Hickory Living September 2025

Sharon Simpson

Advertising Director sharon@lncurrents.com (704) 677-9159

mac@oasisluxuryhomes.com (484) 769-7445 Lori Helms

Lori@LNCurrents.com

Carson

Advertising Representative carson.hickoryliving@gmail.com (828) 455-4200

Welcome to the

September Issue

don’t know about you, but with the arrival of September, it almost feels like the door has closed behind us on one season filled with crazy heat and rainstorms of biblical proportions, while another has opened wide before us with the promise of a beautiful autumn. Conventional wisdom (okay, The Old Farmer’s Almanac) tells us that moderate rainfall often helps produce some of the most vibrant fall foliage colors, so I predict we have much to look forward to when peak leaf-peeping season arrives.

But for now, you may have to settle with providing some of that color yourselves, and the folks at Settlemyre Nursery in Valdese stand ready to help you find everything your green thumb desires. Founded more than 50 years ago, the Settlemyre family has grown their business from its humble

By Lori Helms

mountain beginnings to what is now your go-to destination for the largest selection of horticultural excellence in western North Carolina. Whether you’re just looking for a potted peace lily to brighten your breakfast nook or a full-scale re-do of your tired landscaping, the professionals at Settlemyre Nursery will expertly guide you on your search for all things green.

If it’s not so much a yard beautification project that you’re interested in but instead a little personal wellness project that needs tending to, Dr. Jenette Swisher at Swisher Skin and Laser Center as well as Swisher Hydration in Hickory has just the service to meet those needs. From laser treatments and skin rejuvenation programs to IV hydration therapy loaded with vitamins, minerals and supplements, Dr. Swisher and her staff of professionals use state-of-the-art technology to

provide the latest treatment techniques for your beauty and wellness.

This month we’re also bringing you a great weekend getaway idea. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or merely looking for a new hobby that’s steeped in North Carolina’s rich culture, a trip to The Webb Farm in Ellerbe (about a twoand-a-half-hour drive from Hickory) for a little quail hunting might be just what the doctor ordered. The farm’s veteran guides and skilled bird dogs, combined with comfortable lodging and exceptional food, will provide lasting memories – and very likely the desire to return for more.

Here’s hoping you enjoy all that September in the south has to offer!

— LH

Lori Helms | Editor lori@lncurrents.com

Rooted in tradition, growing toward the future

In the rolling foothills of western North Carolina, where mountain air meets fertile soil, Settlemyre Nursery stands as both a living legacy and a forward-thinking hub for horticultural excellence. Established in 1973 by Loyd Settlemyre and his son Robert, the nursery’s humble beginnings were split between two locations — Robert cultivated the plants at his own nursery in the south mountains, while Loyd sold them at the Drexel Road site in Drexel, NC.

Decades later, the next chapter began. In 2014, Brandon Settlemyre and his wife Michelle stepped into the family business, bringing fresh energy, expanded production and a modern marketing approach. By 2020, space and parking constraints at the original site prompted a bold move: a relocation to a sprawling, flat, four-acre property on Drexel Road, adjacent to their existing farm. The new garden center offered improved plant displays, easier access for customers and room to wel-

come an ever-growing audience. Today, the nursery serves Burke, Catawba, Caldwell and McDowell counties — with an online presence that reaches far beyond. Many loyal visitors agree it’s “worth the drive” from neighboring states.

The Team Behind the Blooms

Settlemyre Nursery operates with a team of a dozen skilled, passionate individuals. The garden center is largely powered by a group of knowledgeable, talented and strong women, while the production crew carefully tends to six acres of thriving plants. Together, they’ve earned a reputation for delivering not just greenery, but exceptional service.

More Than a Nursery

What truly sets Settlemyre apart is its remarkable range. Offering the largest selection of shrubs, trees and plants in western NC, they cater to everyone from weekend gardeners pick-

on the cover

ing out container plants to homeowners seeking a full-scale property transformation. Their services include on-site consultations, where a landscape designer visits the property, takes precise measurements, photographs, and even drone footage if needed, to develop a tailored plan.

Their guiding motto “Plan. Design. Create.” is more than a slogan — it’s the process that takes clients from initial inspiration to fully realized landscapes. From selecting the right species for a site’s sunlight and soil, to crafting both aesthetic and functional outdoor spaces, the team ensures that every detail is thoughtfully executed.

Dreams in Bloom

Customer projects vary widely: some want a fresh burst of curb appeal, others envision backyard retreats with patios and fire

pits, and still others need functional solutions like dry creek beds or retaining walls for water management. Often, what begins as single-project blossoms transforms into something much larger, as clients see their vision come to life and choose to keep going.

The Design Dream Team

At the heart of Settlemyre’s landscape services are designers Beth, Lauren and Michelle — three women with deep plant expertise and a shared passion for creating outdoor beauty. Beth Lane, with a master’s degree in agriculture and extension education, brings an educator’s insight to plant selection and landscape planning. Lauren Turner, holding a bachelor’s degree in professional agriculture, blends technical knowledge with design flair. Michelle Settlemyre, co-owner and industry veteran with more than a decade of production, sales and design

“ ... it’s a living legacy, rooted in family, community and the beauty of growing things.”

experience, infuses each project with the same dedication that’s driven the nursery’s growth.

Together, they curate spaces that not only look beautiful but thrive for years to come — tailored to each property’s light, space and style.

A Family Legacy in Full Bloom

The Settlemyre story is more than business — it’s a generational passion. Today, the fourth generation is already finding joy in the nursery’s daily rhythms. Schyler, Henry and Charlie love the family nursery and all of its surroundings, from exploring the rows of colorful plants to learning the traditions that have been passed down for more than 50 years. Their presence is a reminder that this is more than a nursery — it’s a living legacy, rooted in family, community

and the beauty of growing things.

From a small roadside stand to one of the most comprehensive nurseries in the western part of the state, Settlemyre Nursery’s journey is one of passion, innovation and family heritage. With deep roots and an ever-growing vision, Brandon, Michelle and their team continue to turn landscapes into living works of art — one plan, one design and one creation at a time.

Hickory’s trusted leader in aesthetics and wellness BEAUTY AT ITS BEST

Skin and Laser Center

Photos by Shane Greene Photography

In Hickory, the name Swisher Skin and Laser Center is synonymous with exceptional results, refined service, and genuine care. Since opening in 2020, Dr. Jenette Swisher’s practice has earned top honors EVERY single year— including Hickory Daily Record’s “Best of Catawba”, Hickory Living’s “Best of the Foothills”, Observer News Enterprise “Best of…” — awards decided by the very community who knows best. These accolades only confirm what locals already believe: Swisher Skin

is the area’s premier destination for advanced skin, laser, and wellness treatments.

“Our clients trust us because they know we care about their results, their overall wellness and skincare journey,” says Dr. Swisher.

Her approach blends medical expertise with artistry, offering everything from precision laser treatments and injectables to

Opposite page - The Staff: Izzie Ledford, LeeAndra Long, LE; Jenette T. Swisher, MD; Elena Willging, RN, LE; Jennifer Day, and Lanie Tucker.

Above, Dr. Jenette Swisher is a boardcertified Internal Medicine physician with 20+ years of injection/aesthetic, and wellness experience.

customized skin rejuvenation programs. Every client receives a tailored plan designed to enhance natural beauty, achieve lasting results, and maintain optimal skin health over time.

And while the standard at Swisher Skin is already high, the practice never stops evolving. In the past year alone, Dr. Swisher has added a nearly painless laser hair removal device that treats all skin types, a state-of-the-art skin analysis system to personalize treatments with even greater precision, and launched Swisher Hydration—bringing advanced IV therapy to the region. These nutrientrich infusions deliver vitamins, minerals, and targeted supplements directly into the bloodstream for rapid results, from boosting immunity and energy to aiding athletic recovery and deep hydration.

For Dr. Swisher, the work is about much more than aesthetics.

Left, Dr. Swisher and Elena Willging, RN, LE delight in helping patients feel more confident about their appearance.

Above, Kelsey Echols, RN loves making patients feel comfortable during their IV treatments.

“Building confidence is at the heart of what I do - when you look your best, you naturally feel your best,” she says.

That philosophy is woven into every aspect of her practice. From the first consultation to follow-up visits, clients are treated as partners in their skincare journey. Many have been with Swisher Skin since the beginning, trusting the team not only for visible transformations but for the consistent, personalized care that keeps results looking their best.

Keep your eyes out for Swisher Skin’s Online Open House coming soon in September or October with exclusive savings on select services, and mark your calendars for their Cheers to Five Years Client Appreciation Party on Nov. 5—an evening she describes as “not a sales push, just a heartfelt thank-you for trusting us.”

From state-of-the-art technology and advanced treatment techniques to a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Swisher Skin and Laser Center continues to raise the bar for beauty and wellness in Hickory. And with Dr. Swisher’s constant drive to advance and innovate, the future looks as flawless as the results her clients enjoy today.

Swisher Skin and Laser Center 20 13th Ave. NW, Hickory 828.838.1184

www.swisherskin.com

Swisher Hydration 24 13th Ave. NW, Hickory 828.838.1164

www.swisherhydration.com

What’s Cooking!?

French-Inspired Cooking Shortcut

By Kathy Dicken

Photograph courtesy Kathy Dicken

Creamy Boursin Chicken and Spinach Orzo

Get ready for another delicious and supereasy Boursin recipe. This one-pan recipe creates a creamy Chicken and Spinach Orzo dish that’s packed with flavor. The secret? My absolute favorite cooking shortcut: Boursin cheese! This tasty cheese melts beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful cream sauce that coats every bite of chicken and orzo, proving once again why it’s the best for making dishes taste amazing with minimal effort.

If you are not familiar, Boursin cheese is a creamy, crumbly Gournay cheese, with a texture similar to cream cheese, known for its distinctive flavor of garlic and fine herbs. Originally from France, Boursin is now available worldwide and comes in various flavors such as classic garlic and herb, as well as black pepper, basil and chive, and caramelized onion and herbs. I used garlic and herb, but any of these flavors would work beautifully in this recipe.

Trust me, if you loved my Creamy Baked Boursin and Tomato pasta, you’re going to be obsessed with this, too!

Servings: 4-6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. butter

1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin cheese, softened

2 cups fresh baby spinach

2 cups cooked chicken, chopped/shredded Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Add the oil, buttera and onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and orzo. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. This helps to infuse the orzo with more flavor and toasts it a bit.

Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Continue cooking for 10 minutes uncovered, stirring quite often. Be sure to turn the heat down to medium or even medium-low. You just want it to gently bubble, so that the liquid doesn’t reduce too much before the pasta has cooked. After the mixture has cooked for 10 minutes, taste the orzo; if it’s still crunchy, add a splash of water and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender. Once pasta is tender and fully cooked, stir in the Boursin until smooth.

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the spinach and chicken. Then cover for 5 minutes (off the heat) to wilt the spinach and heat the chicken through. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Note: I have found that Costco has the best price for Boursin. Buy it in a 3-pack for the best price!

Kathy Dicken lives in Huntersville and is the author of The Tasty Bits food blog. For more meal ideas that are simple and delicious, you can follow her blog at www.thetastybits.com or on Instagram @thetastybits.

Weekend Getaway

Boutique Quail Hunting at The Webb Farm

Birds, expertly trained dogs and camaraderie are just a two-hour drive from Lake Norman

by Vanessa Infanzon

Five years ago, a friend offered Joe Hunt the opportunity to shoot quail at The Webb Farm in Ellerbe, North Carolina, less than a twohour drive from his home in Davidson. Although Hunt had experience with clay shooting and considered himself an outdoorsman, he’d never hunted.

“While I was well educated by the staff in my first hunt,” says Hunt, a longtime Lake Norman area resident, “I was downright lucky to hit a bird on my first shot. I don’t remember the shot as well as I remember the pointers and flushing dogs working. The retriever found the bird deep down in the thicket more than 50 yards away. I was amazed and hooked at that first covey. It’s a real privilege to experience The Webb Farm.”

Bill Webb launched The Webb Farm in 2005 as a premiere quail hunting business on 1,400 acres of family land that once produced tobacco. He implemented the same quail hunting techniques his father and uncle used in the 1950s, adding a few modern upgrades.

Guests travel along the same paths in Kawasaki Mules with expert guides and stay in boutique lodging with spacious rooms, a stocked bar and a firepit for evening entertainment.

Both the lodge and its annex, The Roost, feature wood and leather accents and are decorated with artwork by internationally renowned North Carolina native Bob Timberlake. Timberlake and his family visit The Webb Farm often for group hunting outings.

Taking flight

The hunting season runs from October through March, when the weather is cool enough for the dogs to work. The Webb Farm prides itself on offering a full-service experience: “arrive dressed with your boots on; we provide everything you need for your hunt.” Meals, a blaze orange vest, guns, shells, guides and dogs for small groups of hunters are included in all the hunting packages. Staff harvest the birds and guests leave with frozen quail, although not necessarily the ones they shot.

Photo by Michael McCall

While a full day with lodging or a full day or half day without lodging are available, guests reserve the split day with lodging most often. The split day includes two hunting sessions. Guests arrive for lunch, hunt all afternoon, enjoy a chef prepared dinner, an evening by the fire and overnight accommodations. After a hot breakfast the next morning, guests return to the field for several more hours before leaving with a box lunch.

All guests, no matter how many times they’ve been to The Webb Farm, watch the seven minute safety video. The Webb Farm may obtain hunting licenses for guests if they don’t already have one. A clay range behind the lodge is available for practice.

‘Lifelong memory’

The indoor and outdoor spaces at The Webb Farm provide time to gather, swap stories and build friendships. Since Hunt’s first experience in 2020, he’s returned several times each year and plans to bring his sons and grandchildren on a family trip. Hunt was most surprised by the admiration and respect he’s developed for the guides and their dogs.

“They raise and train the dogs, and bird hunting is a year-round lifestyle for them,” Hunt says. “The dogs are amazing and it’s mind boggling to watch them work. The guides’ passion and personalities make it an even more rewarding experience and lifelong memory.”

Pro Tip: Purchase The Webb Farm creamed honey before you leave. The bees are raised on the farm and the honey is processed locally without additives.

Webb Farm is at 522 John Webb Road in Ellerbe, NC. Learn more by calling 910.601.2296 or visiting www.thewebbfarm.com.