Saluda Property & Real Estate

A Quick Saluda Market Update

(compares last year's sales with the same period this year as of November 30, 2014). 

Sales              Closed   Pending 

Homes 2014     39            7                          

Homes 2013     28            0      

Land 2014          7            1                      

Land 2013        22            0 

Foreclosures-REO-Short Sales (Homes) 

Saluda - 3 properties  

Polk County - 7 properties  

Henderson County - 49       

Data taken from Western NC multiple listing service.

Please visit cathyjacksonrealty.com to see all Cathy Jackson Realty Featured Home and Land Listings and search the entire Western NC MLS.

New Market Trend Reports for Saluda 

(Provided through Western NC MLS)

Local Market Insight October 31, 2014 

Saluda Downtown Foundation (formerly Small Town Main Street) meets Tuesday, December 2 at 4:30pm at the Saluda Library. 

Saluda Business Association meets Tuesday, December 2 at 5:30 at Saluda Library.  

Saluda Community Land Trust

Hometown Christmas, Downtown Main Street, December 12, 6-8pm.  

Children's Christmas Workshop December 13 at Saluda Fire Department 9:30am to 1pm. 

Town Council meets the second Monday of the month at 7:00pm in the meeting room above the Saluda Library.

The Historic Saluda Committee regular meeting with Oral History Committee will meet Friday, December 12 from 2 to 4pm at the Saluda Library.  The public is invited to attend.     

Women's Club will meet December 9 at 11 am at the home of Vina Boyce for annual Christmas party. 

The Saluda branch of Tree City USA meets at 5:30pm on 4th Thursday of the month in the Saluda Community Library.

Make A Joyful Noise Community Music at St. Matthews Church on Irwin St. 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month at 3pm. Park at West Main St. Public Parking and walk over to church. 

Al-Anon Family Group meets every Tuesday, 6:30pm at the Saluda Center, 64 Greenville St.   

Polk County Extension Club  

Saluda City Hall And Police Department

Although time is running out, Saluda City Hall and the Saluda Police Department are accepting monetary donations to purchase toys for the under privileged children in Saluda. If you would like to contribute to making a less fortunate child's Christmas be special, please consider making a donation before December 15 to the "City of Saluda Toy Drive." Make checks payable to, "City of Saluda Toy Drive." All donations go only to children of families living in Saluda.   

Donations may be mailed to City of Saluda, PO Box 248, Saluda, NC 28773.

Thank you all for your continued efforts, all of us at City Hall.   

For questions, please call City Hall at 828-749-2581 or Saluda Police Dept. 828-749-2691.  Or email chemenway@cityofsaludanc.com 

Each year Heartwood purchases a handmade ornament to sell for your decorating and gift giving needs and donates the entire purchase price times the number sold to Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry. For over 20 Years Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry has provided financial and food assistance to thousands of Polk County residents in need. Our ornament this year is a wooden heart with an inlaid star made with exotic and domestic woods by artist Kurt Meyer. They are naturally warm colors and flat enough to mail in a Christmas card. Express your love for neighbors, friends and family while giving back the entire amount to community with this beautiful symbol of love for the season. Packaged with a banner that recognizes the gift as a donation to Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry and priced at $14 each, they are also perfect hostess gifts for holiday parties.

Heartwood Gallery is located at 21 East Main Street, Saluda, NC, 828-749-9365. Visit website or Facebook page.

Supplemental emergency bags of groceries will be distributed to anyone in need on the third Friday of the month. The remaining dates are: December 19, January 16 and February 20 at Church of the Transfiguration, Saluda. The distribution of these bags will take place between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Friday afternoons at the church parish hall located at 72 Charles Street in Saluda. This will be a "no questions asked" gift of hospitality to anyone in need. Supplies may be limited so come early. Distribution will be first come first served until all available bags have been distributed.

For more information call the church office: 828-749-9740.

On November 28, the day after Thanksgiving, The Saluda Bell Ringers began our 9th Christmas Season of manning a kettle for The Salvation Army on Main street. We will again be located in front of M.A. Pace store. This will be each Friday and Saturday through Saturday, December 20. The hours are 11am to 1pm, 1pm to 3pm, and 3pm to 5pm. We are happy to see our veterans return each year and welcome anyone who would like to join with us and become a bell ringer. If interested, please call Max McGinnas at 828-749-9111, Neill Bultman at 828-749-1264, or you can leave your name and number with Leon at M.A. Pace store. We look forward to seeing our Saluda neighbors and visitors come by the kettle this season and pray we will have another successful season of helping those less fortunate.      

FYI to veteran bell ringers: The annual volunteer appreciation lunch normally held the week before Thanksgiving has been moved to January. No final date had been set as of last week.

NOTE:  Plans are being made to include a small brass ensemble that will play along side of the Bell Ringers this year! 

Saluda Downtown Foundation  

Saluda was designated as a "NC Small Town Main Street" September 2012.   

Leaf Pickup
The city will be doing leaf pickup for inside city residents the first two weeks of December. Residents are to pile leaves along the road, but not in the road, prior to the pickup date. Each street will be picked up once only.

Help Pave Pace Park 

Give a gift to a family member or friend that will last a lifetime by investing in a Pace Park Paver in their name or memory.   

Have the life or memory of a loved one immortalized or have your name engraved on a brick paver at Pace Park as a recognition as a contributor to this new community park.  This park will be in the alley by M.A. Pace General Store and will be the location of a Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Interpretation Sign and future public restrooms.

 

$40 each, payable to City of Saluda, three lines of copy with a maximum of 14 letters per line.  Download an application here.

 

Drop off applications and payment to City Hall or mail to City of Saluda, 6 Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773.  Proceeds will go toward building public restrooms. 

   

Now is the time to purchase your paver as the infrastructure is being developed and the laying of pavers will begin. 

  

For any additional information, please contact Catherine Ross at 828-749-3534 or carnc@charter.net.  

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Call For Artists: The park across the street from City Hall has been officially named Saluda Memorial Park, and the city would like to place an appropriate sign in the park. If you are a Saluda artist and are interested in designing the sign, please submit a sign proposal to City Hall by December 31. We would like to have the sign in place by May 25, 2015, for Memorial Day.  

 

Monthly Meeting Reminder (Meetings are held in Saluda Library Meeting Room) 

Saluda Downtown Foundation meeting Tuesday. December 2, 2014 at 4:30 p.m.

Board of Commissioners meeting Monday, December 8, 2014 at 7 p.m.

Planning Board meeting Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 8:15 p.m.

Follow us on

Stay Informed - Get on a List!
Stay informed by visiting the city website,

cityofsaludanc.com. Minutes from previous month's town council meetings are posted on this site. To receive monthly notices about town meetings, please email Cindy Hemenway at chemenway@cityofsaludanc.com and ask to be placed on the email list.

• $14,000 New roof and gutters for the Thrifty Barn
• New chairs and/or better seating
• Upgrading and maintaining computers for public use
• Funding for ongoing activities
• General day-to-day operating expenses of the Center, Thrifty Barn and Basement

1. Get involved! VOLUNTEER! A gift of your time and talents is priceless.
2. Donate your gently used clothing and household items
3. Tell us if you or a neighbor would like to participate in the Meals on Wheels program. We do eat-in or delivered meals
4. Donate to us in lieu of the IRS! No amount is too large or too small.
5. Come celebrate the holiday season with us at our Christmas Gala on December 14th! ($40 a person, reservations required)

Please refer to the Saluda Center calendar for all regularly scheduled activities. There is no membership fee.

If you would like to receive the Saluda Center calendar via email, please contact Donna at saludacenter@hotmail.com to be added to our email list.   

The Saluda Center is located at 64 Greenville St. Phone is 828-749-9245. 

2:00 PM Tuesday,

December 9, 2014

Downstairs at the Saluda (Senior) Center

64 Greenville Street,

Saluda, NC

We'll soon be "dashing through the snow" to celebrate another big holiday, so make sure to save the date for the December 9th Reiki Circle. This will be the final circle for 2014 and it's been a great year. I would like to thank each and every one who participated in the circles for your support and love. You have certainly made a difference in my life! With your continuing support, I plan to keep the circles going through 2015. They are for all of us to help remember to take care of ourselves, love one another and share the gratitude in our hearts. Warm Christmas and Holiday wishes to all of you. I will hold each one of you in my heart especially during the holiday season.

A Reiki Circle is a clinic for all those interested in or in need of a different and additional way to approach health. Anyone can participate and all should leave uplifted mentally, physically and spiritually. All those participating will be temporarily attuned to the energy of Reiki for about 24 hours, thus, you can go home and share it with your family and friends.

We begin by holding hands in a circle while the energy is passed to everyone. After the attunement, each person will have a turn on the Reiki table while the others lightly lay their hands on the person on the table. No clothing will be removed, but it is usually best with the shoes off. If anyone attending is already attuned to Reiki at any level, it adds even more energy to the circle. Since Reiki is based on pure love, it can do no harm.  

If anyone would like more information on Reiki, feel free to contact me with any questions. I not only offer private Reiki sessions, I also teach all levels. Check out my blog:

featherstonereiki.blogspot.com and my  

Facebook page..

Cost $ 5.00 per person, all ages! Call to pre-register 828-749-3887 or e-mail featherstone@tds.net.

For mature ladies: basic belly dance moves and music strengthens muscles we don't use in our daily activities. When our "core" (belly, back & torso) is strong, we breathe better and digest better, our whole body is fit and happy,and we walk with confidence and improve our balance.

No prior experience necessary. Any body size or shape will do! Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing such as sweat pants, yoga pants, and t-shirts. Bare bellies are optional.

Taught by Rima Luna, a 66 year old tribal belly dancer.

Thursdays, 12:00-12:45  

Special price for Better Bellies: donation

Tribal Belly dance

Level 1, Beginner - New class starting September 3

Wednesdays, 7:15-8:15, $10 per class

Level 2, Intermediate (must have completed Level 1)

Wednesdays 6:00, $12 per class

All classes: Saluda (Senior) Center, downstairs yoga studio.  For more information: rimomdancestonight@gmail.com or 828-894-2242

Adopt-A-Highway will once again be cleaning up the entrances to Saluda on Highway 176. Mark your calendar for Monday, December 8, with rain date of December 15. We will meet in the library parking lot at 10 am. Two teams of volunteers will work both sides of the entrance of Saluda on Highway 176. All supplies will be provided, just bring a friend!

Are you looking for ideas about what to give your special friends, family members, and loved ones for Christmas? How about a membership to SCLT? Membership is only $25.00 per person for one year. Did you know that we are an all-volunteer organization? You can join us and volunteer on a specific project anytime without a long-term commitment. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3), so any donation is tax deductible.

Through the coming months SCLT will be working to improve trails and other projects and we always need more volunteers. If you wish to volunteer for any of our projects, please call our office at 828-749-1560.

The next SCLT meeting will be Wednesday, December 10 at 3 PM. We will meet in our office, located in the Presbyterian Church. The public is always welcome.

 Please feel free to contact us about any of our projects by calling our office at 828- 749-1560. You can leave a message on our voice mail and we will return your call promptly. Also be sure to check out our website saludaclt.org. We look forward to your comments and suggestions.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!

There will be no meeting in December. Enjoy the holidays with friends and family.

The public is always welcome to attend any of our events.   If you are interested in joining or would like to attend meetings and/or special events, please contact Patty Martin at 828-817-9518.

Some events may be cancelled or rescheduled.  We try to give advance notice, but inclement weather or scheduling difficulties may occur.  You may confirm meetings and events with Patty Martin 828-817-9518.

A worthwhile and satisfying gift to give for Christmas and one which keeps on giving, even for generations to come...

It is the perfect gift-a tree. Christmas time is a good time for planting since winter allows for roots to strengthen and grow.

A local area agricultural agent can advise on correct planting and determining the right tree for the right place including space required for the size of the tree at maturity.

A tree can be an observance of a couple's first Christmas together, a new home, the birth of a baby, a memorial and many other events to make memories.

May this be a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

(Note: The tree across from Saluda School will be decorated on December 3 with ornaments made of bird treats. This tree was planted by the Tree Preservation members many years ago.)

For more information, call Ruth at 828-749-9718.  Leave message and phone number for return call.

Submitted by Ruth Anderson      

National Register of Historic Places

Ever wondered what is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Saluda? Click here and scroll down to Polk County. Next click on the link to the right of the property listing. From there you can access the actual nomination document that is full of fascinating information. Check it out!

Two Ways to Let Us Help You Preserve Your Family's Heritage

1. The Historic Saluda Committee (HSC) has been granted a secure space in the Saluda Public Library to store historical documents and artifacts. Items are now being archived in preparation for a future Historic Saluda Museum. Donations of originals or copies of vintage photographs depicting the history of Saluda's families and places are now being accepted. Also being accepted are documents, deeds, art, books, quilts, antiques or other relevant artifacts of historic interest that are in good condition.
2. Don't want to part with your family photographs or documents? Let us scan them for our archives. That way we will have a digital record and you can rest assured that your family history is preserved.

Contact us at historicsaluda@gmail.com or notify the City of Saluda who will advise a member of the HSC - 828-749-2581. We will gladly pick up donated items or will arrange to meet you so that we can scan your photographs.

Available Merchandise:

• Home, Hearth and History: Stories of Old Saluda, oral history documentary, DVD, $20
• Saluda, NC: Voices from the First 100 Years, re-mastered audio oral history recordings, CD, $10
• Historic Saluda Stickers, $3

Merchandise available through local Saluda merchants. You can also purchase it on-line at saludalifestyles.com. All proceeds go toward future projects.

Meetings

The Historic Saluda Committee (HSC) will meet on Friday, December 12, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Saluda Public Library in the upstairs meeting room. The Oral History Committee will also meet jointly with the HSC. The public is invited to attend. 

For more information about the Historic Saluda Committee, go to historicsaluda.org or contact us at historicsaluda@gmail.com.

Submitted by Cindy S. Tuttle, Co-Chair, Historic Saluda Committee

 

Saluda Elementary School

As the holiday season begins, I am reminded of the kindness and generosity of our school community. Thank you for supporting Saluda Elementary School!  You are appreciated!

As you are preparing holiday meals, please keep an eye out for the hot pink Box Tops that are on many food products and send them to our school. Our school receives $0.10 for each Box Top that is collected and submitted.  This money is used to purchase books for the Books Are Really Fun program, where every student in the school gets to choose and keep 3-5 free books each year!  

Each year, our school holds a Christmas Bazaar where children may purchase "gifts" for family and friends.  If you have knick-knacks, jewelry, candles, mugs, etc. that you would like to donate for the Christmas Bazaar, you may drop the items off in the secretary's office in the Rock Building before December 12.

Upcoming Events

December 8   Scholastic Book Talks by Steve Black for Grades 3-5

December 8   6:30pm  School Board Meeting at Stearns

December 10  Interim Reports

Dec 10-17      Scholastic Book Fair in the Media Center

December 12  Scholastic Book Fair will be open from 9:00-11:00am for community members to shop.  Please park in the tennis court parking lot and follow the arrows to the Media Center.  

December 17  Assembly:  Folklore Adventures

December 18  Holiday Variety Show will begin at 6:00pm in the auditorium. Community members are invited to attend this event.

December 18  A+ Informance:  Displays in downstairs hallway of Rock Building

December 19  Christmas Bazaar

December 19  Dress Down for Charity

Dec 20 - Jan 4  No School-Christmas Holidays

Click on this image and help support Saluda School.  Just put in the name of a Saluda School student and start shopping! 

Visit Saluda School for additional school news.     

Principal, Ronette Dill    

Located at 214 East Main St.,  Saluda, NC 28773  

Don't forget to collect Box tops! Box top collection containers are located in the Saluda Public Library, Saluda Post Office, and Saluda Elementary School Office.   

Keeping Saluda School Kids Safe 

To keep Saluda School children safe, please remember that the school campus and grounds including steps from Seminary St. to Main St., tennis courts, playground, and ball field are not available for community-wide use during school hours.  All visitors must check into the office before visiting any buildings or using any school campus properties.  We appreciate the community's support in keeping our kids safe while at school. 

Saluda Community Library

All Events Are At Saluda Community Library

Pre-School Storytime

DECEMBER

Hometown Christmas -

US Post Office Store Hours

Mon-Fri 9:00am-1:00pm and 3:00pm-4:30pm

Sat 9:30am-11:00am Sun closed

Passport Service is available at the Saluda post office.

Get directions by clicking here  

102 E MAIN ST SALUDA, NC 28773-7812 

Shop online at the Saluda Lifestyles Mercantile for the following merchandise:  

"Saluda, NC: Voices from the First 100 Years" in CD format. Original recordings of interviews with Saluda's oldest residents documented in the book, Saluda, NC: 100 Years 1881-1981. These interviews were transferred to a CD by Historic Saluda. Price: $17 includes shipping and handling. 

Home, Hearth and History: Stories of Old Saluda DVD. Proceeds will go to the Oral History Project for the next sequel.   Price:  $20.00+shipping. 

If you miss receiving Saluda Lifestyles, your ISP providers may change security filters frequently or you may have increased the security risk on your computer that inadvertently blocks Saluda Lifestyles from your email account. We apologize for this inconvenience.  In the future, if you do not receive your Saluda Lifestyles, please notify us by sending an email to cathy@cathyjacksonrealty.com so that we can resend to you and track the problem.  The first of the month newsletter is always posted on the website at saludalifestyles.com and on the Saluda Lifestyles Facebook. Don't forget to add cathy@cathyjacksonrealty.com to your address book so Saluda Lifestyles will be sure to land in your inbox!  

As the sun rises in the east, it spreads a red glow over the Saluda Mountains until it rises high and azure skies become the backdrop for the old mountain peaks. Once Mother Nature has swept away the foliage that blocks the view, Saludians are reminded of the wonder of nature that surrounds this small mountain town.

Wood smoke drifts in the air on frosty mornings and bird song wafts through the silent winter morning. The quiet is only interrupted by the racketing caw of a blackbird scavenging for breakfast or the rustling of leaves as scurrying squirrels dig for the last of the acorns.

Forest greenery like rhododendron, mountain laurel, holly, hemlocks and pines are now in full view under the long shadows of the tall pines, maple, poplar, and oak trees. All make great holiday decorations.

The pure, clear waters of flowing creeks, rivers, and lakes sparkle like diamonds in the sunlight without their summer canopy of overhanging branches.

The town is decorating for the holidays with wreaths and lights and good cheer. It's a time of truce when all disagreements are displaced with a spirit of generosity and kindness toward others.

Parents... Mark Your Calendar...

The Saluda Children's Christmas Workshop

Saturday, December 13, 2014

9:30am-1:00pm

Saluda Fire Department

Free For Kids Five And Up

The Workshop Helpers want to invite Saluda's children five and up to the workshop again this year so we can teach, inspire, and encourage them through creativity. The Workshop offers personal instruction of art projects related to Christmas in the form of ornaments and gifts. The kids get to practice their artistic ability, imagination, patience, cooperation, and gratitude through art. We create projects using lots of different mediums such as recycled products, beading, felting, food gifts, nature inspired gifts, origami, and much more. They will take home projects that will be cherished for years to come.

They aren't the only ones who benefit though...we, the adults, love to share with the kids who come. It's a wonderful experience for everyone. If you'd like to be a helper, just call Laura Fields at 828-749-4521.  I encourage creative and kid-loving people (notice I didn't say women) to join us. I wouldn't be able to pull this project off without my volunteers, and for them, I am very grateful. Please join us if you'd like to  be a part of something very special.

Parents, please don't bring children under five as the projects are challenging. No food or drink allowed. No unattended children and parents are allowed on art floor. We provide a special place just for you where you can do a project of your own or watch the kids without being right beside them. See You There!

Sponsored by Mountain Life Realty.

The latest news and the unusual offerings provided by Saluda shops, restaurants, accommodations, outdoor recreation, artists, craftspeople, and service providers.      

Holiday Gift Package from The Gorge

"The Coolest Gift Under The Tree - Adventure and GEAR!  This year, purchase a Zip Line Canopy Tour trip for 2 and get your Gorge Gear FREE!

Package includes: 2 Gift Certificates for the 2015 season, 2 Gorge T-shirts, 2 Gorge Water Bottles, 2 Saluda Adventure Guides and Gorge stickers.

The Gorge

166 Honey Bee Drive

Saluda NC

Thegorgezipline.com

I am so grateful for the enthusiastic welcome so many of you have extended to Sassafras in our first month of business! Especially popular is a large selection of scarves, which will be perfect for many on your Christmas list! For these cooler days, check out our 100% alpaca wool sweaters. You'll also find Jag Jeans and vests (some reversible!) in several different styles. Don't miss our section of "fancy" tops for special evenings, wonderful ear-rings (including clip-ons!), and some adorable knitted gloves, hand-warmers, and headbands!

If you haven't visited us, you're in for a treat! Be sure to stop by for wine or cider during Hometown Christmas on December 12, 6pm to 8pm. You'll also discover some Special Discounts for that occasion!

And we're happy to offer free gift-wrapping!

We're located at 46 E. Main St., next to the Saluda Grade. We're open M-Th 11-5, Friday 11-6, Sat 10-6 and Sun 12:30-4:30! Call us at 828-749-2379. 

Salamander has a new addition - American handmade furry toys and puppets that are fabulous and fun.  Come see them as well as the work of 100 American artists and some superb fair trade handcrafters.  Salamander is your local book store, too, with great reads especially chosen by Cynthia. 

Salamander is at 7 West Main St., Saluda.  828-749-3466.

THE DRESSING ROOM, ETC.  

The Dressing Room, Etc. will be closing in mid December until the 2nd week in March of 2015, all merchandise has been reduced up to 50% to make way for our new Spring and Summer collection. 

 

I would like to thank everyone who has supported The Dressing Room over the past year and wish you all a very merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! 

 

THE DRESSING ROOM ETC., located at 141 East Main Street in Saluda.  Phone is 828-749-9555. 

 

Looking forward, Irmy

      

The Oaks Bed & Breakfast

A New Holiday Tradition 

The weather outside was perhaps a little cooler than our Floridian guests expected, but Team Christmas rolled into town, and after a fortifying meal, got down to business. They traveled from Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, Titusville, Cleveland, Georgia and Groton, Connecticut to lend their special holiday touch to every mantle, banister and available surface. The Snow Village twinkles brightly in the parlor... but is not to be out shined by the mammoth Douglas fir that dominates the library.

 

The dedicated effort of this unique group of family and friends results in a Victorian home that abounds with holiday cheer! Photographs cannot capture the enthusiasm, detail and love put into this annual effort that so beautifully exemplifies the spirit of Christmas.

  

The innkeepers at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast are anxious to share this magnificent display of history, light, and love with you and your family. Create holiday memories that will last a lifetime! Plan your visit to The Oaks Bed and Breakfast - from now until New Years!

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The Oaks Bed and Breakfast.

 

To reserve, please contact Dale or Donna at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast by calling 828-749-2000.

 

The Oaks Bed and Breakfast

828.759.2000

Theoaksbedandbreakfast.com  

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The Orchard Inn and

Newman's at The Orchard Inn

Trip Advisor - 2012, 2013, 2014 Certificate of Excellence and by Restaurant.com - 2012 Top Rated Restaurant. 

Visit the Orchard Inn at orchardinn.com. They are located on Highway 176, Saluda, NC. 

Looking for the gift for someone who has everything?  Nothing better than Food-Jams-Jellies-Cider-Local Honey!

Market Specials
15lb Package for $65.85 includes:

• 5lbs Charlie's Sausage
• 5lbs Bacon
• 5lbs Ground Chuck

5lb Roasted Turkey Breast for Christmas-pre-ordered by December 22 for $25. 

 

"Free Veteran's Breakfast"

Historic Thompson Store, open Monday-Thursday 8am to 5:30pm; Friday and Saturday, open to 6pm. 

Ward's Grill, open Monday-Friday, 7am to 3pm, Saturday, 6:30am to 3pm.

The store and grill are located at 24 Main Street, Saluda, NC. Click here to visit the website.  Click here for directions. Phone is 828-749-2321.

Green River BBQ

Happy Holidays!

Daily specials $5.99

Tuesday - Small pork sandwich with homemade slaw

Wednesday - Guinness bratwurst on a pretzel roll with homemade slaw

Thursday - Black Angus Burger with fries

Friday - 2 Piglets with homemade slaw

All daily specials include coffee or tea.

Customers say that our Mountain Burger is the best burger anywhere. We hand patty Black Angus ground beef and cook to your liking.  You get your choice of toppings and cheeses if you like.

Come join us for great food, great service, and great beer or wine.  We have three large screen TV's and we will put your game on! 

We will close on Christmas Eve and reopen December 26th. 

All of us at Green River BBQ wish everyone a wonderful and safe holiday!

Contact Green River BBQ at 828-749-9892 for takeout orders or visit them at Green River BBQ.  Visit their Facebook page to get extra daily coupons!  

Green River BBQ is located at 131 Highway 176 West. Click here for directions.   

Wildflour Bakery   

Wildflour Bake Shop  828-749-3356 

Wildflour Bakery  828-749-9224 

Check us out online at

wildflourbakerync.com for daily specials or use the good ol' fashion way...828-749-3356.   Keep up with specials on 

Meanwhile, Back in Saluda Events for December 

Wine Tasting: Every Friday Night Wine Tasting 5 PM - 7 PM.  

SALE! Get ready for December Sales!

We have to sell to the walls to be ready for shop remodeling in January. Stop by and see weekly specials as we try to SALE SALE SALE to empty the shelves before the paint crew arrives!

Holiday Wine and Beer:  We have the perfect wines and craft beer for your holiday table or gift giving. Stop by and we can help pick the perfect wine or beer for your meal and guests.

New December Hours:

Open 10 AM till 6:00  PM Every day including Sunday.

Open 10 AM till 10 PM Friday  for Wildflour Pizza Night OR open Friday till 7 PM when Wildflour is closed.

Call us (749-9463) and we will stay later or meet you earlier.  

We have Wildflour Bake Shop bread and pastries on Monday, Tuesday and after 3 PM each day when Wildflour closes.

Meanwhile

Meanwhile is located next to Wildflour Bake Shop and The Gardener's Cottage in Nostalgia Courtyard. 

171 East Main Street, Saluda, NC 

Wine Shop Phone:   828-749-9463

email:   meanwhilewineshop@gmail.com   

See us on .  

The Saluda Elementary School Yearbook is selling ads to help support the yearbook. This is a great way to advertise for your business. It is also a great way to support your local school.  

The ad prices are as follows:

Business Card $25.00

½ page $80.00 (size is approx. 4 business cards)

Full page $125.00 (size is approx. 8 business cards)

If you are interested in placing an ad in our yearbook, please do one of the following: (Please note we do not design the ads for you.)

• Bring your ad and a check for the ad (payable to Saluda Elementary School) to the school office.
• Mail your ad and a check for the ad (payable to Saluda Elementary School).

     Mail to: Saluda Elementary School, 214 E. Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773, Attn: Ginger Rackley

All ads must be placed and paid for by January 30, 2015.

Thank You,

Ginger Rackley

Saluda Elementary School

Saluda Winterfest celebrates winter in Saluda with a series of three exciting dining and music events to take the bite off the frosty nights and ward off the winter blues while you wine and dine and listen to regional live bands.

Saluda Winterfest will be held at Historic Thompson Store/Ward's Grill with Chef Irmy Chmielewski serving up delicious winter comfort food.    

Dates are Saturday, January 17, February 28, and March 21 from 6pm to 8:30pm.  Tickets will be $27 for food and entertainment.  Cash bar for wine and beer.  Limited to 50 tickets sold for each event.

Music Schedule & Performers

January 17 - Tom Fisch

Tom has his own publishing company and his songs have been recorded by a number of artists, including the Oak Ridge Boys and Swiss country singer Erica Arnold. Tom continues to pitch his songs to other artists but his main focus now lies in his own career as a performer. In 2004, Tom relocated to Western North Carolina and its thriving acoustic music scene. With the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains for inspiration, Tom and his music have found a comfortable place to call home. And wherever he performs, audiences continue to connect with the warm, appealing style, diverse range of material, and talent this seasoned performer brings to the stage."

Letters to Abigail is an Appalachian/Americana band based in Western North Carolina. Some folks describe their music as a simple southern pleasure.  Digging down into the roots of the region, they blend a classic approach to a new original sound, drenched in powerful lyrics, acoustic melodies and soulful harmonies. They released their debut CD, "Say Anything" in July 2013. The full length album was recorded at the internationally recognized and award winning Echo Mountain Recording Studios in Asheville, NC.

Terry grew up in London where he played rock music during the 60's. Since moving to North Carolina in 2003, he continues to perform concerts at listening rooms in the Western North Carolina area, entertaining audiences with original songs that reflect his unique style and perspective. At his solo shows, he supports his distinctive vocals with finger picked acoustic guitar and piano. He released his successful, original CD "This Time it's Personal" in 2011 and his latest CD, "Simply Love .." is scheduled for release in January 2015.

Reserve tickets now by calling Judy Ward at 828-749-2321.  Tickets will go on sale December 15, 2014 and available at Historic Thompson's/Ward's Grill, The Dressing Room, and Cathy Jackson Realty.

Sponsored by the Saluda Downtown Foundation and proceeds will go toward funding projects to benefit downtown.

Call for Artists 

SALUDA ARTS FESTIVAL

  Historic Downtown

Saluda,  NC

   May 16, 2015  

10am - 4pm

Cultivating and promoting its heritage in the arts, the Saluda Business Association invites you to enter your work in the 12th annual Saluda Arts Festival scheduled for May 16, 2015.  Showcasing fine arts and crafts from local and regional artists, the Saluda Arts Festival draws thousands of spring tourists visiting Western North Carolina.  

Exhibit Fee:  $65 

Entry Deadline:  March 16, 2015

For more information, please contact Susie Welsh at 828-749-3900, sswelsh@tds.net or Catherine Ross at 828-749-3534, carnc@charter.net.  

Saluda Faces recognizes Saluda citizens that you may see often and wonder who they are, what they do, and why they live or work in Saluda. If you would like to refer someone for Saluda Faces, please email info@saludalifestyles.com.   

Chances are you've seen or heard Greaton Sellers around Saluda-tall guy, graying hair combed straight back, sporting a big smile and speaking with an unmistakable Charleston accent. It's a dead giveaway to his South Carolina Low Country heritage.

Born and raised in Charleston, Sellers is a graduate of Furman University in Greenville, S.C. He is a U.S. Army veteran and was a self-described "baby-faced lieutenant" during his service in Korea in the late sixties. He traces his family back four generations to Ireland, but it is the Sellers ancestry in Charleston and their brush with Civil War history where things get very interesting.

First, Greaton's great-grandmother came face-to-face with Union Major General William Tecumseh Sherman of Civil War fame (or infamy, depending on one's northern or southern orientation). This encounter in the Low Country was a very personal thing for the Sellers clan and the stuff from which family legends are made.

According to Greaton's version, Sherman's soldiers were preparing to burn the main house at Bonny Hall Plantation, south of the town of Yemassee in Beaufort County. As the story goes, Anna Jane Swift Sellers, Greaton's great-grandmother, grabbed the reins of Sherman's steed and implored him not to burn the house. Her husband was the overseer for the plantation.

"No woman has ever touched my horse," an astonished Sherman is said to have said to Mrs. Sellers. "I won't burn the plantation house, but I will burn your house." According to Greaton, that's exactly what the general ordered his boys to do.

John Mahony, Greaton's great-grandfather, was a naval blockade runner during the Civil War. He slipped past Union ships off the Carolina coast to bring supplies to the Confederacy. His exploits enrich the family history as well.

"For thirty-eight years, we came up to Pisgah View Ranch for family reunions. It was a wonderful place," Greaton said. "Then we started coming to Cabin Fever near Saluda."

"My family had been in the moving business in Charleston for decades," Greaton said.  He had worked with that company since his high school days. When the business was sold in 1986, he turned to real estate. He continues in that field, working with Cathy Jackson Realty in Saluda.

Greaton met his wife, Betsy, when she was a school teacher in Charleston. They have a married son who lives in the South Carolina Upstate. The Sellers built a vacation home in Saluda in 2002 with future plans to leave the Port City for the mountains. They moved to Saluda for good in 2009. "It's the people-the atmosphere up here," Greaton said, when asked what drew the Sellers to Saluda. "There's a quaintness about the place. It is a good little town to move to."

Saluda's history has become important to Greaton as well. As chairman of the Historic Saluda Committee, he has seen projects to preserve the community's past come to fruition and has hopes for a town museum.

As for hobbies, Greaton says taking care of things around the house occupies much of that kind of time. The Sellers do make time for their pet, a rescue dog that is a Wheaton Terrier-Bichon mix. "She is one of the loves of our lives," Greaton said, adding with that sly smile and a twinkle in his eye, "Her name is 'The Princess Aurora Alexia Sellers'. She didn't have a pedigree, so we gave her one."

By Ken Webb-freelance writer and author of Mr. Carter's Sword, a Five-Star novel available in print and in ebook formats on Amazon.com.

We are fortunate to live where Christmas Trees are grown and harvested so close to home.  These trees get shipped all over the country.  Here's a list of tree farms in the area where you can choose your tree, cut it down, and let them bag it for the ride home.

Saluda Magazine, from issue published by Susan Leland Craig from 1936-1938.

Nothing seems a more appropriate Saluda design than the train coming through the CUT. Saluda Mountain with its steepest railroad grade east of the Rockies stands out not only as a beautiful, majestic and thrilling work of nature, but also as a monument to the skill and perseverance of engineering genius. Ever since the first train came up the mountain on July 4th, 1878, the sound of the laboring engines reverberating through the cuts and against the cliffs has fired the imagination of the listeners. On that day an excursion was run from Spartanburg and was met here by people who came from miles around, on foot, on horseback, in carts, and in buggies or other vehicles, to celebrate the event. Until the completion of the railroad in 1880, stage coaches carried passengers from the top of the grade to Hendersonville and Asheville, the drivers and horses being boarded by Mr. R. W. Pace.

Saluda's "Helper" engine goes down the moun­tain to meet all westbound trains. At Melrose it is attached to the back of the up-coming train which it "helps" up the grade.

While all our railroad men are admired for their courage and industry, the engineers in charge of the Helper have always occupied a peculiar place of honor and appreciation because of the unique and glamorous work done by them.

Several names that will be remembered in con­nection with the Helper are Bolich, McAllister, Hopkins, Sullivan, Ransom, and Patterson. Mr. E. L. Patterson has served longer in this capacity than any other man. Starting work on the Helper in Oc­tober 1904, he has been with it continuously since that time. It is always a pleasure to see his friendly face framed in the cab window. 

When

"Through the gaunt woods the winds are shrilling cold,

Down from the rifted rock the sunbeam pours

Over the cold grey slopes and stony moors,

it lights the marvelous work wrought by magic of lichens and mosses. As age after age has gone by, the crags, cliffs and peaks have been softened with their draperies-hundreds of varieties in grey, yel­low, brown, blue, green and black. Ruskin de­scribes these as:

"Meek creatures; the first mercy of the earth, veiling with hushed softness its dustless rocks; creatures full of pity, covering with strange and tender honour the scarred disgrace of time."

Lichens have neither root, stem nor leaf. These beautiful flowerlike formations grow in the utmost limits of vegetation-on the highest mountains, in arid deserts and frozen regions. Some creep over fence rails, stumps and waste, or hang like shaggy beards on hoary trees. Others paint the rocks with delicate patterns of red and green in shell-like form. As they beautify their barren places of abode, they secrete acid which dissolves the rock. In time, their decaying fibers, mixed with the tiny particles, prepare and enrich a place for more highly developed life.

Usually found growing with the lichens in damp, shady places, on rocks and bark of trees, are flat lobed leaf-shaped plants. On the underside of these, liverworts are invisible rootlets which hold the tiny leaves fast to the object which is their host. These quaint plants, which get their name from resemb­lance to the human liver, were once the subject of many superstitions concerning their medicinal and healing powers.

The social little plants which first begin to cloak the surface of rocks, sands and trees, are among the most wonderful formations of Nature. Small and insignificant as mosses appear, they have tiny stems and true leaves, though they belong to the flowerless group. Their spore-bearing urns almost always open at the top by diminutive lids. Inside, the capsule and organs, when observed even with an ordinary magnifying glass, reveal great beauty and present fascinating studies.

Under hot sun, some mosses curl their leaves to protect their upper surfaces from drying heat-and then appear brown and dead. Showers and cool weather bring back their fresh green color. Though many species live in damp shady places, others are found where it is dry and warm. They hold mois­ture and encourage other plant life. Like lichens, they are soil builders. Small roots, working slowly with infinite patience, break off tiny bits of rock and in time reduce it to finest dust.

Under the warm blanket of moss, plants of moun­tain and marsh are wandering

"If the sap is stirring yet,

If winter birds are dreaming of a mate, If frozen snowdrops feel yet the sun,

And crocus /ires are kindling one by one."

At Candlemas time, the red and yellow willows which fringe banks of the streams begin to take on fresh color. Cold-purpled trees, stripped bare by winter blasts, tinge with a faint warming flush. Alder tassels show a gling of gold tracery.

From under their furry coat of purple leaves, tips of hepaticas begin to peep out; arbutus buds stir in their soft coverings, and

"Ere Man is aware

That Spring is here,

The Flowers have found it out."

My formal education began in the autumn of1945 immediately following the end of World War II, under the tutelage of Mrs. Doty Hall who had also taught four of my older siblings at the same first grade level. Her later telling me that I was the smartest kid in my family had absolutely nothing to do with my great admiration for her. Well okay....maybe just a little bit! Like memories of one's first teenage puppy love, it is not unusual that an inordinate amount of fond memories become attached to our first teacher. Considering today's educational standards for smaller classroom size, our huge class of 36 kids had to be a nightmare for any teacher back then. Ironically, Mrs. Hall had no children of her own which may have allowed her to share so much endless love with her many students.

Strict discipline was so paramount for school principal Dr. W. E. Sawyer that for a number of years he convinced the North Carolina Department of Education to count the lunch period as one of the six instructional periods required for the school day. His argument was that both manners and discipline were being taught during this break which also helped keep our school day shortened. The beginning bell rang at 9:00 AM and the ending bell at 3:00 PM. I suspect that the dearth of teachers may have contributed to his plan for such a shorter day. Likewise, the new school year didn't start until the first Monday after Labor Day and ended in late May. Summer school was non-existen tand, with no fall or spring breaks, this allowed for more than three full months of summer vacation.

My fourth grade teacher was the wife of a local preacher and possessed a fairly mean streak. The slightest disobedience or mischief in her class often ignited her temper, so much so that some 65 years later some of her Delphic-like threats of purgatory are still seared into my few remaining brain cells. Like Mrs. Hall she also had no children of her own but the contrast in teaching styles was noticeably different.

The state required a minimum enrollment of 60 students in order for the high school to remain open, and every year it was a struggle to find enough kids who were willing to stay in school. At that time consolidation of high schools had not taken hold in most rural areas, and the only options for Saluda students would have been a bus ride down the treacherous Highway 176 to much larger schools in Tryon or up the same winding road to Hendersonville. Both options posed hazardous travel year-round but even more so during icy winter conditions. That safety argument was used very effectively and played an important role in keeping Saluda High School open for a number of years. 

During each summer break, persuasive efforts were required by faculty members to bring dropped-out students back into the school for at least several weeks to ensure the minimum required enrollment count. Unfortunately, many teenage males saw little value in obtaining a high school diploma when they could immediately find jobs in saw mills, auto garages, gas stations, or pulp wood and other labor-intensive jobs requiring little education.  No high-tech training was necessary, only a strong back and a willingness to work long hours for little pay. However, these jobs did provide enough income to pay for a fixer-upper automobile or truck. From that first grade number of 36 students, our graduating class had declined to 13. Even worse, the previous class graduated only 8.

Because class sizes were so small, each year the junior and senior classes combined fundraising efforts for two one-week-long trips, alternating between Daytona Beach and Silver Springs one year and Washington, D. C. the next. One huge fund-raising effort involved sponsoring the original Oak Ridge Boys Quartet, who at that time sang only spiritual music. The performance was held at the high school auditorium. But by the time we paid their fee and one for a very popular Greenville morning radio disc jockey who acted as master of ceremonies, the coffers were almost barren.

 Practice sessions for our "less than slapstick" senior play, another fund-raising effort, began in early fall after we quickly figured out that they could be valid excuses for skipping certain class periods. Since Dr. Sawyer was no longer the school's principal, these sessions were basically unsupervised and a certain amount of mischief became the norm. The most memorable event was the brain-child of classmate Frank "Speedy" Middleton.

A door at the top of several steps provided access to the stage. Frank suggested that we rig up a bucket of water that would dump on one of our female classmates when the door was opened from the outside. Of course, timing was critical if we were to catch one of the female rather than male classmates. The design, probably worthy of a Nobel Prize in quantum physics, had to be completed in stealth fashion. After assembling all necessary parts, we filled the bucket with water and proudly stood back in total admiration of our clever design. Unfortunately, due to lateness in the school day, we confidently left the trap set for the next practice session.

But alas, the best laid plans often do go awry, and in this case, they went somewhat badly to say the least. We were all so giddy with anticipation that no one gave any thought to the possibility of a teacher activating the water trap. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened! The terror that swept over each guilty participant was palpable for days as we all understood that there would be heck to pay, possibly including expulsion, should anyone squeal.

As in some of my earlier childhood stories, such prankish-type behavior was never considered by us as aberrant in character. We just categorized it as creative thinking!

Thompson's Store is located at 24 Main Street, in the heart of downtown Saluda.   Contact the store at 828-749-2321 or visit Thompson's Store online.