Cashiers Village, North Carolina

Cashiers Village Customer Appreciation Party!

2010-08-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

Join us tomorrow afternoon for low country boil, hot dogs, beer, wine and desserts! Live music, good shopping! Bring your dogs. Treats for them will be in abundance.

UPDATE 8/28/10: A great time was had by all!

Grateful Dudes were great!

LeeAnn and Sara rocked out the hot dogs.

Mary and Dick Holland relaxed in the late afternoon sun.

By 5:30 things were in full swing.

There was always a line for Coach's delicious low country boil.

Old friends...Hobbs and Waldens of Lolli Belle Vintage Hats fame.

New friends.

Thanks to all who came out. We appreciate you!

Fourth of July at the Hillside Shops

2010-07-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

The Shops celebrated their first 4th of July in what had to be the coolest and least humid July 4th weekend in Cashiers' history. The constant threat of rain never materialized. It was a perfect weekend.

Brookings' in the Garden is our newest addition. The cottage serves as a very nice annex to the handcrafted art the main store now carries.

Marc Hipp, Brookings' guide, was giving private casting lessons in Hillside Park.

Sage Sez joined us for the weekend as a one-time vendor.

Dawson Bryant made a fine model for the tees.

David Berger put the finishing touches on a huge landscape oil on Friday.

No sooner did he get it framed...
SOLD! Awesome.

Rob Childress worked the floor while mom Belva ran a delivery.

Riley Adams rocked a patriotic collar in fine style.

Little Lolli Belle!

A little larger Lolli Belle!

There was no shortage of adorable children and babies.

Evie Auerbach made a new friend when she gave a fan a porcelain West Highland Terrier figurine.

Two of Caroline Brown's Sugar Girls came out to show off their custom made dresses.

And good friends not seen in months showed up with the newest family member!

The Shops are open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11-5, though Labor Day weekend, reopening for leaf season on Thursday, October 7th.

Cashiers Village Hillside Shops Memorial Day Reopening

2010-06-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

It was very hard to believe winter was over and it was the last Saturday in May already. It was great to back in the garden!

We had nice traffic on Saturday, and as usual, many very appreciative visitors who were thrilled to see something this creative and exciting in Cashiers.

Evie Auerbach (Porcelain and Pottery) and Terri Hobbs (Lolli Belle vintage hats) came back after a great October with us last year. The effervescent Caroline Brown is a very welcome new addition. (Sugar, sweet handmade children's clothes)

David and Julie Berger, paintings and jewelry, remain as our anchors in Cottage #1.

Mary Holland came back with her pottery as well as some gorgeous wood furniture and has moved up to one of the double cottages. It's a great setting for her and she's filled it up nicely.

Mary's new neighbors are Belva and Rob Childress, well-known longtime locals. They make very interesting wooden items and do a lot of custom design work for contractors and homeowners.

These candles are stunning.

Here I am (Laura Winzeler Designs) in my new very green digs. Love it!

Dee and Lee Weisz, Weisz Earthworks (woodwork) returned with SIX kittens! And FOUR were still left at home. While there were no adoptions, three enchanted young men played with the kittens all day, ensuring Dee and Lee would finally sleep that night.

Of course all six were named by the boys immediately.

Dawson Bryant, darling son of our own Deborah Bryant (weavings), worked his mom hard but to no avail. (Last we heard.)

Lots of artist demonstrations happening this year. Deb Bryant (What's Your Bag? Hand-Woven Accessories) had a very productive weekend on her loom.

Caroline Brown was sewing (or chatting on her cell phone) every time I looked over there.

David Berger did what he always does: painted non-stop, kept us laughing non-stop, and never sat down. We missed Julie who was in Hilton Head at a show.

Evie Auerbach brought her wheel which fascinated many visitors.

We also did our best to promote the new Women's Fly Fishing classes being offered by super fly guide, Simons Welter, through Brookings' Cashiers Village Outfitters.

Naturally, our chairs were a few hours late and just in time for the downpour. I made no new friend when I asked this man to move them again once he'd set them down.

The rain on Sunday was nothing compared to the tsunami of Memorial Day Monday! Most of us stayed home, or went home once we arrived, due to concerns about flooding and bad road conditions.

We'll be open Saturdays, 11-5, in June and once the 4th of July rolls around, we'll go to our Thursday-Saturday summer schedule through Labor Day weekend.
email laura@ravencliffco.com for more information. Hope to see you in the garden!

Tommy's Coffee Shop Remodeled

2010-04-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

April brought some changes to Tommy's in the form of new furniture, added space, counter rearrangement, and the addition of new bakery items.

And cat and dog mosiac tip cups by Laura Winzeler Designs, in keeping with the tip matching program that results in a quarterly check for the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.

What used to be the meeting room is now additional relaxing space. However, a new meeting room is about to reopen next to this room.

Zeke and Earl's got a critter mosaic tip cup too.

Cashiers Village Hillside Shops Reopen Memorial Day Weekend

2010-04-14T11:17:00.001-07:00

That was then...

This is soon!

The much-anticipated 2010 season of the Cashiers Village Hillside Shops will kick off at 11am on Saturday, May 29th. The garden cottages will be open from 11am-5pm through Memorial Day, Monday May 31st.

The independently operated shops showcase select regional artists offering unique products of the highest quality and creative integrity across a diverse range of mediums. Shoppers will find paintings, weavings, mosaics, llama fiber products, pottery, jewelry and woodwork. Here are some great photos from our trial run last October.

The Hillside Shops and surrounding garden area will be the heart of Cashiers Village, a residential and retail community at the Crossroads being developed by Raven Cliff Land Company. The Shops are the first step toward the full realization of the retail portion of Cashiers Village. Locals know this as the land behind Tommy’s Coffee Shop and Zeke & Earl’s hot dog stand, adjacent to Brookings’ Cashiers Village Outfitters, which has a recently expanded artisans' gallery of handcrafted products.

It is Raven Cliff Land’s intention to create a welcoming and engaging community at the Cashiers Crossroads that will include a thriving retail portion along with a pedestrian friendly, cultural town center. Cashiers’ visitors and residents will enjoy frequent artist demonstrations and presentations in the garden. Cultural events will take place in the surrounding areas, including musical performances, film festivals, holiday celebrations, pet and child-related activities, and charitable events.

Hours of operation will be 11-5 on all Saturdays in June, expanding to Thursday through Saturday, 11-5, from Fourth of July weekend through Labor Day. As in 2009, the Shops will reopen on weekends during October leaf season.

The artists are excited to return to the garden for the first full summer season and look forward to your visit!

That's Our Matt!

2010-04-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

(Click on image and use the magnifying tool to read.)

Penny's (Near) Famous Gravy; Only At Zeke & Earl's

2010-03-25T13:37:00.001-07:00

Penny's almost-famous gravy is made in the true Southern way, fresh from bacon fat with generous portions of chopped sausage. Penny learned how to make her gravy in the true Southern way when she was very young, cooking right alongside her grandmother who raised her.

After impressing a panel of very discerning taste testers (that would be Jack), Penny's gravy and biscuits were added to the Zeke and Earl's menu shortly after opening in the summer of 2008. Many customers order their steak biscuits smothered with gravy and needless to say, it rocks over turkey! Word has it that we even have one customer who laps it up as if it were a cup of soup. We're not naming names.

Remember that Zeke and Earl's serves breakfast all day. Any time can be gravy o'clock!

Brookings' Cashiers Village Outfitters - Let Us Guide You!

2010-03-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

As we said in the previous post, Brookings', at the Cashiers Crossroads, "is owned and staffed by experienced fly fishermen, hunters, outfitters and guides...We offer fly fishing schools and lessons, as well as guided day trips. Custom trips for the experienced fly fisher are available upon request. Our fishing trips take place primarily on the Davidson and Tuckasegee rivers - Western North Carolina's best-known trout rivers, a fly fisherman's dream."

We thought you might like to meet our very experienced, friendly and passionate guides:

Matt Canter was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has been in love with anything that involves water and fish since the ripe age of eight. He spent his youth fishing farm ponds in between family trips to the mountains and coast, where fishing tended to be the activity of choice. While attending Western Carolina University, Matt spent as much or more time on the rivers as he did in the classroom. After graduating, he immediately started guiding full-time and decided to call Brevard, North Carolina, home. When Matt is not managing the Brookings' Cashiers Village Outfitters store, he can be found on a backcountry stream or floating down one of the region's many rivers in pursuit of trout and smallmouth bass.

Marc Hipp grew up in Western New York and fished the spring creeks of the Southern Tier for trout with PhDs. When the cold months of winter arrived he turned his attention to the “hunt for steel” (Steelhead) in the tributaries of the Great Lakes, better known as “Steelhead Alley.” Living in upstate South Carolina for the past 13 years, Marc has made the rivers and streams of Western North Carolina his “home waters.” As our latest edition to the staff at Brookings’ Cashiers Village Outfitters, Marc divides his time working in the shop and guiding clients.

Simons Welter grew up in Statesville, North Carolina, and is currently living in Spartanburg, South Carolina. After graduation from Clemson University in 1988, she decided to major in Domestic Goddess, becoming a wife and mother to two now-teenagers.
Simons spends all of her spare time on the rivers of North Carolina and upstate South Carolina, with a special love of fishing small streams for native brook trout on dry flies.

She has been guiding, mentoring, and teaching fly fishing for the past six years, including working with Becoming an Outdoors Woman and Casting for Recovery.
Simons has fished in 10 states, Argentina, Spain, and Germany and is a board member of Mountain Bridge Trout Unlimited.

Jack Mincey was born and raised in Cullowhee, North Carolina, next to the Tuckasegee River where he caught his first trout. As a child he fished the lakes and streams in Western North Carolina. At the age of eight he started fly fishing for pan fish in the local lakes with his father. This progressed into fishing the local trout streams with a fly by the age of 12. Jack has fished every mile of many of the streams in Western North Carolina and has been guiding the local waters for more than 23 years. Over the last few years he has specialized in fishing the Tuckasegee River with clients.

(Fishing photo to follow but Jack is an artist as well! His gorgeous turned wood products can be purchased at Brookings'.)

Travis Collins, a native of Jackson County and now a resident of Haywood County, has spent the last 30 years of his life in pursuit of any fish species willing to tug his line. From Southern Appalachian brook trout, to river smallmouth, to common carp, Travis gets twitchy whenever he passes over or near a body of water. “One of my secret dreams is to be able to cast through the front doors of Red Lobster with a 2 weight and catch one of the fish out of their large tanks in the lobby” Travis explains.

For the past ten years Travis has guided for Brookings' and is keenly interested in helping others learn about the sport through guide trips and teaching at the Brookings' Fly Fishing School. As a professional educator of 15 years, Travis is as passionate about teaching and learning as he is about catching fish of his own. He looks forward to sharing his obsession with you.

Travis' first baby photo. (Not really. That's his daughter Ruthie. She wants to be just like Simons when she grows up.)

Travis and son Jack.

(Photo to follow)
Henry Williamson has been fly fishing for trout and bass for 40 years and a full-time guide and instructor for 27. He credits his patient and loving wife with his longevity. Henry is passionate about teaching fly fishing and truly believes that he found his niche in life as an instructor. He offers both float and wade trips on the Tuckasegee and Toccoa Rivers. When Henry is not living to make other fisher people happy, he spends 100 days out of the year fishing for his own pleasure and enjoyment.

(Photo to follow)
Ernie Sipler was born and raised in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennysylvania. While working in the hotel industry as an Executive Chef of resorts and corporate hotels, he often dreamed of being a Bassmaster or even fishing for a living. After retiring, Ernie decided to move to the Smokies, enticed by the over 3,000 miles of trout water to explore and the challenge of these wild fish in their habitat. Ernie finds instructing a novice or an experienced fly fisherman even more rewarding than landing the trout himself. He is always eager to share the techniques used in our mountains to increase their chances of having a good day on the water.

After going to the Fly Fishing Masters twice and other fly casting tournaments in the area, Ernie developed a love for the art of a great cast, even if there is not always a fish at the end of the line.

Select Regional Handcrafted Art Now at Brookings' Cashiers Village Outfitters

2010-03-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

A little background on Brookings' CVO, a Cashiers retail fixture that joined the Cashiers Village family in 2009:

We stock a full line of men's and women's gear for the outdoor sportsman or sportswoman - clothing, boots and shoes, fishing rods, reels and accessories, hunting and shooting supplies, plus everything you need for your "best friend " - your dog. Brookings' CVO is owned and staffed by experienced fly fishermen, hunters, outfitters and guides.

We offer fly fishing schools and lessons, as well as guided day trips. Custom trips for the experienced fly fisher are available upon request. Our fishing trips take place primarily on the Davidson and Tuckasegee rivers - Western North Carolina's best-known trout rivers, a fly fisherman's dream.

As if those weren't enough reasons to stop in, Brookings' CVO now offers an array of premium, handcrafted items from local artists - creations that blend perfectly with the theme and spirit of our store and our love of the outdoors. Meet the artists:

How, you ask, can One Of The Very Best Guides on the Tuckasegee River possibly find the time to turn out such gorgeous turned wood products? We ask Jack Mincey this question all the time but he just ignores us. After a twenty-two year stint as a fly fishing instructor and twenty-six years teaching high school shop at Blue Ridge School, we suspect the answer is "patience". Jack's finishes are clear, allowing the wood's natural tones to shine. All wood is found locally in the mountains of Cashiers and other areas of Jackson County.

You don't want to wash these off in the river. Simply wipe with a light coating of furniture polish or a dry cloth for a lifetime of beauty.

Cashiers own Evie Auerbach has a self-confessed fur and fin fetish. For twenty-five years she's been captivated by colorful fish creatures and the expressive character reflected in the faces of her very unique porcelain dog figurines.
Evie's skill as an artist far surpasses her skill as an angler. Her one big fish story involves finding a set of Barracuda jaws sans body at the end of her line.

And no, there is nothing redundant at all about serving your freshly-caught trout on a freshly-glazed earthenware trout platter. Of course there is no such thing as “too much trout."

Hang it on the wall and (depending upon how much wine you've had) it almost appears to be swimming.

Question: What do you get when you cross a musician, stringed instrument repairman, machinist, and nuclear power plant inspector?
Answer: An exacting wood artist who uses historic joinery techniques such as hand-sawn and hand-chiseled dovetails to craft his creations.

Nelson Woodhouse keeps quite busy in his Virginia studio producing one-of-a-kind step stools built along the famous Shaker design using nary a screw or nail. Even the pencil marks used for measurements are left visible in accordance with tradition.

Custom work is invited! Select the American or imported exotic wood of your choice from our sample display. In addition to his step stools, Nelson makes French rolling pins, cutting boards, spoons and spatulas. All his pieces are elegant in their simplicity, yet sturdy and designed for practical use or display.

What's a poor woman to do when you're a non-fishing female in a family of fanatical fly fishermen?
Matt's mom, Sharon Canter of High Point, NC, (yes, that Matt, our store manager), hiked her hiney off on all those weekend fishing trips while her spouse and sons hit the stream but still found herself with an awful lot of time (and no fish scales) on her hands.

So she grabbed a camera and parlayed her love of the outdoors into a passion for nature photography.
Sharon's cards and prints capture the exquisite beauty of the Western North Carolina landscape with not a fly rod or Wooly Bugger in sight.

What are the odds in life that you would ever have the chance to encounter a World Class Champion in the medium of found wood? It's your lucky day!

Maggie Valley resident Jon R. Dennis can carve you a wood spirit, wildflower or canoe paddle from aspen, butternut, red spruce, pine, cottonwood bark, mahogany and basswood.

We suggest you commission a basswood trout, just because it's funny.

Tommy's - The Perfect Pit Stop!

2010-02-25T11:26:00.000-08:00

Last week a large group of Canadian cyclists descended upon Tommy's to refuel and refresh.

All that is known about them is that they race internationally and came to the mountains to train.

They were last seen passing through Lake Keeowe.

We suspect that word of our amazing cinnamon buns has reached Canada and they were looking forward to some serious carb loading opps!

Tip Matching Program A HUGE Success!

2009-12-16T11:04:00.001-08:00

Beginning last February the owners of Tommy's Coffee Shop and Zeke & Earl's promised the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society that they would match every tip received by the employees in both eateries, donating the money to the Society. We first posted about the initiative here.

On Sunday, October 4th, Cassie Welsh, the Society's Executive Director, received a check in the amount of $4540.00 from LeeAnn Kern, the Cashiers Village Food Service Manager.

Cassie and her crew held a Stop-'N-Adopt that day to help celebrate the grand opening of the Hillside Shops. Be sure to visit their web site to see the many ways you can help make a difference in the lives of homeless pets in our area.

And THANK YOU to all of our loyal customers for your generous tips over the months! The deserving employees, and the deserving dogs and cats, are very grateful for your support.

Watch this space for the announcement of the last quarter check presentation.

It's All Happening At The Hillside Shops!

2009-10-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

The Cashiers Village Hillside Shops are open and thriving. Eleven cottages full of very unique and diverse regional art created by 16 very talented and welcoming artisans.

Vintage hats, inlaid glass, jewelry, oil and watercolor paintings, mosaics, porcelain, weaving, woodwork, folk art, pottery and Alpaca products. Truly something for everyone!

You can find artists painting in the garden and crafters demonstrating their skills.

You will often find live acoustic music and a pair of young Alpacas munching the grass.

Hours are 12-6, Friday through Sunday, for the remaining October weekends. We'll be open Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving too.

The Shops' artists will be hosting a special Trick or Treat event from 4-6pm on Halloween, Saturday, October 31st.

It's never too early to start your Christmas shopping!

Hillside Shops Vendors Start Moving In

2009-09-26T06:54:00.001-07:00

Future homes of Graciela Giles & Herbie Rose (yellow doors) and Laura Winzeler Designs (blue).
Move in started Friday, 9/24, one week away from the Grand Opening.

Tote City!

Graciela and Herbie prepping their walls.

A work in progress, needless to say.

Hillside Shops on Autumnal Equinox, 2009

2009-09-24T13:40:00.000-07:00

After these photos were taken on 9/22, the landscaping was completed. All eleven cottages are filled with artisans who have already begun moving their products in and customizing their displays.

Personalized artist "shingles" are in production. They will hang over each doorway, displaying logos and graphics for each vendor.

After months of planning and organizing, the Hillside Shops will become a reality at noon on Friday, October 2.

Nine short days from now the garden will be buzzing!
Check back for specifics on the Grand Opening Weekend festivities.

Cottages Coming Along - One Month Till Opening!

2009-09-03T06:49:00.001-07:00

Another Week, Another Leap!

2009-08-22T13:39:00.001-07:00

It's fascinating to watch the progression of the Cashiers Village Hillside Shops project on a week-by-week basis. So much seems to get done so quickly, and it's easy to get a sense of the lovely garden setting we will be enjoying in a few short weeks.

The response from local artisans and merchants has been very positive. We expect that every cottage will be occupied on our October 2nd Grand Opening.

Hillside Shops Nearly Complete

2009-08-13T04:35:00.000-07:00

Construction on the cottages is nearly done! Landscaping and rock walkways will follow.

Each cottage will have brightly-colored doors.

Vendors will be selected by month's end, shop interiors will be readied for their occupants, and our Grand Opening will occur on Friday, October 2nd.
Watch this space! Or better yet, go walk this space if you live close by!

Mountain Film Festival - A Stellar, Sold Out Success!

2009-08-02T06:03:00.000-07:00

A big “Thank You” to everyone who attended and contributed to our First Annual Mountain Film Cashiers. It exceeded our dreams! We are already making plans for the Second Annual Mountain Film Festival, inspired to make it an even more exciting and rewarding experience. We will be adding an extra night to accommodate additional guests.

Save the 2010 dates:

Thursday, July 8th
Friday, July 9th
Saturday, July 10th

Please check back for information on a weekly film series to be held at Hillside Park, Cashiers Village.

More photos on our website. Click here.

Cashiers Chamber of Commerce After Hours - Film Festival Kick Off

2009-07-25T05:55:00.001-07:00

Over 100 area residents attended the After Hours event that we hosted in the newly-completed Hillside Park (a big old patch of dirt just two months ago.) The site was all prepped for the Film Festival, and the Chamber event was the perfect "dry run" for us.

We poured some great wines from California and France while also offering a tasting bar that featured 26 North Carolina wines our staff tried while deciding which wines would be poured at the Festival. (Westbend Vineyards the clear victor!)

The upper terrace was full of umbrella-covered dining tables by Friday night. On the left you can see the tent and theater seating being readied for the film screening.

Zeke and Earl's served juicy hot dogs fresh off the grill and Good Food brought their usual A game to the party.

A great time was had by all, and by night's end, our staff was feeling very confident and proud of our hard work. We went into Friday's Film Festival grand opening inspired and excited!

It's All Happening At Cashiers Village! Part Two.

2009-07-09T07:40:00.001-07:00

More Hillside Shops are underway.

The two double cottages at the very back, including the restrooms, are completed and ready for "business" in time for the Film Festival.

Brookings has now relocated to our property (where Slick's used to be) and is open for business as Cashiers Village Outfitters.
Hope to see you this weekend at the Chamber event and the Film Festival!

It's All Happening At Cashiers Village! Part One.

2009-07-09T07:35:00.001-07:00

After months of planning, Mountain Film Festival is almost here. This is how the site looked yesterday, 7/8/09. We did another walk through, checking on the progress. By tonight, when we host the Chamber of Commerce After Hours event, the changes will be even more amazing.

The Week At Cashiers Village

2009-06-28T06:05:00.000-07:00

The first two double kiosks that will anchor the Hillside Shops are coming along nicely.

The restrooms sit behind the shops. For orientation purposes, this view is from our new Hillside Park (home to Mountain Film Festival) looking down on Tommy's parking lot.

With less than two weeks left before Mountain Film Festival, staff and consultants walked Hillside Park on Tuesday, June 23, further refining the logistics to ensure a most memorable event.

Here we are on the first tier of Hillside Park, looking down over the Hillside Shops.

What a view!

Cashiers Chamber of Commerce After Hours Event, July 9th

2009-06-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

CASHIERS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AFTER HOURS EVENT
THURSDAY, JULY 9TH 2009
VIP KICK OFF FOR MOUNTAIN FILM CASHIERS
5PM – 7PM (or when things run out)

LOCATION: CASHIERS VILLAGE HILLSIDE PARK (up the hill behind Tommy’s Coffee Shop). In case of rain, the event will be held inside Tommy’s Coffee Shop.

BEVERAGES: Featuring the wines of Westbend Vineyards (of Yadkin Valley, NC) as well as tastings of other North Carolina wines. Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company will provide their micro-brewed beer. Sodas and water will be available as well.

Tommy’s Coffee Shop will be passing out Free Affogato Cards to Chamber Members. (Affogato is a heavenly dessert of hot espresso poured over rich vanilla gelato…a perfect summertime treat!)

Zeke & Earl’s and Good Food will provide delicious treats.

SPECIAL GUEST: Director Matt Morris (two of his films are featured in the Film Festival).

Tickets for Mountain Film Cashiers 2009 will be available for purchase.

Film Lineup Announced for Mountain Film Festival

2009-06-11T10:45:00.001-07:00

(Click on the poster to enlarge.)

The films have been selected for our upcoming Telluride Mountainfilm on Tour Extravaganza:

The Job
Red Gold
Running Down the Man
Pockets
Home
Pickin' & Trimmin'
History Making Farming Author on the Move
Look to the Ground
Trial & Error Progression
Deep (Shinsetsu)
Revolution One
ShikaShika
The Last Butcher in Little Italy
The Last Frontier
Fridays at the Farm

Different outdoor, adventure and environmental short films will show each night. Tickets are now available on our web site or at Tommy's Coffee Shop in Cashiers, NC.
See you there!

Westbend Winery To Be Featured At Cashiers Mountain Film Festival

2009-06-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

Mountain Film Festival at Cashiers Village is excited to announce that we have selected the premium wines of Westbend Vineyards for the event. The Festival kicks off Friday, July 10th, at 6:00pm with "Meet the Westbend Winemaker and Owner". Lillian Kroustalis, owner, and Mark Terry, General Manager and Winemaker, will be pouring their wines and answering questions about the products and techniques that led the Wine Spectator to score Westbend wines the highest of any other North Carolina wines. Ms. Kroustalis and Mr. Terry will return Saturday at 6pm, available both nights to visit with attendees until 7:30pm. Several examples of their superior wines will be served, both included in the admission fee, and by the glass.

Westbend Vineyards is located in Lewisville, North Carolina. The 60 acres of prime vinifera vineyards are neatly tucked into the gently rolling countryside in the northwest corner of Forsyth County, where the Yadkin Valley begins. The first vineyard at Westbend was planted in 1972 by owner Jack Kroustalis. Production is over 6,000 cases annually with commercial distribution throughout North Carolina.

Cashiers Village Hillside Shops In Progress!

2009-06-03T11:47:00.001-07:00

This is what the soon-to-be Hillside Shops project looked like last Friday, May 29. Construction was well underway for the first set of cottages that sit at the back of the garden. The same buildings will also contain the restrooms.

It was decided that one cottage would be omitted from the original plan to preserve the very old and stately American Holly tree to the right of the gazebo.

Here you can see the new grassy area behind the Shops that is our newly-developed Hillside Park.

The photo below was taken from the top of Cashiers Village Hillside Park which has undergone a total beautification in order to host the Mountain Film Festival July 10-11. Tickets are now available on our web site (click HERE) and at Tommy's Coffee Shop. Check back soon for more exciting details on the Festival.

The Greening of Cashiers Village Hillside Park

2009-05-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Last week was another busy one for us as we continue to transform the area behind Tommy's into Hillside Park. (See this earlier post for additional "before" photos.)

Cashiers Village Hillside Shops Update

2009-05-11T10:56:00.001-07:00

Breaking (ground) news!

(Click on all images to enlarge.)

We expect construction of the Hillside Shops to be completed by Labor Day. This will allow us to take advantage of the influx of visitors for October's Leaf Season. Opening Day will be Friday, October 2, closing on Sunday, Novmeber 1. Tentative hours of operation are Friday through Sunday, 12am-6pm.

We plan to open the weekend after Thanksgiving, just in time for the holiday shopping frenzy. Christmas hours to be determined.

Each cottage will be 9' wide and 7' long inside, with an additional 7' in length of covered porch.

The shops will be operated by select regional artisans and area merchants who desire a Cashiers Village satellite location. Space is going fast but still available. Please visit our web site and contact us through the information link.

Watch this space for more updates as we move along!

Cashiers Village Hillside Park - A Place in Progress!

2009-05-07T13:25:00.000-07:00

More big changes are underway at the Crossroads as we ready the hill behind Tommy's Coffee Shop to host the Telluride Mountain Film Festival this July.

The land has been cleared, graded, and will soon offer gently-sloped, grassy banks where Festival attendees will relax on blankets and chairs.

The chefs are planning their menus, the bands are readying their play lists, and we have selected our favorite premium North Carolina wines. Click on the ad below to see the details.
Check back soon for a list of the films to be shown!

Feel free to stop by and look in on the progress of Hillside Park. We have a feeling that it will turn out to be a very happening place for our town.

Zeke & Earl's Fur Friends Initiative

2009-04-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

Zeke and Earl, proprietors of the hot dog stand that bears their names, are very generous ~~humanitarians~~ furitarians. When they learned of all the good work the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society does on behalf of local animals, they wanted to help.

Every tip that their employees receive, as well as those at Tommy's Coffee Shop, will be matched and donated to the Humane Society.

There is a Hitching Post on the grassy area next to Tommy's where four-leggeds can relax while their persons grab their coffee and baked goods. (Click on the article above to enlarge.)

Earl says: Look at all of the ways you can help the Humane Society! Walking the dogs on Friday mornings costs nothing and makes them so happy!

Zeke suggests you help with the Stop 'N Adopt program.

Zeke was a stray who was adopted by a very loving family many years ago. His biggest wish in life is that every cat and dog (and bunny, ferret, bird, horse) gets as lucky a break as he did!

Please Tip Generously at Tommy's and Zeke & Earl's!

A Day at the Outhouse Races

2009-04-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

The employees of Tommy's and Zeke & Earl's participated in the third annual Outhouse Race on the ski slope at Sapphire Valley Resort, held February 28, 2009. (Click on the photo to enlarge the newspaper story.)

Zeke and Earl's entry sported the motto: Best Doggon Dogs in Town!

The outhouse created for Tommy's Coffee Shop warned the other competitors: We're Here to Roast You!

About 100 spectators cheered on the racers, despite a slushy, rainy day. The annual event benefits the Tamassee School Ski Program and enjoys tremendous support in the community.

Good Show Raven Cliff Land Employees!

Cashiers Antique Mall Makes Way For Hillside Shops Construction

2009-04-07T08:32:00.001-07:00

Click to enlarge the Crossroads Chronicle front page story!
Over 200 people enjoyed Zeke & Earl's hot dogs and Tommy's coffee while viewing the pyrotechnics.

Cashiers Village Hillside Shops - Now Breaking Ground

2009-03-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

Construction is about to begin on the Hillside Shops at Cashiers Village. The Hillside Shops and surrounding garden area will be the heart of the Village and will house a number of small cottages shops in a beautifully landscaped setting. Our goal is to fill the cottages with select artisans who offer high quality products as well as with established local merchants who desire a satellite presence in Cashiers.

Our first full season of operation will begin in May 2010, but we may open for a few weeks over the Fall leaf season this year. Watch this space for more details as we move forward!

Cashiers Village Hillside Shops Mission Statement:

To understand the role of the Hillside Shops at Cashiers Village, it is helpful to consider the Founders' objective for the development as a whole: "To create a welcoming and engaging community at the Cashiers Crossroads where Highways 64 and 107 meet. We intend it to be an understated mountain retreat offering a comfortable and convenient base from which you can enjoy the area’s natural attractions unencumbered by the burden of owning a large lot and home in the woods."

The Cashiers Village Hillside Shops will function as the heart of the Cashiers Village. It is also the first step on the path toward the full realization of the larger retail development that will be part of the completed Village.

It is our intention that the Hillside Shops also be of great local benefit, enhancing the entire Cashiers valley community, functioning not only as a retail destination, but also a thriving and culturally-enriching town center.

The main areas of the Hillside Shops’ contribution to the Cashiers area will be:

Creating…A rewarding retail environment for shoppers and residents.

Supporting… Commerce and the arts by housing popular merchants and select regional artists in the market’s cottage shops.

Educating…Cashiers' visitors and residents by offering ongoing artist demonstrations, presentations and classes. This will allow our vendors to showcase their talents while imparting some trade secrets to admirers.

Offering…Cultural events in the market to include musical performances, film festivals, holiday celebrations, pet and child related activities.

Contributing…To the area's charitable efforts through fundraising endeavors.

Mountain Film Festival Comes to Cashiers - Save the Date!

2009-03-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

All the way from Telluride, Mountainfilm has added Cashiers Village to their 2008 tour schedule. Please reserve the evenings of July 10 and 11. Local cuisine, libations and musicians will be featured both nights. We are in the process of selecting the films to be shown under the stars at Cashiers Village. More details as they become available!

Tommy's Coffee Shop, Cashiers, NC - A True Landmark!

2009-02-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

Tommy's Restaurant was a local institution at the Cashiers Crossroads for nearly 50 years before the Madden family sold it to Raven Cliff Land. Tommy's Coffee Shop reopened in the summer of 2008 and continues to carry on the proud, neighborly tradition, providing a vibrant gathering place in the heart of the village.

Tommy's coffees are fair trade and roasted weekly. The espresso is always very fresh, with a dark, bold flavor. The staff does not skimp on shots for the lattes, using three generous shots in their large size cup. The caramel and chocolate sauces for the flavored coffees are made in-house. Tommy's has the best hot chocolate -- the homemade ganache chocolate sauce is very deep and rich. For the tea lovers there is a great selection of organic black, green and herbal Yogi teas along with chai.

Upon entering Tommy's, you can not help but notice the aromas, thanks to their freshly-baked cinnamon rolls, muffins, and scones. Try the raspberry white chocolate scone, and grab some homemade cookies to go!

You'll usually find several locals taking advantage of the free WiFi from the very comfy leather chairs and plentiful tables. The building has wonderful natural light due to all the windows -- great for people watching! A colorful selection of primitive folk art brightens the walls. The Tommy's staff is so welcoming and friendly, always offering a warm smile and a greeting, often by name.

There is a spacious meeting room attached to Tommy's that locals can rent for free. The walls are covered with architectural renderings of the entire residential and retail village at various stages of conception and realization.

Like its neighbor, Zeke & Earl's, Tommy's employees pool their tips. Management matches every dollar they receive and donates the money to the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.
Please tip generously!

(If you would like to see more photos of Tommy's, here is a great slideshow.)

Hours - Open Sundays starting in April

Monday - Friday 7am-4pm
Saturday 8am-4pm
Sunday 9am-2pm

Location

95 Highway 107
Cashiers, NC 28717
"Between the Lights"

Phone 828.743.2010

Zeke & Earl's Hot Dog Stand, Cashiers, North Carolina

2009-02-20T13:41:00.000-08:00

Zeke and Earl's is far more than just a hot dog stand. It opened in the summer of 2008 right next to Tommy's Coffee Shop at the Cashiers Crossroads (Hwys. 64 and 107). It's named for the dogs of the owners!

Zeke, the Blue Heeler mix...

and Earl, the Yellow Lab.

There is outdoor seating but it is really intended for grab and go meals. They have great breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and bagels. Even oatmeal with walnuts and molasses. For lunch there are over a dozen sandwiches and some great salad plates. I usually get the egg and chicken salad plate when I'm dieting. (Pretty much every time I go up there, sadly.)

Of course there are hot dogs, sausage and brautwurst with a ton of different topping choices and combo possibilities. There is chili and soup, chips and several beverages to choose from. For such a small place, you won't believe the selections and choices you'll get! Great for grabbing a quick breakfast, lunch or picnic fare. You really get generous portions and great value for your money at Zeke and Earl's.

Like their neighbors, Tommy's, Zeke & Earl's has implemented a program in which they match every dollar in tips that the staff receives, donating it to the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. Please tip generously!

Hours

Monday-Friday 7am-3pm
Saturday 8am- 3pm
Sunday 9am-2pm

Location

95 Highway 107
Cashiers, NC 28717
"Between the Lights"

Call for to go orders 828.743.5055