Hometown Christmas - Friday night - December 13

Now, you can buy your So Saluda T-Shirt online!

Just click on the above image.

These are the last of the 2024 T-Shirts, we will be doing a new design for 2025.



Come One, Come All!  

Join Us for a Festive Holiday Sing-Along

Wednesday, December 18 | 10:00 AM

At the Saluda Center

This joyful event is brought to you by: 

*Saluda Living In Place* 

*Hendersonville Ukulele Group* 

*On Track Saluda*

Enjoy music, community spirit, and holiday cheer! 

Refreshments will be served.

Let’s come together to celebrate the season with

song and good company.

See you there!



Get Your Tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Mountain Page Theater! 

We're thrilled to bring the beloved musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to the stage at Mountain Page Theater! This incredible show, filled with vibrant colors, catchy tunes, and timeless messages, will captivate audiences of all ages. Our theater is dedicated to providing children in Saluda and surrounding areas with opportunities to experience the magic of live performance—and we need YOUR support to continue this mission!

Why Support the Arts?

Supporting local arts enriches our community, providing children with valuable experiences that inspire creativity, teamwork, and self-expression. When you buy a ticket, you’re not only getting a front-row seat to an amazing performance, you’re also investing in the future of our local youth and the arts in Saluda.

Tickets Make a Great Christmas Gift!

Looking for the perfect holiday present? How about giving the gift of theater! Tickets to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat make a memorable and exciting gift. Plus, we offer gift cards, making it easy to share the joy of live theater with someone special this season.

Get Your Tickets Today!

Tickets are available now at www.mountainpage.theater/upnext. Don’t miss out on the chance to see this spectacular show while supporting local talent and the arts!

Thank you for helping us bring the arts to life and making a difference in the community! 



AUDITION NOTICE: Join Us for Two Exciting Productions!

Get ready for a special celebration of talent with our upcoming spring Variety Show and our fall production of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! This is your chance to audition for both performances.

In The Variety Show, you'll have a chance to lead a Broadway or Disney-style song of your choice (subject to director approval). Ages 5+ can join the children’s ensemble, and ages 9+ are invited to audition for solo performances.

Then, step into the world of Lionel Bart’s Oliver!—a heartwarming, energetic musical with roles for all skill levels; singers or non-singers. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or new to the stage, there’s a place for you. We're especially looking for kids to fill Fagin's Gang and workhouse roles. Rehearsals are flexible, so everyone can be part of the fun!

Performance Dates:

The Variety Show: May 2, 3, 4, 10

Oliver!: November 6-19

Audition Dates: January 29th, 3:30-5:30, and January 30th at 6:00 at 1303 Mountain Page Road, Saluda, NC

Registration Required: More information, rehearsal schedules and registration at https://www.mountainpage.theater/auditions

Don’t miss out on the chance to showcase your talent in these unforgettable productions!



JIM CARSON AIS OPA

STUDIO / GALLERY

20-2 Main St., Saluda, NC.

www.jimcarson.net

Jim’s Studio/Gallery will be open during Hometown Christmas, on Friday night, December 13, and will feature tradition chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Also, beverages will be served. Come and help Saluda’s finest night.

All of Jim’s 2025 calendars are Sold Out. Sorry.

On Saturday, December 14, Jim will hold his annual Christmas Sale, from 11:00AM- 5:00 PM. All framed paintings will be 20% off the regular price, and unframed paintings will be 50% off.



Free Live Music at Saluda Outfitters/Green River Eddy’s Tap Room & Grill

Fri., Dec. 13, 6-9 p.m. | Bald Mountain Boys is an Asheville-based bluegrass group.

Sat., Dec. 14, 6-9 p.m. | The Carolina Players is a six-piece party band from Greenville, S.C. area, playing oldies dance tunes and rhythm & blues.

Fri., Dec. 20, 6-9 p.m. | Cross Eyed Betty, is a 5-piece acoustic Americana band from Spartanburg.

Sat. Dec. 21, 6-9 p.m. |Finkelstein Three is a bluegrass trio that blends many other influences outside of the bluegrass genre to create acoustic music that is their own.

Fri., Dec. 27, 6-9 p.m. | Paper Crowns Electric Band is a 5-piece electric ensemble playing a medley of blues, psychedelic and Southern rock, folk and funk.

Sat., Dec. 28, 6-9 p.m. | Saints and Sinners is a fun power trio playing highly danceable cover songs with hits from the 60s to today.

Thurs., Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. | New Year’s Eve Pre Celebration. Free and open to the public, 6-8:30 p.m. Live Music with popular musician and entertainer Crag St. John.

Thurs., Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Private New Year’s Eve Bash. Come for dinner, drinks and live music. $20 Reserved Seating Only. Entertainment by The Ribald Riffers Band, dancing, party favors, and midnight champagne toast. Reservations: (828) 848-4060.

Make holiday shopping easy and shop local. Saluda Outfitters is privately owned by a local couple. With only days left to make your purchases, Saluda Outfitters is offering great discounts on brand name winter fashions and footwear. Come grab a drink at Green River Eddy’s Tap Room & Grill and walk through our decorated retail area enjoying the sights and smells of the holidays. We will be open for your last-minute choices until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day only.

Here are some of our great buys. Look for all our discounts and a host of gift ideas under $30.

*Kuhl winter and rain jackets

*Elan faux fur vests

*Women’s sweaters in all colors

*Men’s and women’s winter vests

*Howler Brothers

*Royal Robbins

*Prana

*North River

*Cotopaxi

*Myra hand tooled handbags

*Scented candles

*Goat milk lotions

*Sillipint wine glasses

*Saluda logo throw pillows

*camping and fishing gear

Shoes, socks, toboggans: If you are looking for some new footwear, you do not have to go farther than Saluda Outfitters. Merrell, Astral, SockSmith, Smartwool, Winter’s Edge. We also have tons of warm headgear, too, for both adults and children.

Shop for a Cause: CHALA handbags. CHALA donates 5% of its annual net profits to the Hart and Home Animal Rescue Foundation. Fahlo bracelets and stuffed animals helps educate children about endangered species.

New Year’s Eve Celebration: As we say goodbye to 2024, we greet 2025 with some exciting musical entertainment and an evening of fun and relaxation. New Year’s Eve is on Tuesday this year, and we are planning our annual celebration. The store will open at the regular hour on New Year’s Eve and remain open to the general public until 8:30 p.m. We’re bringing back a local musician and entertainer, Craig St. John, for some FREE live music from 6-8:30 p.m. We welcome the public to come and enjoy dinner, free live music and some great after Christmas shopping opportunities. Our main event begins at 9 p.m. when The Ribald Riffers Band hits the stage and plays until 12:30 a.m. promising a lively evening of fun and dance and “sublime instances of auditory delight.” Reservations are required for the evening show at $20 per person and include party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Book your table now by calling (828) 848-4060.

We invite all our visitors to stay abreast of all our activities and upcoming events by signing up for our online newsletter or by checking events on our website www.saludaoutfitters.com. You can also check out all our upcoming live music events elsewhere in this publication.

Retail Hours: NEW DECEMBER HOURS

—11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday (Closed Wednesdays)

—11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

Tap Room and Kitchen Hours:

—11 a.m. to closing daily

Contact Information:

Call the store at 828-848-4060 or email info@saludaoutfitters.com. Check out our Facebook pages and Instagrams. To stay informed about upcoming menu changes, live music dates and retail sales, sign up for our brief weekly updates via text or email by visiting https://saludaoutfitters.com/.

Join us at Saluda Studios for

Hometown Christmas

Enjoy holiday music by the Saluda Grade String Band!

We look forward to sharing a festive evening of music,

holiday treats, and a bit of cheer with our friends and neighbors at our gallery!

We wish you a joyous season of giving and gratitude.

Heartwood Gallery is Retiring!

Come Celebrate the Last Season with Us

As Heartwood finishes its 40^th year on Main Street Saluda, I have decided to retire and close the gallery. It has been an honor and a privilege to be the folks in the middle, the conduit from regional artists’ hands into your homes. Every year we have looked forward to bringing you the best of contemporary American Craft and presenting it to you beautifully and with gratitude. Visitors often ask how a gallery like Heartwood could make it through the up and down turns of a small Main Street in such a small town for so long. The answer has always been community. You, our community, have steadily supported us; attending our events, bringing your families and guests, allowing us to help pick the perfect gift, adornment for a special occasion, or the right piece to accent your home. We are so grateful that you have helped us enjoy working to fulfill our mission: 100% American Craft to view, use, live with and give. Thank you.

Come and celebrate with us this last holiday season. It is our favorite time of year: you shop, we wrap! Special events are happening.

·       Gallery wide discounts will begin the season: 10% off all purchases over $100, 20% off all purchases over $500. We have several sale areas set up already that can be included.

·       Small Business Saturday, November 30^th: Celebrating the 15^th year of this event we encourage you to shop small independent businesses where diversity shines and you can experience the essence of place. Our gallery wide discounts will be happening.

·       Home Town Christmas, Friday, December 13^th, 6-8pm: We will have holiday music by local artist and musician Hannah Seng, refreshments and good cheer. Come wish us farewell and let us thank you.

·       The Outreach Ornament Fundraiser: Since 2012, we have chosen a handcrafted ornament to sell and donate the entire amount directly to Outreach, a nonprofit that provides financial and food assistance to thousands of Polk County residents in need. As our 13^th and final ornament fundraiser for Outreach we have chosen a “Home” ornament that has been handcrafted in ceramic by Gina DeSantis. It perfectly reflects the help Outreach provides to Polk County residents making homes safer and healthier. We have donated over $30,000 since 2012. Help us make 2024 our best!

·       Christmas Eve, affectionately know as “Man Day” when we see men at the door early with cash in their pockets. For some it is a tradition. We serve coffee, cookies and beer and play country music. Of course, women are welcome as well. You socialize, we wrap!

We will be open regular hours through 2024, take a short break, and then begin clearance sales mid January 2025.

Come celebrate 40 years of 100% Fine American Craft

 to view, use, live with and give.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Robert Frost

1874 – 1963

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.



We are happy to announce the election of four individuals to the Board of Directors of the Saluda Pantry - Kate Bush, Lynn Cass, Debi Thomas, and Merry Trask. These new members bring experience, dedication, and passion to the Saluda Pantry, and we are excited to welcome them to the leadership team. Their collective expertise will help guide our mission and strengthen our commitment to provide food and help foster long-term solutions for those experiencing food insecurity. 

As we continue to navigate the ongoing challenges brought by Hurricane Helene, their leadership and commitment to serving our community are more important than ever. These four new board members will work alongside our dedicated team to help steer the Saluda Pantry through its next phase of growth and impact. Their leadership will help us build stronger partnerships, foster innovation, and advocate for positive change in the areas that matter most. As the Saluda Pantry continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact, the guidance of these new board members will be invaluable. 

We look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead, and we are grateful to our new board members for their commitment to our cause. Please join us in welcoming our newly elected Board members!  

Our apologizes to the Saluda Pantry,

this article should have run in the December 1st edition of the newsletter.

Our human error prevented that, our gratitude for their understanding.



After over 130 years in the community, Saluda Presbyterian church will be closing it's doors. 

Sunday, December 29, 2024 will be the last service.

A designated historical site, the very first in Saluda, the congregation would like to invite all to attend this service at 11:00 and the reception afterwards.

The church is located at 54 Carolina Street, directly behind the Saluda library where parking is available.

All are welcome!



The Ivy Terrace, a well-known landmark in downtown Saluda has just entered a new chapter in its long history. Built in 1878, the Ivy Terrace recently changed hands, from longtime owners Herbert and Diane McGuire to Kim and Nelson Campbell, who have moved to Saluda from Lake Junaluska, NC. The McGuires lovingly cared for their home for many years, and are now returning full time to their main residence in Charleston, SC.

The Campbells are bringing with them a program they launched at Lake Junaluska, which fits well with Saluda’s history as a health destination. Nelson is a filmmaker, having produced two successful documentary films (see below), and also has experience as an entrepreneur and nonprofit leader. Kim is a highly regarded chef, cookbook author, and culinary educator.

Largely inspired by Nelson’s father, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Kim and Nelson have been on a mission to share the health benefits of a whole food, plant-based diet. Dr. Campbell is known and revered by millions of people around the world for his pioneering research on the health benefits of this way of a more plant-centered way of eating.

Kim and Nelson’s journey has taken them across the country, hosting film screenings, giving seminars, and nearest to their hearts, delivering 7-day immersion programs. These programs provide education and meals to participants for a week, so they can learn about and experience the healing that comes from a healthy diet. They have had great success healing people of various chronic conditions, including ones as serious as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

They enjoy working in diverse environments, having delivered programs in rural North Carolina communities, a small Cajun mobile home community in Louisiana, an Amish community on the plains of Indiana, and Dominican immigrant neighborhoods in New York City. And now they are bringing this same programming to the Ivy Terrace, where they plan to deliver healing immersions for people across the US, and even from around the world. These programs will encourage healthy eating, but also a more wholistic idea of health that includes other pillars of health, such as social connection, stress management, exercise, and even spirituality.

On the nutritional side, they put a strong emphasis on the food, specifically showing people how delicious healthy food can be. Their culinary style replicates flavors and textures that are familiar to people. Both Kim and Nelson grew up eating a traditional diet, and still have their taste buds attuned to that way of eating.

They also want to provide programming to folks in western North Carolina, such as local cooking classes. Nelson and Kim said, “We look forward to joining the Saluda community. We grew up and have continued living mostly in small towns, and we look forward to making long and lasting friendships here.”

For more information on the Campbells, you can watch their films, PlantPure Nation (Amazon Prime/Apple TV) and From Food to Freedom (YouTube). You can also find Kim’s cookbooks under the PlantPure name on Amazon and can see their program website at CampbellRetreats.com. The Campbells also have a part-time job opening for any who likes working in a kitchen. Interest can be submitted to CampbellRetreats@gmail.com.

Student Washington Leadership Summit 2025

A great opportunity for students14 to 18 who aspire to be leaders. The Summit is an immersive program for young leaders from across the world, designed to inspire the next generation of citizen diplomats. The program will include training seminars, cultural events and diplomacy simulation led by the U.S. Department of State, and includes tours of Washington, D.C. and a Washington Nationals baseball game. Students will stay in suite-style dorms at American University and dine in the University dining hall.  

The program runs from arrival on June 15 to departure on June 21, 2025. The summit fee is $1,795 and students must provide their own transportation.  Saluda Sister City will consider whether to assist financially if we have a qualified applicant.

Contact Ellen Rogers at ewrogers1970@gmail.com or

Judy Thompson at JDT@JDThompsonLaw.com if you are interested in applying. 

Full details are available on the Sister Cities International Website at https://sistercities.org/2025-youth-leadership-summit/?mc_cid=c096aab1f6&mc_eid=2b3ea641ff. Application deadline is March 1, 2025. 

Board Meeting.

Saluda Sister City held its annual Board meeting December 10 to plan for 2025, the official tenth anniversary of Saluda Sister City. If you have any interest in being part of what Sister City does, please contact us. We are looking for people who believe in our mission of connecting children and citizens with others in Italy and around the globe to create a more positive and supportive world. There is a place for you whether you are willing to work on a major project, design a poster or just be an occasional helper.  Bevie Hardy is a great example: we call on her when we have posters to put up or need errands run to the printer or staples. Students can participate and get their community service hours.

Watch Great YouTube Videos of Carunchio

Meet Massimo and the townspeople and see their shops in the 16 short videos. Put this in your browser: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFF2AGjVbSlLyslaK1Uds7w/about

Or search for it: “Carunchio Sister City Saluda” on YouTube.

Upcoming Trips to Carunchio

May 25, 2025, Gluten Free Week

June 21,2025 Annual Flower Festival

Watch our Saluda folks at the 2024 Flower Festival: Put this in your browser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdN-tcd5gSI

Go to our website, saludasistercity.org under TRIPS for all the information on visits to Carunchio. For any questions, contact Judy Thompson at 828-489-6578 or JDT@JDThompsonLaw.com. Visit our website at saludasistercity.org and sign up for the every-other-month newsletter so you don’t miss anything. You can also become a member and support the work we do with the children and for the community.

YAAS Art Contest for Students 12-18

Sister Cities International’s Young Artists and Authors Showcase is in full swing with entries due to Sister Cities International by April 1. Open to artists, writers, photographers, filmmakers and musicians aged12-18, students from all over the world will participate. The theme for 2025 is “Friendship: The Heartbeat of Global Peace.” This year’s theme highlights the power of friendship to foster understanding, collaboration, and peace across borders. There are two age categories, 12-14 and 15-18. In each age group and each art medium, there will be third, second and first place winners and prizes of $250, $500 and $1,000 respectively.  Digital art, poetry, essay writing, photography, original music and classic art are the categories. Full information is at https://sistercities.org/yaas/2025. Students interested in participating should contact Ellen Rogers at ewrogers1970@gmail.com, Saluda YAAS Chair. Details are also available on the Sister City website.

Season’s Greetings from the Saluda Community Table

As the festive lights twinkle, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, it’s the perfect time to extend warm wishes to our Saluda neighbors. The Saluda Community Table keeps the warmth and light of hospitality glowing all year. We are grateful for the gift of your presence at our meals! Community is more than bringing people together—it’s about creating a place where everyone feels welcomed and can contribute to something larger than themselves.

A big round of applause goes to our dedicated volunteers who make everything we do possible: teams who cooked memorable meals and bakers of sweet delights, all the behind-the-scenes folks, our planning committee, and the faithful Ol’ Time Band who plays for the sheer joy of entertaining us at every meal! And it’s been nice to be home again at the Saluda Senior Center!

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 for a “souper” supper including salad and cornbread!

May the holidays add magic to the time you spend with friends and loved ones, and shine light on your blessings and bring new ones in the year to come!



The Disaster Recovery Center is open in Polk County to assist North Carolina survivors who experienced loss from Hurricane Helene.

The Polk County DRC is located at the Polk County Recreation Complex parking lot, 235 Wolverine Trail in Mill Spring. The DRC is open seven days a week from 8am-7pm to assist those affected.

There will no longer be FEMA assistance at the Columbus Library.

Some Things to Know About This Publication

It is what it is. 

Saluda Lifestyles makes an effort to verify information and does its best to edit for spelling and grammatical errors but some just slip through. 

If you know someone who would like to receive this e-version, have them send an email request to saludalifestyles@gmail.com

All material contained in Saluda Lifestyles is original work by Saluda residents and others with an interest in Saluda unless otherwise specified. None of the material may be reproduced in whole or in part except by written consent of the editor or by the originator of the material.

To submit articles to Saluda Lifestyles, please email greg @ saludalifestyles@gmail.com

Saluda Lifestyles is currently being published by

Greg Bryant, PO Box 48, Saluda, NC 28773

saludalifestyles@gmail.com

The paintings used to create the Saluda Lifestyles Masthead, are the work of local award-winning painter and painting teacher Jim Carson. Jim generously donated pictures of his work depicting Saluda for the masthead.

A celebration of DOGS.

• "In times of joy, all of us wished we possessed a tail we could wag" 

• "The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with her, and not only will she not scold you, but she will make a fool of herself, too"

• "Be the person your dog thinks you are" C.J. Frick

LO - The joys of winter nights...a warm fire...

LO & Kaya - winter naps...