Special Events
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Artist Residency, Exhibition, and Tours
Run-of-Showhouse
Shannon Whitworth joins us as the 2021 Showhouse resident artist with work featured at Col. John’s Cabin. Visit our Naturalists’ Trail to learn more about the historical and modern themes of biodiversity and conservation on the plateau, our Vendor Village for a curated shopping experience, and our Fieldsmen’s Retreat to explore outdoor products! From 10 a.m.–12 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 2–4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, join CHS staff for a detailed guided tour of the historical buildings on the CHS campus.
Opening Night
Friday, August 20, 6–9 p.m.
Ticketed Event
Our opening night party co-chairs, Drew English and Philip Bradley, invite guests to raise a glass to our designers, benefactors, and sponsors as we go glamping! Enjoy delightful bites from Epting Events and audio by Dutch & Dutch. Crafted by top Dutch engineers, the Dutch & Dutch 8cs are a unique acoustic concept, with revolutionary design above and beyond any other system in terms of neutrality,
precision, and in-room tonal balance. Historically inspired cocktails will be served by Farm2Cocktail, H+K Gallery will display their historical paintings, and the curated shopping experience of the Vendor Village will be open for guests.
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Southern Art and its History on the Plateau
Saturday, August 21–Sunday, August 22, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
CHS: Hampton School
Learn about Southern art and its storied history on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau with Susan Kunkler, owner of H+K Gallery in downtown Spartanburg. Susan will tell the interesting stories behind artists on the plateau between 1920-1950 and display historical works for purchase.
Naturalist Talk
Sunday, August 22, 11 a.m.
CHS: Dowden Pavilion
Lawson, Michaux, Bartram… naturalists who all found and documented our magical mountains. Hear insightful stories about these explorers and their findings from garden historian and CDS co-chair Kirk Moore of Oakleaf Flower & Garden.
Panel: Development and Conservation
Tuesday, August 24, 11 a.m. until...
Ticketed Event: $60.00 - BUY NOW
Celebrate the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau’s natural resources with a panel discussion and lunch hosted by Smoke Rise Field Club. Katherine Ford Richardson, CDS co-chair and managing editor of Plateau Magazine will moderate this panel discussion of industry leaders regarding development and conservation of private lands and how good stewardship helps protect our natural ecosystem, creating habitat for wildlife. Mike Neiduski of the Ruffed Grouse Society, Jeffrey Wright with Trout Unlimited, and John Witherspoon of Witherspoon Platt + Associates will form this interesting and informative discussion, a must attend for any outdoorsman. Enjoy lunch and the beautiful grounds of Smoke Rise Field Club, a private, full-service gun club for members and their guest’s use. The Club features three sporting clay venues, two covered five-stand venues, trap and skeet fields as well as a covered pistol range and limited use rifle range. Tours will be offered to those who wish to explore the Club offerings and Matt Canter of Brookings’ Anglers will be on campus at Smoke Rise to offer fly casting lessons to participants. Advance ticket purchase is required and is $60 per person. All attending guests will receive a complimentary ticket to the Showhouse.
Dance: Boogie Bluegrass
Tuesday, August 24, 4–6 p.m.
CHS: Dowden Pavilion
Ticketed Event: $60.00 per person - BUY NOW
Dance your way into the week with Noelle Holland, wellness director of the Cullasaja Club, as bluegrass music is spun into dance and hiphop with audio by Dutch & Dutch. A dance lesson will be provided for the first 30 minutes of this outdoor event, Noelle will remain on the scene to help you with your new boogie moves! AVL.XLR & Phantom Pantone are a DJ collective dedicated to creating immersive experiences through sound and visual art. They work with DJs from all
over the world, each contributing aspects from their unique cultures. Although they are based in Asheville, North Carolina, they have provided music for events in Hong Kong, Italy, Jamaica, Singapore, Colombia, and New York. Additionally, the collective provides curated playlists for hotels, restaurants, and retail. Advance ticket purchase is required and is $60 per person. All attending guests will receive a
complimentary ticket to the Showhouse.
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Trish McEvoy Workshop and Trunk Show
Wednesday, August 25
CHS: Dowden Pavilion
10 a.m.–12 p.m. / 1–3 p.m. / 4–6 p.m. - RESERVE NOW
Trish McEvoy has created a powerful and private educational workshop in which her handpicked, personally trained makeup and skincare experts will teach steps you can depend on to look your best every day for fall! Customized makeup sets have been curated for this special event and will be available for purchase. This event is sponsored by Linda Silber, co-owner of Woo Skincare + Cosmetics in Atlanta. Space is limited; appointments must be reserved in advance online.
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Harmony Yoga
Wednesday, August 25, 3–4 p.m.
CHS: Dowden Pavilion
Ticketed Event: $50 - BUY NOW
Noelle Holland, wellness director of the Cullasaja Club, teaches how to feel at home in your own skin with this hour-long yoga session. Noelle is a highly sought-after fitness instructor, with past experience teaching at Old Edwards Inn, Highlands Falls Country Club, Chattooga Club, and others. Now at the Cullasaja Club, she also maintains a private clientele list across the plateau and often books well in advance. This is a must attend event for all seeking health and wellness. Please plan to bring your own yoga mat. Advance ticket purchase is required and is $50 per person. All attending guests will receive a complimentary ticket to the Showhouse.
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Panel: Clean Energy and Conservation
Thursday, August 26, 2 p.m. until...
CHS: Dowden Pavilion
Moderated by Katherine Ford Richardson, CDS co-chair and managing editor of Plateau Magazine with audio by Dutch & Dutch, listen to a panel of experts from Duke Energy speak about their clean energy strategy, hydropower, and stewardship of Lake Glenville. Jerry DeWeese, lead engineer for hydroelectric fleet and Trout Unlimited representative, Marcus Pitts, lead environmental professional for
hydroelectric fleet, Christy Churchill, project manager for historical preservation, and Jennifer Bennett, project manager for water strategy and hydro licensing, will weigh in on this informative discussion.
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Panel: Hunter’s Conservation
Thursday, August 26, 3:30 p.m. until...
CHS: Dowden Pavilion
Katherine Ford Richardson, CDS co-chair and managing editor of Plateau Magazine with audio by Dutch & Dutch, will moderate this panel of top sportsmen regarding how hunting plays a role in good stewardship, creating balance in local ecosystems, and protecting habitat for wildlife. Local hunter Curtis Green, Kenneth
Ashe of North Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and international hunter Hal Cottingham of Smoke Rise Field Club will weigh in on the subject. Hunters, outdoorsman, and those interested in how sporting activities affect wildlife and habitat will enjoy this informative conversation.
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Design Day at the Showhouse
Celebrate all things design during Design Day!
Friday, August 27
CHS: Dowden Pavilion
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Panel: Style and Stewardship, 11 a.m.
Begin the day with a panel moderated by Katherine Ford Richardson, CDS co-chair and managing editor of Plateau Magazine, and hear from industry leaders about an architect’s unique perspective in utilizing a private property owner’s natural resources to position and design a home. Jon Warrington, vice president of design for Dillard Jones, Mitch Lehde, regional director of MHK Architecture & Planning, and Parker Platt, president of PLATT, will form this interesting panel of industry creatives and influencers.
Panel: Share the Legacy—Preservation and Design, 1 p.m.
Continue your DESIGN DAY festivities with a panel moderated by Katherine Ford Richardson, CDS co-chair and managing editor of Plateau Magazine, and hear from Susan Wojnar of Blackberry Farm Design, Ann McKee Austin, founder of the High Hampton History Center and co-founder of the Cashiers Historical Society, past national president of the American Society of Interior Designers, Charles Gandy, and High Hampton History Center director, Robert Gleason, as they discuss how the two-year renovation of High Hampton combined history, design, and preservation.
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Rhythm of Color with Sherwin-Williams, 3 p.m.
Shane Jones, one of the American Society of Interior Designers’ “One’s to Watch” and designer account executive with Sherwin-Williams, presents on color trends for 2021. Rhythm is the secret to how the natural world stays in step. See it take shape in 40 trend colors, presented in four palettes designed to bring your own rendition of rhythm to beautiful life. Join Shane as she dives deeper into the 2021 color palettes: Sanctuary, Encounter, Continuum, and Tapestry, each with unique design influences.
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Tricky Places: Mountain Landscape Design, 4–6 p.m.
Ticketed Event: $35 - BUY NOW
Enjoy an insider’s take on how to hold hands with nature while coaxing your outdoor landscape environment to fit your lifestyle like a glove. By considering a myriad of tricky landscape design challenges, Mary Palmer Dargan, a licensed landscape architect and botanist, shares tips you can take home to be a great steward to your land and immediately improve your home grounds. From creating seating terraces and complicated parking solutions, perennial beds or more
complex environmental features such as rain gardens, you will be inspired to make your garden the best it can be and hold hands with nature. This lecture is hosted by Dargan Landscape Architects who will provide libations crafted with elements from Mary Palmer’s own garden to enhance the experience and a book signing for Lifelong Landscape Design. Advance ticket purchase is required and is $35 per person. All attending guests will receive a complimentary ticket to the Showhouse.
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Dahlia Day with Drew English
Saturday, August 28, 1 p.m.
CHS: Dowden Pavilion
Everyone knows Drew! Drew English is a long-time Cashiers dahlia grower who recently took over the helm of the famed High Hampton Dahlia Garden. Pull up a chair and learn about the traditions of this historic garden, its namesake plant, and absorb tips and tricks on how to grow Drew-quality dahlias on your own! The afternoon discussion will cover techniques ranging from planting and growing, all the way to fall harvesting and over-winter storage. With many of his gorgeous
blooms and plants on hand, Drew will exhibit the many variations of shapes, sizes, and colors within the dahlia species—just in time to brighten your home for the holiday weekend!
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Nature’s Struggle Expressed in Porcelain with
Justin Allman
Saturday, August 28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
CHS: Hampton School
Referencing a deep background in history, Justin Allman creates stories in one of the world’s oldest mediums. Using traditional Western and Eastern carving techniques, Justin summons imagery that reflects the hardships of life for all living creatures. A member of the Jackson County Arts Council and creator of Pots on the Green, he will demonstrate the carving of one of his trademark forms, lanterns.
His philosophy and skill play with light and sculpture creating a narrative of how the hope and safety of ancient campfires illuminate a world of murky thought and cultural uncertainty. Work will be available to purchase.
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Local Discount Day
Sunday, August 29, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. - BUY NOW
We love our locals! Visit the Showhouse and receive a half-price admission of $20. Local ID required from Jackson, Macon, and Transylvania counties to receive a discounted ticket.
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Cocktails & Comments
Tuesday, August 31, 1 p.m.
CHS: Elvira’s Kitchen Garden
Ticketed Event: $35 - BUY NOW
CHS board member and volunteer Bette Hines and Teed Poe invite you for a tour of the CHS Heirloom Vegetable Garden, which honors native plants and uses only naturally pollinated seeds harvested over 50–100 years, just like the pioneers that settled Cashiers did. Guests will receive a specialty “Don’t Tell Elvira” cocktail infused with elements of the garden. Advance ticket purchase is required and is $35
per person. All attending guests will receive a complimentary ticket to the Showhouse.
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Harmony Yoga
Wednesday, September 1, 3–4 p.m.
CHS: Dowden Pavilion
Ticketed Event: $50 - BUY NOW
Noelle Holland, wellness director of the Cullasaja Club, teaches how to feel at home in your own skin with this hour-long yoga session. Noelle is a highly sought-after fitness instructor, with past experience teaching at Old Edwards Inn, Highlands Falls Country Club, Chattooga Club, and others. Now at the Cullasaja Club, she also
maintains a private clientele list across the plateau and often books well in advance. This is a must-attend event for all seeking health and wellness. Please plan to bring your own yoga mat. Advance ticket purchase is required and is $50 per person. All attending guests will receive a complimentary ticket to the Showhouse.
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Tending Nature’s Bar
Thursday, September 2, 3 p.m. until…
CHS: The Dependency
Ticketed Event: $35 - BUY NOW
The use of botanicals, flowers, and herbs have long been a part of the historical development of great cocktails, shrubs, and bitters. Carlton Chamblin, founder of Farm2Cocktail, takes you along the cocktail garden path to tend nature’s bar, examining the aromatics, taste, and usage of key plants in cocktail making. Farm2Cocktail is a cocktail mixer and freelance bartending company whose flagship
product is a shrub, a fusion of fresh fruits, herbs, sugar, and vinegars combined to create unique and flavorful syrups for cocktails, mocktails, and even dressings. Advance ticket purchase is required and is $35 per person. All attending guests will receive a complimentary ticket to the Showhouse.
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Panel: Benefitting Biodiversity
Friday, September 3, 11 a.m. until...
CHS: Dowden Pavilion
The southern Appalachian Mountains are one of the most biologically diverse regions in the temperate world. Nearly 10,000 species are already known to exist here, with more discovered each year—some of which are new to science! Additionally, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau sits at the headwaters of six different watersheds; what we do on the plateau is felt throughout the Southeast. Moderated by Katherine Ford Richardson, CDS co-chair and managing editor of Plateau Magazine with audio by Dutch & Dutch, hear from local leaders about best practices in protecting habitat and benefitting biodiversity. Brent Martin of the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy and Highlands Plateau Audubon Society, Paige Engelbrektsson of Highlands Biological Foundation, and Dr. Gary Wein of Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust will form this educational panel discussion.
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Roots of Wisdom: Basket Weaving Demonstration
Saturday, September 4, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
CHS: Hampton School
Mary Thompson is an award-winning second-generation basket weaver, potter, and member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. In June, Mary participated in the CHS 17th annual Jan Wyatt Symposium on the environmental, cultural, and material importance of the restoration of river cane. Thompson’s award-winning work is in university, museum, and private collections, including those of Senator
Kay Hagan and country music star Merle Haggard. She created river cane double woven baskets with lids by commission which are on display at the University of South Alabama, Mobile. Her work is published in the National Basketry Organization’s Tradition & Innovation in Basketry Today, the invitational exhibition All Things Considered and in WNC Mountain Living Magazine. Mary demonstrates and teaches basketry in craft centers including Arrowmont, Sequoyah
Museum in Vonore, Tennessee, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Cherokee, North Carolina, and the Georgia Art Museum in Athens, Georgia. Work will be available to purchase.