The Highland Lake Inn & Resort is known today as one of the Southeast’s premier resort destinations. But its history extends back over 230 years to the earliest European settlers in western North Carolina.
Read MoreActors often tell stories of the “big break” that altered the course of their lives and careers. Stories typically involve one last casting call before giving up on their dream, or a chance meeting while struggling to make ends meet as a waiter at a local bistro. For Flat Rock Playhouse Vagabond legend, Scott Treadway, his big moment transpired in a place familiar to anyone that’s ever been to the Playhouse - during the organized chaos of Playhouse parking.
Read MoreWhen I was in the first grade, I volunteered my mother to be in charge of our class Valentine Party. She was clever and creative – holidays and parties were her forte. They brought to the surface a breed of woman not to be believed …
A Valentine’s Day story from Missy Izard Schenck
Read MoreAs the original group of about 50 former slaves traveled northward through Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, news of their crusade spread, and their numbers grew to about 200 people. Upon reaching S.C., the entourage met with freed slaves who spoke of families from the “Lowcountry” who made annual pilgrimages to the high country where miles of uninhabited mountain wilderness existed. Led by a dream, the caravan of former slaves set out on the Buncombe Turnpike for North Carolina — the possible end to their questing pilgrimage.
Their quest was to take them to an intersection in history with the family of John Davis, one of Henderson County’s earliest settlers.
In a few short weeks, spring will arrive once again at the Carl Sandburg Home here in Flat Rock. Forsythia will begin blooming on the bushes near the house. Daffodils will dance in the grass, and baby goats will start emerging from the barn sporting jaunty colorful sweaters. We can thank Lilian Steichen, Carl’s wife, for this annual spring treat.
Read MoreIn the last decade, the data has been piling up, revealing a Native American culture over 10,000 years old. The evidence of Native Americans at Green River Preserve is extensive. There are petroglyphs on Long Rock, bivouacs throughout GRP, a fault line where an ancient rock quarry is located, many lithic scatters on the surface from flint knapping, and points dating from 10,000 BC to 500 years ago. Additionally, there is Native American pottery, a 5000-year-old Native American fire ring 2 feet below the surface, dwelling sites along the Green River, evidence of long-distance trade, and more.
Read MoreAlthough the young girl visiting from Florida had no way of knowing at the time, the Village of Flat Rock and the building that housed Clarence Peace’s vintage grocery store would eventually become two of the most consequential places of her adult life.
Read MoreAfter just a few moments of talking to Anna Kimmell about her new job as Director of Education at Flat Rock Playhouse, it becomes readily apparent that, to the extent that enthusiasm, energy, and a positive outlook are predictors of success, the Playhouse has the right woman on the job.
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