Marjorie Christiansen Photography

Local libraries offer respite from the gray days at the end of winter and promises of greener times with the return of spring.

It turns out, South of the Border is a lot closer than you imagine – Las Margaritas, 127 64E in Cashiers.

McKee Properties’ efforts to preserve the Minnie Cole House have enriched Cashiers’ cultural heritage.

The saga of Wolfgang Green and his eponymous restaurant has all the twists of a classic read.

The Fix Experience is a marvelous indulgence to sooth post-pandemic ruffled feathers and revive the nearly-lost tradition of languid dining (with dancing). Reservations are a necessity – call (828) 743-7477 or visit thefixsapphire.com. It’s located at 3093 US 64 in Sapphire.

They came for their favorite bands, from close by and far away, in pairs and groups, young and old, and every age. They were there for the second Bear Shadow Music Festival– a cavalcade of extraordinary talent, a weekend of music and fans converging at its bucolic home at Winfield Farms in Scaly Mountain.

Bear Shadow brings its wide-open sounds and euphoric spirit to the Plateau at the end of the month. For more information and tickets, visit bearshadownc.com.

Slab Town Pizza’s deep menu and quick-as-a-cat takeout service helped to place this magazine in your hands. It’s located at 45 Slab Town Road in Cashiers. Call (828) 743-0020 for orders and information.

There’s nothing shy about the Brown-Eyed Susan, casting its bold-colored blossoms to the sunshine in meadows, gardens, and clearings across the Plateau.