By the time you read this, signs of fall will be everywhere, from the brilliant foliage to pumpkin-spice everything. Here in Charlotte, as much as we’re drawn to the coast in spring and summer, when the seasons change we start feeling a westward tug, toward the North Carolina mountains.
In this issue, we highlight new — and newly reopened trails — in western N.C., and contributor Page Leggett shares the story of the NuWray Hotel in downtown Burnsville (page 109). Now under new ownership, the NuWray, built in 1833, is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the state.
Last fall, as the hotel planned to celebrate its grand re-opening, Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the region, and the NuWray became a community hub, feeding neighbors and serving as a base for communications after phone service was knocked out in the storm. The hotel finally held its grand reopening this spring, a little later than anticipated.
“This wasn’t the opening season we pictured,” hotel co-owner Amanda Keith told Page. But she’s proud of the vital role the hotel was able to play when the community needed it most. “I think it’s so poignant that this is now part of the NuWray’s history.”
If you’re heading west this season, our staff shares a few of their favorite spots:
Mercy Clark: Lulu’s Consignment Boutique in Fletcher — they have the most beautiful, high-quality furniture and decor. Whenever I’m in WNC, I try to stop by and always find a hidden gem or two.
Ben Kinney: Bistro Roca in Blowing Rock has a great seasonal menu, and the bar is an awesome place to hang.
Alyssa Kennedy: Oskar Blues Brewery Taproom in Brevard is the perfect spot to grab a beer and a burger after camping or hiking in the Pisgah National Forest.
Jane Rodewald: The Chef’s Table in Waynesville was an unforgettable experience. After a long weekend on the Nantahala River, this was such a treat.
Sharon Smith: Every stop in Blowing Rock includes a few scoops from Kilwins and fudge to take home —and we’ll probably leave with a Christmas ornament from one of the shops on Main Street.
It’s also our annual home design issue! From a yard and patio transformation to new offerings from home boutiques, we hope you find inspiration for your own personal sanctuary from some of Charlotte’s talented designers, artists and entrepreneurs. SP
CATHY MARTIN
Editor
editor@southparkmagazine.com
IN THIS ISSUE:
1 – The new Prairie Castle Playground at Stowe Conservancy
2 – A color-filled Foxcroft home
3 – An Eastover patio with a Southern flair
4 – Tableside polenta pour at Fontana Di Vino
Photographs courtesy Stowe Conservancy, by Dustin and Susie Peck (2), by Justin Driscoll
