to see and food to taste. For details, visit www.folkschool.org. u The four th annual Harvest to Table Dinner will be held Saturday,


Calendar of fall events

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Oct. 4, at the Valleytown Cultural Ar ts Center in downtown Andrews. For details, visit www.andrewsvalleyar ts.com. u Contra and square dance with Cis Hinckle and Renewable Energy will be held from 8-11 p.m. Saturday Oct. 4, in the Keith House community room of John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. Admission is adults $7, ages 12-18 $4 and under age 12 $3. For details, visit www.folkschool.org.

OCT. 10 u Chautauqua AVE! – the Andrews Valley Experience – will be held Friday through Sunday, Oct 10-12, at the Valleytown Cultural Ar ts Center downtown. For details, visit www.chautauquaandrews.org. u Guilty Conscience will be at the Peacock Per forming Ar ts Center, 301 Church St. in Hayesville, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10-11 and 17-18, as well as 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 and 19. The play is a suspense thriller. Tickets are $16 for adults, $9 for students. For details, visit www.peacockplayhouse.com or

call 828-389-2787. u The Williamsons will play in the Keith House community room at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10. Admission is free. For details, visit www.folkschool.org.

OCT. 11 u The 19th annual Cherokee County Chamber Chili Cook-Of f will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 11, at Konehete Park in Murphy. Sample all the chili and vote for your favorite. For details, visit www.cherokeecountychamber.com. u They Clay County Progress hosts a “Meet the Candidates on the Square” election forum at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, in downtown Hayesville. Meet candidates at their booths then venture over to the gazebo for candidate questionnaires in the casual, yet informative event. Bring your lawn chairs. Deadline to submit questions for candidates is Friday, Sept. 19. For details, call 828-389-8431 u“Wine under the Stars” in Eagle Fork Vineyards at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 11, with music and fun. Nation and Blackwell will be the enter tainment. Tickets are $15 and include music, tapas and wine tasting. For details, visit www.eagleforkvineyards.com.

OCT. 12 u Fontana Village hosts Fall Hike Week from Monday through Thursday, Oct. 12-16. For details, call 800-849-2258.

OCT. 16 u N.C. Writers Network West will hold a reading at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, with Mary Mike Keller and Lucy Cole Gratton in the Keith House at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. For details, visit www.netwestwriters.blogspot.com.

OCT. 17 u Blue Eyed Girl will play in the Keith House community room at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17. Admission is free. For details, visit www.folkschool.org. u Contra and square dance with

Charlotte Crit tenden and Blue-Eyed Girl from 8-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at John C. Campbell Folk School’s Keith House community room in Brasstown. Admission is $7 adults, ages 12-18 $4 and under age 12 $3. For details, visit www.folkschool.org. u The annual Harvest Festival will be held in Stecoah from Friday through Sunday, Oct. 17-19. For details, call 828-479-3790.

OCT. 18 u Andrews Police Pals Cruise Night is set for Saturday, Oct, 18, at Andrews Town Center. For details, visit www.andrewschamber.com.

OCT. 24 u The Licklog Players Community Theater presents Voices and A Tell Tale Heart at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24-25 as well as Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, along with 2:30 p.m. matinées Sunday, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2. Tickets are $13 for adults, $8 for children. For details, visit www.licklogplayers.org. u Tri-County Race Track in


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Brasstown presents the second annual Monster Mash Weekend featuring monster trucks, demolition derby and awards ceremony Friday, Oct. 24. Tickets: stand adults $18, age 11-16 $10, age 10 and under free. Pit tickets: adults $30, age 11-16 $15, ages 10 and under free. The 53rd person through the front gate each program will be admitted for free. Everyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit www.tricountyracetrack.com for more details. u Fontana Village hosts Hauntober Weekend from Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24-25. For details, call 800-849-2258.

OCT. 25 u Clay County Chamber of Commerce annual Punkin Chunkin will be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25-26, at 811 Settawig Road in Brasstown near the county line. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 25, with the f inals and awards from noon-5 p.m. Oct. 26. For details, visit www.ncmtnchamber.com or call 828-389-3704.

OCT. 30 u Geof f Hohwald, Rick Taylor & Friends will per form in the Keith House community room at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30. Admission is free. For details, visit www.folkschool.org.

OCT. 31 u “Trick or Treat around the Square” begins at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, in downtown Hayesville, with candy, costume contests and a safe environment for children. For details, visit www.ncmtnchamber.com or call 828-389 3704.

NOV. 1 u The annual Blacksmith & Fine Craf t Auction will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. For details, visit www.folkschool.org. u Cheoah River releases for paddlers are scheduled through the year, including fall. Kayakers encounter up to Class IV rapids along the wild 9-mile stretch of

the Cheoah River in Robbinsville. The last release of the season is planned for Saturday, Nov. 1. For details, call 828-479-3790.

NOV. 7 u First Friday Murphy Ar t Walk will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, downtown. Presented by the Valley River Ar ts Guild, there is something for everyone. Admission is free. For details, call 828-644-0043. u Blue Horizon will play at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, in the Festival Barn at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. For details, visit www.folkschool.org. u Junaluska Wreath Laying is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 7, at the Junaluska Museum in Robbinsville. For details, call 828-479-3250.

NOV. 8 u The four th annual Kickin’ Asphalt Half Marathon & 5K will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Konehete Park in Murphy. There will be a 13.1-mile half-marathon as well as a 3.1-mile 5K run. For details, call the Cherokee County Chamber of

Commerce at 828-837-2242. u Turkey Rumble will be held Saturday, Nov. 8, at Bear Ridge Speedway of f U.S. 19/74 in Andrews. For details, visit www.bearridgespeedway.net.

NOV. 20 u N.C. Writers Network West will hold a reading at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, with Maren Mitchell and Joan Howard in the Keith House at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. For details, visit www.netwestwriters.blogspot.com.

NOV. 21 u The Festival of Trees will be held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22, in the Valleytown Cultural Ar ts Center in downtown Andrews. For details, visit www.andrewsvalleyar ts.com.

NOV. 28 u The Ar tisan’s Drive About is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 28-29, with dozens of Graham County ar tisans featured along the route. For details, call 828-479-3790.

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Documents

2 • Country Roads – Fall 2014 Contentsmatchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/2889/... · 6 • Country Roads – Fall 2014 By Kim HainGe EThe Graham Star lmer and Mary