Saluda Outfitters/Green River Eddy’s Tap Room & Grill Live Music for July

Sun., Aug. 11, 2-5 p.m. | Seth Brand is a singer/songwriter who performs a mix of American, rock, pop and country tunes. His play list is mixed with a good variety of favorite covers, along with his thought inspiring originals.

Fri., Aug. 16, 7-10 p.m. |Moonshine State is a country band with a rock twist. WNC based singer-songwriters Elizabeth McCorvey and Raphael Graves play with Sam Frame, drummer, and Brad Curtioff, bass/pianist and Jackson Delaney, pedal and lap steel guitar.

Sat., Aug. 17, 7-10 p.m. | Burnt Reputation is an Asheville-based acoustic rock band that plays originals and covers a variety of 90s era rock, 80s era pop and some classic rock. The lead vocalist is Jon Spindler.

Sun., Aug. 18, 2-5 p.m. | BJ Cates, a Landrum singer/songwriter of a mixed variety country, rock and southern rock. He is frontman for the popular The “Dirty South” Band.

Wed., Aug. 21, 6-9 p.m. | DJ Honeybee Karaoke with Morgan Bass is held the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Come ready to sing your favorites and have a ton o fun with the Queen of Karaoke.

Fri., Aug. 23, 7-10 p.m. |Highway 52 Quartet plays blues and Americana favorites, as well as some more eclectic covers and originals. Band members are Bill Loftus, guitar/harmonica/vocals; Mike ‘Country’ Carver, guitar/vocals; Paul McIntire, electric violin; and Lauren Bandy, standup and electric bass.

Sat., Aug. 24, 7-10 p.m. | The Andrew Thelston Band, voted #1 favorite rock band in the 2023 Best of WNC contest by Mountain Xpress, plays funk-infused rock’n’roll. Frontman Thelston, voted #1 best guitarist in the same competition, plays with bassist Walker Astin, drummer Jeff Lott, and singer-songwriter/keyboardist Carrie Morrison.

Sun., Aug. 25, 2-5 p.m. | Two Step Too is a duo consisting of musicians Rick Reles and Marc Brown. The two play a mix of modern and classic Americana music.

Fri. Aug. 30, 7-10 p.m. | The Arrow Band consists of local WNC musicians. The band plays rock, R&B, and funk from the 70s and 80s.

Sat., Aug. 31, 7-10 p.m. | Wiregrass is a bluegrass/Americana band from North Carolina. The four-piece ensemble includes Jamey Harrison and Brad Davis from Ellenboro, NC; Scott Lail from Delight, NC; and Tyler Leonard from Lawndale, NC.



Mountain Song Chorus: A Joyful Community Chorus Bringing People Together!

CALLING ALL SINGERS age 16 and older:

· Join us for our FALL 2024 SEASON.

· Rehearsals each Monday 6:30 to 8pm beginning September 9.

· At Saluda Center, 64 Greenville St, Saluda NC 28773.

· A full concert of songs by THE BEATLES. Don’t miss the fun.

· Fast, fun rehearsals with songs you'll love, performed with excellence.

· Fall Concerts tentatively: Thursday 11/ 7 and Sunday 11/10. JOIN US!

Mark C. Powers: Director ——Stephen Stone: Accompanist

Enroll and see more info at www.MountainSong.info

News from Preserving A Picturesque America

We are excited to share that our official Coon Dog Day poster sale and fundraiser has raised $1,415.00 for the Friends of McCreery Park! We still have some posters available at the PAPA gallery, so please make sure to come by and purchase one to support our local park and to add to your poster collection!

If you are in Charleston, SC please be sure to visit the City Gallery, located at 34 Priouleau St. to see our latest exhibition and art sale “Preservation Through Art - Charleston”. Over 50 Charleston area artists have contributed works for this event. This art sale will benefit designated nonprofits by raising funds and awareness for their ongoing efforts in historic, natural, and cultural preservation in and around Charleston.The exhibition and art sale is open until September 8th. City Gallery hours are Wednesdays through Sundays, 12-5 pm.



SUMMER TRACKS IS BACK AUGUST 16

Friday, August 16, Summer Tracks Concert Series in Rogers Park returns with The Dancing Fleas. Giving new meaning to “big band,” The Dancing Fleas (a.k.a. America’s Premier Ukulele Band) are nine members strong and feature six ukuleles, as well as an assortment of vocals, strings, percussion, flute, and tap dancing (yes, tap dancing). Playing originals and covers, this genre-bending show touts tunes with styles ranging from classic country to sassy funk. Expect dueling ukuleles, dancing, and big harmonies from the band’s six vocalists (yes, six). The Dancing Fleas are Laurie Horsley (ukulele, keyboard, flute, vocals), Jason Lineberger (ukuleles, melodeon, mandolin, vocals), Galaxy Lineberger (ukulele, percussion, vocals), Emma Buckner (ukulele, violin, vocals), Laura Wheeler (ukulele, percussion, vocals, tap dancing), Jeff Hamilton (ukulele, percussion, vocals), Stan Anthony (ubass), Chris Pike (drums, vocals).

New View Realty of Tryon is Summer Tracks 24th Season Presenting Sponsor. Modera Wealth is this evening’s concert sponsor.

All shows begin at 7 p.m. In case of rain, concerts will move across the street inside Tryon Fire Dept. Kirk’s Kitchen will be selling hamburgers, hotdogs, as well as chicken, and fish sandwiches, french fries, water and soft drinks. Alcohol consumption is allowed in the park but is not for sale. Audience donations along with many local business and individual sponsors make these shows possible.

Summer Tracks 2024 Season brought to you by New View Realty

The Dancing Fleas

https://www.thedancingfleas.com



a prophet-mother, moonstruck & star-stricken Destiny Hemphill

 desire (v.) — from Latin desiderare.

from the phrase de sidere “from the stars," from sidus “heavenly body, star”

tell em i ain't playing with them no more. tell em i said: no more hide & seek. i said: go ahead & seek me out. tell em my body be galactic. tell em my body be guide home. tell em i been lost too long. i pray: make me like the stars my ancestors followed—captivating yet always eluding captivity. i pray: return me to (my star) dust. i say, i've been away from my star too long. may i draw no stargazers. let there be no gaze or watch upon me. i rebuke any surveil against me. tell em don't look at me if you refuse to see me. ask them gawkers: can i have my face back now? tell em do not look at me if they only wanna capture me. if they only wanna consume me. if they only wanna feel my flesh burn upon their pallid touch.

      but

if they should look at me & they should for some reason not see stars, but moon. if they should look at me & for some reason not see glow but shadow & if they are confounded because they thought only light equaled presence.

      tell em i think the fuck not.

tell em that i be here. tell em that (whether of spirit or flesh) their eyes play no tricks. i said: tell em i be here. tell em—they should know that my dark body exists whether or not it reflects the light of their own.

Destiny Hemphill is a chronically ill ritual worker and poet, living on the unceded territory of the Eno-Occaneechi band of the Saponi Nation (Durham, NC).

A recipient of fellowships from Naropa University’s Summer Writing Program, Callaloo, Tin House, and Kenyon Review’s Writers Workshop, she is the author of the poetry collection motherworld: a devotional for the alter-life (Action Books, 2023), a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award and Publishing Triangle’s Audre Lorde Prize. Her work has also been featured in Poetry Magazine, Southern Cultures, and the Academy of American Poets’ Poem-a-Day series.

She served as an inaugural Poetry Coalition Fellow, a Kenan Visiting Writer in Poetry at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and an inaugural Tin House Reading Fellow.



Outside!

Saluda Grade Trail Corridor Under Contract

  The Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy is officially under contract to purchase a 31-mile rail corridor for a proposed rail trail running from Upstate South Carolina to Western North Carolina. The conservancy entered into a contract with Norfolk Southern to purchase the Saluda Grade rail line and corridor and now has one year to complete due diligence and secure remaining funds needed for the purchase.

  The planned Saluda Grade Trail will travel through Inman, Campobello, Landrum, Tryon, Saluda, and Zirconia, passing through vibrant small towns, rolling countryside, and spectacular mountain scenery. The trail will be open for walking, running, biking, birding, and other forms of outdoor recreation.

  The trail is spearheaded by a coalition of three nonprofits, which formed the Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy: Conserving Carolina; PAL: Play. Advocate. Live Well.; and Upstate Forever.

Glenn Hilliard, founder and chair of the Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy, says, “Working with the talented professionals at Norfolk Southern and with the equally talented and committed teams at Conserving Carolina, PAL, and Upstate Forever has been incredible. Without each and every one of these leaders this agreement would not have been possible. Please reach out and show your appreciation and support to these partners who will continue to work together to assure that the Saluda Grade Trail provides an incredible and iconic resource for the people of North and South Carolina.”

  Kieran Roe, the executive director of Conserving Carolina, says, “We see this trail as a huge asset for our local communities—a place where kids can play safely, where it’s easy to get outside and exercise, where people of all abilities can enjoy the outdoors. It’s an amenity that will strengthen local businesses so they can offer more opportunities for the people who live here.”

Upstate Forever executive director Aldon Knight, says, “The pandemic taught us that we need more natural spaces for recreation and refuge. The Saluda Grade Trail will provide just that, encouraging safe outdoor recreation and stronger connections to nature, improving quality of life for residents. It’s a visionary project with a return that will far exceed any initial investment.”

  Laura Ringo, the executive director of PAL, says, "The Saluda Grade Trail offers a unique chance to boost public health by providing safe, accessible spaces for physical activity. Regular use for walking, running, and biking can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, spending time in nature reduces stress, enhances mental well-being, and fosters community. This scenic trail will inspire active lifestyles, promoting wellness and a higher quality of life for all."

Cliff Garner, of Norfolk Southern AVP Real Estate & Facility Services, says, “At Norfolk Southern, we’re committed to helping the communities our rail network touches thrive. We appreciate the partnership from Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy and we look forward to seeing the conservancy’s plans come to fruition.”

  Last summer, the Saluda Grade Trail Conservancy gathered extensive public input about the trail through meetings with landowners, local governments, the business community, and the public, as well as an online survey. This public input is shaping the vision for the trail and there will be additional opportunities for public input throughout the design process.

  The conservancy plans to present the results of a year-long engineering and economic impact study to the public in two meetings this August, one in North Carolina and one in South Carolina. The first meeting will take place on Aug. 6 at 6:00 at Polk County High School. The second meeting will take place Aug. 13 at 6:00 at Gramling United Methodist Church. These presentations will address the rail to trail development process, the existing condition of the trail corridor and bridges, trail design and safety recommendations proposed by the engineering team, and projected regional economic impacts resulting from the project. 

  A study is also underway to assess the feasibility of managing a portion of the rail line in North Carolina as an excursion railroad, potentially offering scenic train rides alongside the trail. 

To learn more, sign up for emails, or

make a donation to the trail, go to saludagradetrail.org.

Please join us at the beautiful Saluda Inn on Thursday, September 19 for our first annual fundraiser! 

The evening will be filled with delectable local foods, a live and silent auction and the purposeful joy of coming together to address food insecurity in our community. 

We’re grateful to have many auction items to offer including a golf foursome at Kenmure and artwork by several local artists. Capacity is limited so don’t delay. 

Tickets can be purchased at saludapantry.com as well as at Heartwood Gallery and the Saluda Pantry on Tuesdays from 9-1.  



Thank You from Our Italian Students

From Marta:

Hi, I'm Marta, one of the two Italian girls who came to visit you in Saluda. I really think this experience changed me. I had the chance to learn many new things and improve my English vocabulary with words like "eclectic.” I loved every moment there; every activity was a new experience and a memory that I will carry with me forever. 

I already miss Saluda, and I hope to be able to return one day. You were all very nice and I am so happy to have been able to meet kind people like you. 

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me such a beautiful experience.

I thank all the people who decided to host us in their homes, offering us all the things we needed and giving us new memories to keep.

I thank the musicians who integrated me at the Community Table, teaching me new things and making me have fun.

I thank all the people who offered to take us around to have new experiences, giving us their time and allowing us to get to know them.

I thank all the people who offered us the opportunity to do their workshops. I will keep with a lot of care everything done there.

I thank all the people who offered us good food during lunches and dinners but above all I thank Saluda Sister City who allowed all this to happen. 

I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Marta.

From Nora: I'm very grateful for everyone who hosted me and who dedicated their time organizing everything and taking us to see and experience so much.

I had heard about Southern hospitality and believe me I really felt it!

I learned a lot of history and I really enjoyed the nature. It was amazing trying so many activities and foods that were new to me and on my bucket list!

I also really enjoyed the free evenings hanging out with young people my age in each family and cooking for them too.

I hope that we will stay in touch and that you will come visit us in Carunchio!

Are you Gluten Free? Come to Italy!

The Palazzo Tour D’Eau has created a special week, May 25-31, 2025, just for those who are Gluten intolerant. In addition to the usually all-inclusive (except your airfare) week in Carunchio, with the cooking lessons and touring around Abruzzo, Chef Dino has carefully curated an unforgettable culinary adventure for those who savor gluten-free delicacies. All-inclusive cost is 2400 Euros ($2,614 today) if paid in cash, or 2500 Euros if charged to your credit card. That is Sister City’s half price deal.

*Savor Authentic Gluten-Free Italian Dishes: Delight in traditional recipes crafted without gluten, from pasta to pastries.

*Hands-On Cooking Classes: Learn the secrets of gluten-free cooking in interactive sessions, where you’ll create and taste your own masterpieces.

*Wine and Dine: Enjoy exquisite wine pairings with your gluten-free meals, enhancing your gastronomic journey.

June 21, 2025, Flower Festival Trip

A week in Carunchio at the restored Palazzo, all your meals, tours, cooking lessons and the annual Flower Festival…. what’s not to love?! Come be part of the experience.  It’s a beautiful time of year in Italy and this trip provides a unique opportunity to be part of the village festival as you construct Saluda’s submissions to the festival using real flowers, petals, and all things organic. If you want to stay longer, we’ll help you plan additional days. All-inclusive cost is 2400 Euros ($2,614 today) if paid in cash, or 2500 Euros if charged to your credit card. For full information, contact Sister City below.

Thanks to Supportive Saluda Merchants

Meals for the Italian students were donated by:

Purple Onion

Wards Grill

Wildflour Bake Shop

Green River Barbeque

Free Tickets to Events were donated by:

The Gorge Zipline

Flat Rock Playhouse

For any questions, contact Judy Thompson at 828-489-6578 or JD@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 with do with the children and for the community.

Teen Back to School Party

Monday, August 26 @ 4pm 

Start the 2024 school year off at the Saluda Library Teen Space! Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to celebrate with snacks and make shrinky dink keychains or magnets for their locker.



Cool News from the Saluda Senior Center 

“Your community center in Saluda!”

Pot Luck & Bingo 

Monday August 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. Free and fun for all ages – bring a side dish or dessert if you are able.  

Community Table 

Tuesday August 13 and Tuesday August 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Bring your own plate & utensils (and take them home again).  

Shop the Thrifty Barn

Check out our ever-changing inventory Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 to 4 and Saturdays from 10 to 1. Donations accepted on Wednesdays. Volunteers wanted! Please stop by any Wednesday during shop hours to learn more or call Arlene Kippel 828.243.4403.

Thrifty Barn Basement

Open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Accepting gently used donations (sorry, no electronics) during open hours or Call Cindy Keeter 828.551.1039.   

Can You Give An Hour Or Two Of Your Time?

Are you handy with a hammer? A devotee of Antiques Roadshow? Consider volunteering at the Basement to support your Saluda Senior Center. Call Cindy Keeter 828.551.1039.

Conserving and Enhancing Saluda 

Who is behind the Saluda Grade and Ecusta rails-to-trails projects? How will they affect Saluda? Exactly where are the Green River Game Lands?  

Come meet one of your Polk County neighbors find out what Conserving Carolina is doing to enrich the quality of life in and around Saluda.  On Wednesday, September 18, from 2 to 3 p.m., Pam Torlina, Conserving Carolina’s Community Engagement Director, will be on hand to answer your questions and talk about some exciting projects that will boost conservation and recreation right here in Saluda. Light refreshment will be offered. Attendance is free of charge (but donations will be gratefully accepted).  

Sourdough Bread class is coming in September! Sept 7 from 1230~2. Tim Scott will take you through the process, providing all the ingredients. Please just bring a bowl. Cost is 65/person and 75/couple. More info to come.

To reserve the Center

Call Louisa Williamson 803.707.8747.

About The Saluda Senior Center…

The Center is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that hosts activities and provides a gathering place to meet the needs of the Saluda community. Donations are cheerfully accepted and tax-deductible. Although “senior” is in our name, events at the Center are open to all -- This is your Saluda center!

The Saluda Senior Center

64 Greenville Street

Saluda, NC 28773



Greetings So Saluda Readers,

The 'American Dream' is the belief that anyone can have their own version of success and move upward in life. This dream, for most, has always included owning property. Recent years have shown an alarming increase in unaffordable housing and housing shortages, creating significant obstacles for first-time homebuyers.

Rental housing is crucial for people to save up for a down payment on a home, but affordable rentals are becoming increasingly scarce due to the rapid growth of short-term vacation rentals (STRs) in our area. The rise of short-term rentals is a recent issue in our society, and we need to understand how this affects the problem and make necessary adjustments.

Currently, local residents are struggling to find affordable housing. Henderson County is expected to experience a shortfall of approximately 1,650 long-term rental units and 311 housing units for sale by 2025, as per a study conducted by Bowen National Research.

How well is Saluda’s STR market performing? According to AirDNA, a provider of accurate and comprehensive vacation rental data and analytics; bad. With an AirDNA Submarket Score of 21 out of 100 and 157 active STRs in 28773, it might be time to reconsider your property’s highest and best use. 

Here's what's been happening in our town in the last 30 days. 

HOMES SOLD 

40 Legacy Lane $225,000 - 95.75% of asking price

141 Frost Road #5 $299,000 - 96.5% of asking price

30 Miller Rhodes Lane $945,000 - 79% of asking price

COMING SOON

59 Shand Street $879,000 - Featuring 3 living spaces: a Storybook Cottage, a Studio Apartment, and a Charming Efficiency Apartment

HOMES LISTED FOR SALE - Down 55% from last month

1084 Old Howard Gap Road, 2 Bed, 2 Bath, HLA 1766, $850,000

376 Whispering Woods Drive, 3 Bed, 3 Bath, HLA 2141, $749,900

2304 Mountain Page Road, 3 Bed, 2 Bath, HLA 2016, $575,000

38 Pace Street, 4 Bed, 3 Bath, HLA 1016, $375,000

In conclusion: 

  While property ownership has historically posed challenges for potential homebuyers, recent times have made it especially difficult for those who want to own a home or find affordable housing. A new Harvard report says 22.4 million households in the United States now spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent or mortgage payments, with 12.1 million spending more than 50 percent. Please reach out to your Realtor if you would like to consider selling your STR property or switching it to a long-term rental. If this issue persists, homeownership will remain out of reach for many, jeopardizing the American Dream. 

If you have any questions, know of someone looking for tenants, or would like more information on any of the homes for sale in our area please reach out to your real estate agent, or Ashley Sandahl with Looking Glass Realty at (828) 817-6515 or ashley@lookingglassrealty.com. If you are currently working with another agent, this market update is not intended to solicit your business. The numbers used in the chart above were populated through AirDNA.

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.

Kaya - "do you want to come hike with us...?"

LO - "do you have a stick?"