34th Annual 'This Is Us' Almanac

you can trust. ER

We treat every patient like family. Our heart badges symbolize our commitment to providing expert care with uncommon compassion. We understand that every patient is someone’s parent, friend, or loved one, and we care for them with that in mind. Every day, AdventHealth ER nurse, Taylor, wears her commitment to caring for patients like she would her daughter, with love and expertise.

We’re here to deliver personalized, lifesaving care when every minute counts.

myERnc.com

The Nest @ Missildines

Gourmet and Locally-sourced Food, Unique Handcrafted Art, Carefully Created Apothecary Items, and Gifts for All Occasions

Open Monday-Saturday 11-5 13 South Trade Street, Tryon, NC

This is us

Almanac

34TH ANNUAL • 2026

On the cover

Chimney Rock State Park offers sweeping 75-mile views, a dramatic 404-foot waterfall, and miles of scenic hiking trails that invite visitors deep into the natural landscape.

The Park’s roots stretch back more than a century, when it was owned and operated by the Morse family for ten decades. When the land was sold to the state of North Carolina in the early 2000s, many dedicated staff members remained—helping guide the Park into a new era of conservation, education, and exceptional guest experiences in partnership with NC State Parks.

Today, Chimney Rock State Park is as much a place of learning as it is of wonder. Through hands-on educational programs and interpretive experiences for all ages, the Park’s team shares the region’s rich natural, geological, and cultural history. With more than 150 years of combined experience, their mission remains clear: to inspire curiosity, stewardship, and a lasting connection to the land—as naturally as the Chimney itself.

174 Chimney Rock Park Rd., Chimney Rock, NC 28720

828-625-9611

chimneyrockpark.com visit@chimneyrockpark.com

Welcome to Polk County, North Carolina, and upper Spartanburg County, South Carolina—together known as the Foothills, nestled in the beautiful Thermal Belt Region. Framed by sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our area offers a breathtaking setting to live, work, and play.

Whether you are new to the Foothills or have called this place home your entire life, the 34th edition of the Almanac is designed to help you make the most of all this community has to offer. This comprehensive directory provides convenient access to information on local government, schools, libraries, and churches, along with resources for recreation, the arts, dining, shopping, healthcare, and more.

Published each February, the Almanac is intended to serve as a useful, yearround reference. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and updates as we continue to make this publication a valuable resource for our community.

Chauncey Barber, Broker, 828-817-0528

Janice Blackwell, Broker, 828-817-1271

Bonnie Lingerfelt, Broker, e-Pro, 828-817-0166

Laura May, Broker, CRS, ABR, 828-817-2223

Carol Choun, Broker, 828-429-1688

Karen Parton, Broker, 828-774-6756

Chris Christoforou, Broker, 305-297-2171

Ron Piccari, Broker, 828-606-7441

Lori Ledford, Broker, 828-776-2521

Cheryl Stott, Managing Broker, 828-817-0788

Business

If you are a resident of Polk County or Rutherford County, your tuition could be free with the Powers Promise!

City of Landrum

City of Saluda

HOTELS, INNS & B&BS

ADAWEHI WELLNESS VILLAGE

The Adawehi Campus is nestled on 125 acres of woodlands, where a balance of natural and manicured gardens showcases nature's diversity. Over the years, Adawehi has grown to include ten community houses, a healing center, a conference center, three shops, a health food store, an exercise facility, and a bed and breakfast.

93 Adawehi Lane, Columbus, NC 828-894-5260, adawehi.com

CABIN FEVER

Cabin Fever is the ultimate eco-resort getaway with seven rustic, charming cabins on 15 acres that are perfect for a romantic weekend or a family vacation to remember. Four of the cabins are dog-friendly. Friends, social clubs, and corporate and church groups often rent the entire place!

7337 Spartanburg Hwy., Saluda, NC 828-749-9811, saludacabinsandretreats.com

COLUMBUS INN & SUITES

Located conveniently in Columbus at I-26 and Mills St., the hotel features 59 rooms, an outdoor pool, RV/bus parking, free breakfast, and wireless internet. Pets are welcome.

626 W. Mills St., Columbus, NC 828-894-3303, columbusinnandsuites.com

GREENLIFE INN AT THE MIMOSA

A historic 1903 bed and breakfast nestled in the Pacolet River Valley near Tryon, GreenLife Inn has seven standard, private guest rooms and two fully outfitted suites for short-term or extended stay visits with all common areas available to guests.

65 Mimosa Inn Drive, Tryon, NC 828-436-0097, greenlifeinn.com

GREEN RIVER LODGE

The pet-friendly Green River Lodge offers 24 clean, cozy, and serene guest rooms surrounded by astonishing mountain splendor. Perched atop the rim of the majestic Green River

Gorge, the motel offers stunning views of five mountain ranges, ever-changing watercolor sunsets, and surreal star-gazing by the fire pit.

1793 Holbert Cove Road, Saluda, NC 828-798-8777, greenriverlodgenc.com

ORCHARD INN

An elegant mountain retreat, Orchard Inn in Saluda is a historic bed and breakfast that features stunning mountain scenery, warm and welcoming staff, and fine dining at Newman's Restaurant.

100 Orchard Inn Lane, Saluda, NC 828-827-4708, orchardinn.com

RED HORSE INN

A stately bed and breakfast on 190 acres with spectacular mountain views, the inn offers six Victorian-style cottages, relaxing couples retreats, wedding facilities and delicious breakfasts.

45 Winstons Chase Court, Landrum, SC 864-909-1575, TheRedHorseInn.com

THE SALUDA INN

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the spectacularly renovated Saluda Inn offers 11 stunning rooms and suites, complimentary breakfasts, a Grand Lawn for outdoor functions, wedding settings, a wine cellar with small eats menu and crafted bar selections, and a sunroom for more intimate gatherings.

229 Greenville St, Saluda, NC 828-388-9027, thesaludainn.com

TRYON RESORT AT TRYON INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTER

Choose from a variety of lodging options in this incredibly beautiful equestrian center, including the Overmountain Lodge — all are within easy walking distance of restaurants, a general store and all the equestrian arenas and stables. Offers RV pad, inn, and cabins of varying sizes.

4066 Pea Ridge Road, Mill Spring, NC 828-863-1000, Lodging@tryon.com, resort.tryon.com

CAMPING

EMBERGLOW OUTDOOR RESORT

Enjoy the outdoors on your own terms at Emberglow Outdoor Resort – treehouses, yurts, vintage campers, and more nestled in the rolling hills of Western NC.

95 Pinewood Trail, Mill Spring, NC 828-625-2205, emberglowoutdoorresort.com

HITCHING POST CAMPGROUND

The Hitching Camp offers tent and RV camping near beautiful Lake Lure. It includes a fishing pond, playground, camp store, bath house, 40 acres of nature trails, babbling brooks, and cascading waterfalls. Lease sites are available.

620 Girls Camp Rd, Mill Spring, NC 828-625-1138, hitchingpostcampground.com

ORCHARD LAKE CAMPGROUND

Wooded campsites with fire rings for tents, full hook-ups for recreational vehicles and three A-frame cottages. Two private lakes for fishing (no license required), boating and swimming. Lots of games and amenities. For group gatherings, there is a recreation hall with a small kitchen and an event tent.

460 Orchard Lake Road, Saluda, NC 828-749-3901, orchardlakecampground.com

SILVER CREEK CAMPGROUND

Family-friendly RV campground. Cabins, safari-style tents, and group tents available. Includes swimming pool, full laundry, fishing pond, hiking, picnic area, store, bathhouse, games and more.

3111 Silver Creek Road, Mill Spring, NC 828-532-3560, silvercreekcamping.com

WILDERNESS COVE CAMPGROUND

Wilderness Cove offers wooded, primitive campsites and limited water/electric sites. Each campsite has its own fire pit and many have picnic tables. Also available are sleeper cabins, which are one-room units with beds and electricity. A bathhouse with showers is on the campground.

3772 Green River Cove Road, Saluda, NC 828-749-9100, outdooradventureretreats.com/ wilderness-cove

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

The Board of Supervisors and staff of Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District are committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Polk County’s natural resources. They provide educational guidance and technical assistance to Polk County’s citizens in the areas of erosion control, streambank stabilization, pesticide handling facilities, livestock exclusion plans, pasture and hay land establishment and management, wildlife habitat improvement, soil testing, and environmental education.

polknc.gov

156 School Rd., PO Box 455, Mill Spring

Located inside the Mill Spring Agricultural Center

Monday-Friday, 8:30-5, 828-894-8550

NC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE

The NC Cooperative Extension Service provides information and advice on a wide range of topics, including agricultural production, food safety and nutrition, home care issues, 4-H programs for area youth, and home gardening with the Master Gardener Program.

polk.ces.ncsu.edu

79 Carmel Lane, Columbus Monday-Friday, 8:30-5, 828-894-8218

ARTS ENTERTAINMENT & ART EDUCATION

TRYON ARTS & CRAFTS SCHOOL

Tryon Arts and Crafts School provides creative opportunities for everyone through education, instruction, and expression of heritage and contemporary arts and crafts in a friendly, stimulating, and enriching environment. Classes and workshops are offered in subjects that include pottery, weaving, basketry, woodworking, blacksmithing, lapidary, stained glass, silversmithing, copper enameling, and fiber arts.

373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon 828-859-8323, tryonartsandcrafts.org

ART GALLERIES

TRYON

80SIX ART GALLERY

86 N. Trade St

828-440-1162

CARRI BASS PHOTOGRAPHY & ART GALLERY

92 Pacolet St.

864-598-9880 828-919-0033

GREEN RIVER FRAME SHOP AND GALLERY

145 N. Trade St. 828-859-2255

MIRRORBALL GALLERY

84 Pacolet St.

833-837-8005 mirrorballgallery.com

OBERON ART STUDIO GALLERY

22 N Trade St. D

828-817-5780 oberonartgallery.com

TRYON PAINTERS & SCULPTORS

From its sculpture and painting studios, TPS offers classes in a variety of disciplines, from oil painting to digital photography, collage to acrylic painting, and much more, as taught by the organization’s many members.

78 N. Trade St., Tryon 828-859-0141, tryonpaintersandsculptors.com

TRYON FINE ARTS CENTER

TFAC hosts Pacolet Junior Appalachian Musician programs, camps, and intensives for students ages 6 to late teens to experience instruction in traditional music of the Southern Appalachian mountains. Instruments include guitar, mandolin, fiddle, bass, and banjo.

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon 828-859-8322, tryonarts.org/pacjam

TRYON ARTS AND CRAFTS

SCHOOL

373 Harmon Field Road 828-859-8323 tryonartsandcrafts.org

TRYON FINE ARTS CENTER GALLERY 34 Melrose Ave. 828-859-8322 tryonarts.org

TRYON PAINTERS AND SCULPTORS

78 N. Trade St. 828-859-0141 tryonpaintersandsculptors.com

UPSTAIRS ARTSPACE

49 S. Trade St. 828-859-2828 upstairsartspace.org

SALUDA EARTHLY MINDS GALLERY 19 Pearson Falls Rd. 828-769-9063 earthlymindsgallery.com

ELM AND OWL GALLERY 20 E Main St. 828-749-9365 elmandowlgallery.com

JIM CARSON GALLERY 20-2 Main St. 828-749-3702 jimcarson.net

SALUDA STUDIOS

144 US-176 828-713-2130 saludastudios.com

LANDRUM WHIMSICAL WORLD GALLERY 116 Jones St. 828-817-8641 davidcedrone.gallery

Summer Tracks performance at Rogers Park

MUSIC ASSOCIATIONS/ PERFORMANCE VENUES

MUSIC AT THE MARKET

Concert series held at the Landrum Farmers Market Pavilion, June - November.

221 West Rutherford St., Landrum cityoflandrumsc.com

SUMMER TRACKS

Performances are held at Rogers Park Amphitheater on Friday evenings, June - August 55 W. Howard St., Tryon summertracks.com

TOP OF THE GRADE CONCERTS

McCreery Park’s Ella Grace Mintz Stage features Top of the Grade concerts on select Friday evenings in summer. Bring your own chairs and blankets. Main St., Saluda saluda.com

TRYON CONCERT ASSOCIATION

For over 70 years, Tryon Concert Association has presented a classical music series of the highest caliber at Tryon Fine Arts Center’s intimate 315-seat hall. Committed to nurturing appreciation of and involvement in classical music, Tryon Concert Association presents an annual series of concerts that provides the community with quality music of cultural and educational value.

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon 888-501-0297, tryonconcerts.org

TRYON FINE ARTS CENTER

Tryon Fine Arts Center brings Grammy Award-winning music, internationally acclaimed musicians, arts education for toddlers and teens, and world-class art exhibits to our rural community. Facilities include the Veh Stage, an intimate 300-seat auditorium, Gallery I for visual arts exhibits, and the Peterson Amphitheater, a 150-seat outdoor venue.

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon 828-859-8322, tryonarts.org

LIVE THEATER

TRYON LITTLE THEATER

TLT stages four theatrical productions a year, plus special events and summer youth productions. Auditions are open to the public. 516 S. Trade St., Tryon 828-859-2466, tltinfo.org

MOUNTAIN PAGE THEATER

Established in 2020, Mountain Page Theater is a youth-led theater troupe, ranging in age from 4 to 16, with an adult group of supportive players. In just a few years, the group has an impressive list of musical plays and performances to its credit. 1303 Mountain Page Rd., Saluda 828-817-1060, mountainpage.theater

MOVIE THEATER

TRYON THEATRE

Tryon Theatre, an independently owned and operated movie theater located in downtown Tryon, has been showing films to the community since 1938. Renovated in 2018 to a 1950’s art-deco

BANKING

TRYON

HOMETRUST BANK - TRYON

341 N. Trade St., 828-859-9141

TD BANK (ATM ONLY)

Tryon IGA Supermarket

370 S. Trade St.

COLUMBUS

BANK OF AMERICA (ATM ONLY)

250 W. Mills St.

FIRST CITIZENS BANK

160 W. Mills St., 800-438-2265

HOMETRUST BANK - COLUMBUS

685 W. Mills St., 828-894-3021

ROADRUNNER MARKET ATM (SHELL STATION)

393 W. Mills St.

STATE EMPLOYEES’ CREDIT UNION

74 Weaver St., 828-894-0557

LANDRUM

CBL STATE SAVINGS BANK 1401 E. Rutherford St., 864-457-1516

FIRST CITIZENS BANK 144 S 562, 864-457-3805

WELLS FARGO BANK

401 E. Rutherford St., 864-457-3317

ROADRUNNER MARKET ATM (IN SHELL STATION) 1880 SC-14

Stephen J. Capps, MD has been practicing ophthalmology for over 40 years. He specializes in the treatment of glaucoma, eye trauma and anterior segment eye disease as well as many other common issues affecting the health and well-being of the eyes.

Raj N. Patel, MD is a fellowship-trained retina specialist. He has specialized training in treating and managing eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments.

Sara B. Deacon, MD specializes in the treatment of corneal and external diseases and routinely performs refractive surgery. She also has extensive experience in comprehensive ophthalmology.

& BUSINESS TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS

POLK COUNTY

CAROLINA FOOTHILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The chamber is a clearinghouse of information for visitors and people wishing to relocate. It also has a wealth of information about businesses in its membership area, which includes all of Polk County and Landrum. The Polk County Chamber Foundation, located in the same building, serves the entire Foothills area by supporting programs, grants, and activities that strengthen the social and economic welfare of its citizens.

2753 Lynn Road, Suite A, Tryon

Hours: Tuesday, Thursday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Friday: By appointment

828-859-6236, carolinafoothillschamber.com

FIRST PEAK VISITOR CENTER

The First Peak Visitor Center has information spanning Polk County and all of Western North Carolina. They will provide a warm welcome for newcomers, plus share local information, a calendar of events, detailed road maps and phone books. For those wanting to entertain visiting family and friends, stop by to find things to do during their visit. And, of course, locals and visitors alike will discover nearby interests: small towns, waterfalls, wineries, shops, restaurants, outdoor adventures and scenic drives.

20 E. Mills St., Columbus

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.4 p.m.

828-894-2324/800-440-7848, Firstpeaknc.com

TRYON

TRYON

DOWNTOWN

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

The mission of the TDDA is to preserve and enhance the community of Tryon through a downtown revitalization program that focuses on economic vitality, excellent urban design and historic preservation. The organization sponsors 4th Fridays, Tryon Beer Fest, the Halloween and Christmas Strolls, and Tryon Midnight celebration on New Year’s Eve. 301 N. Trade St., 828-817-5523

DowntownTryon.org, Facebook: DowntownTryon

TRYON TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The Tryon Tourism Development Authority consists of six voting members (including one Tryon Board of Commissioners Liaison) and was formed in August 2006. The authority sets policies and rules that govern the use of the Town of Tryon Occupancy Tax Revenue.

Meetings: First Monday, Tryon Town Hall 301 N. Trade St. 828-859-6655, tryon-nc.com, exploretryon.com

TRYON HISTORY MUSEUM & VISITOR CENTER

Located in the Tryon History Museum, the Tryon Tourism Board invites you to look at their website, exploretryon.com, to follow Tryon on Pinterest and Facebook, or to call 828-859-6654 for information specific to Tryon.

26 Maple St.

Hours: Wednesday & Thursday, 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 828-440-1116, Exploretryon.com

MAIN OFFICE IN LOT 1

LOT 3

LOT 2

LOT 1 - MAIN OFFICE

SALUDA

SALUDA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

The Saluda Business Association (SBA) was formed in 1995 and represents approximately 80 area merchants, service providers, artisans and craftspeople, building contractors, and interested individuals who love Saluda. The SBA's vision is to help Saluda prosper, preserve its heritage and culture, and keep revenue and the next generation in the community. Meetings: First Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Saluda Visitors Center, Main St. next to the Depot PO Box 1085, Saluda, NC 28773, membership@saluda.com, saluda.com/saluda-business-association

SALUDA VISITOR CENTER

The Visitor Center offers information on shopping, restaurants, recreation, the arts, and much more. Open 7 days a week. Spring/summer hours are 10:30 a.m.4:30 p.m.

20 W. Main St., Suite 1 (next to Depot) 828-749-0077, VisitSaludaNC.com

SPARTANBURG COUNTY

LANDRUM AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

The Landrum Area Business Association is a membership organization for all types of businesses and nonprofits in Landrum, dedicated to promoting the economic vitality of the area. In addition to ribbon cuttings, the organization sponsors multiple events throughout the year aimed at drawing visitors and residents to the historic downtown area, including the Christmas and Halloween Strolls, the annual Christmas Parade, and a car show.

Meetings: First Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., Landrum City Hall, 100 N. Shamrock Ave. 864-457-3000, cityoflandrumsc.com/business-association

ONE SPARTANBURG, INC.

A merger of the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, the Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Spartanburg Economic Futures Group, One Spartanburg, Inc.’s mission as a consolidated business, economic and tourism development organization is to maximize community impact as well as business, tourism and economic development efforts countywide. 105 N. Pine St., Spartanburg 864-594-5000, OneSpartanburgInc.com

PHILANTHROPIC ORGANIZATIONS

CAROLINA FOOTHILLS FOUNDATION

The Carolina Foothills Foundation (CFF) is a community-based, 501c(3) charitable organization that provides funds and other support to address the many health challenges facing people in Rutherford and Polk counties. It directly supports and empowers carefully selected non-profits to impact individuals and communities, focusing on elder care, youth development, and wellness.

376 Hudlow Rd., Forest City, NC, 828222-4350. Carolinaff.org

THE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION IN SUPPORT OF ADVENTHEALTH

POLK

The foundation is a not-for-profit organization established in 1991 to support AdventHealth Polk financially and to promote the provision of the highest quality-focused healthcare services. Its board is comprised of citizens who have joined together to raise funds for new equipment, facility improvements, community educational programs, and the foundation’s endowment.

89 W. Mills St., Columbus 828-894-2693, Foundationslh.org

POLK

COUNTY CAMPUS ICC FOUNDATION, INC.

A non-profit organization incorporated in 1982 to raise, invest and endow funds for the Polk campus of Isothermal Community College. It is independent from the ICC Foundation in Spindale. It supports scholarship programs, including the Polk County New Century Scholars Fund and Howard Olson Financial Assistance Fund.

1255 W. Mills St., Columbus 828-395-1624, tharrill@isothermal.edu

POLK COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Since 1975, the Polk County Community Foundation has been dedicated to advancing philanthropy and improving the quality of life for all citizens in the community centered in and around Polk County, NC. The foundation receives charitable donations of all sizes from community members and then distributes grants to area nonprofits, awards scholarships to local students, manages endowment funds for

local nonprofits, and administers other funds tailored to the specific charitable wishes of individual donors.

255 S. Trade St., Tryon 828-859-5314, polkccf.org

SALUDA DOWNTOWN FOUNDATION, INC.

As a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, the SDF engages in activities related to and supportive of Saluda’s downtown area that serve the function of education, cultural development and exchange, historic preservation, development and support of the arts, conservation, beautification, lessening the burdens of government and combating community deterioration on behalf of the citizenry of Saluda and its environs. It also works to promote interest in the preservation, history, culture, architecture, and public use of Saluda’s downtown area, as well as to develop and promote constructive relationships between local government and private businesses and citizens.

6 E. Main Street, Saluda 828-772-1504, saluda.com/ saludadowntownfoundation-resources/

CIVIC CLUBS ORGANIZATIONS &

ADAWEHI WELLNESS VILLAGE

Adawehi is a thriving, intentional community built around health and wellness. Adawehi includes several residences, a conference center, an organic grocery store, greenhouses, holistic health practitioners, wellness classes, walking trails, and more. 828-2907523, 93 Adawehi Lane, Columbus, NC 28722, Adawehi.com.

AFS INTERCULTURAL PROGRAM USA / POLK COUNTY CHAPTER

Sponsors a high school foreign exchange program. AFS.org, PO Box 100, Tryon, NC 28782

AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE (ARES)

Voluntary organization of licensed radio amateurs who have registered their capabilities and equipment to provide communications as a public service to the community in the event of a disaster. 828-606-6922, polkcounty.org/ham

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

The BBBS mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth and help the children served to reach their full potential. 828-235-1470, bbbswnc.org

CAREGIVER CONNECTIONS

Caregiver Connections is an all-volunteer charitable organization that supports a growing group of individuals and family members who care for loved ones living with memory loss. 828-817-7395, caregiverconnectionswnc.com, support@ caregiverconnectionswnc.com

CHILDREN’S THEATER FESTIVAL

Also known as Super Saturday, the theater festival is a day-long

festival in March presenting high-quality performances in puppetry, drama, magic, music, mime, dance and storytelling. supersaturdayinfo@gmail.com 828-782-3080, tryonsupersaturday.com

COMMUNITY CHORUS

Singers from the surrounding area provide two concerts each year. Facebook: search Carolina Community Chorus.

DAFFY-JILLS GARDEN CLUB OF TRYON, NC

Maintains gardens at the Columbus Doughboy statue, the Tryon Post Office, and the pollinator garden at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. They also decorate the Polk County Library at Christmas. Daffy-Jills meets on the first Thursday of every month at 1:30 pm. Daffyjills.com, Facebook.com/daffyjillsgardenclub. DaffyJillsGardenClub@gmail.com

DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF POLK COUNTY

The Polk County Democratic Party believes in the ideals of our democracy and seeks to represent the political interests of Polk County Democrats, not only through direct political action, but also through community service. Executive Committee meets first Thursday at 7 p.m., Polk Democratic Women’s Club meets last Monday at 6:30 pm. 828-817-2999, 64 Ward St., Columbus. polkncdemocrats.org.

DOOR OF HOPE MINISTRY

Door of Hope Ministry, Inc. is a counseling ministry based in Columbus, NC, with a satellite office in Ephrata, PA. The ministry operates Hannah House, a place of rest, safety, and counsel for girls and women who have been wounded, abused, and broken. 1710 Lynn Rd., Columbus, 828-393-0019, Doorofhopeministry.com.

EQUESTRIAN TRAIL COALITION OF WESTERN NC

ETWC’s mission is to develop, preserve, and protect equestrian trails, promote trail stewardship, preserve nature’s beauty through land conservation, encourage camaraderie among equestrian enthusiasts and positively impact the region’s economy. Rachel Butterworth-Tice, 828-447-9600, greattrailsstatecoalition.org

EXTENSION COMMUNITY ASSOCIATES

Empower individuals and families to improve their quality of living through continuing education, leadership development and community service, as part of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. 828-894-8218. plgarner@ncsu. edu

FOOTHILLS ASSOCIATION OF MASTER GARDENERS

Partners with the community and the county extension service to conduct educational and training activities promoting gardening. Alumni members have completed the NC State Extension Service Master Garden Program, PO Box 187, 60 Gibson St., Columbus, NC 28722, polk.ces.ncsu.edu/extension-mastergardener-volunteers/

FOOTHILLS CHESS CLUB

Provides an opportunity for chess players of all ages and abilities to learn more about the game and play games in a relaxed setting with other chess players in the area. Players meet at the Polk County Library from 12:30 - 3:30 every Saturday, Doug Morris, 828-894-3336, dmorris3336@charter.net.

FOOTHILLS DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB

The Foothills Duplicate Bridge Club offers ACBL-sanctioned bridge games on Thursdays and Fridays at the Tryon Congregational Church, 210 Melrose Ave. Bridge lessons are occasionally available. For times and other information, contact Bill McCartha, matchcar4@gmail.com.

FOOTHILLS MUSIC CLUB

The purposes of the Foothills Music Club are to encourage

musicians in their art by providing opportunities to perform and improve their musicianship and to provide scholarships to young area musicians to support their musical endeavors. President Karen Killogh 828-859-5107

FOOTHILLS PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Welcomes individuals with Parkinson’s, caregivers, or those who have a loved one with Parkinson’s, serving all of Polk County and northern Spartanburg and Greenville counties. 864-404-8001

FRIENDS OF THE POLK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Friends of the Polk County Public Libraries is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Columbus and Saluda Libraries and its constituents by working within the Library’s current vision and mission to stimulate gifts such as donations of money, time, and books to the Library and promote local support and knowledge of the resources, services, facilities, and needs of The Library. Volunteers run the used book room in the library and proceeds from sales of used books, membership dues and donations are used to augment funding for programs, staff educational opportunities, and renovations. 1289 West Mills St., Columbus, friends@polklibrary.org, polklibrary.org.

GOSPEL EXPRESS MINISTRIES

The initial focus of Gospel Express was a prison and singing ministry and has expanded into a multi-faceted evangelistic and discipleship ministry throughout North America, with a variety of personnel and family ministry teams, and now includes international ministries in Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and India. 1710 Lynn Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-859-7003, gospelexpress.com.

GREATER GOWENSVILLE ASSOCIATION

Open to those interested in the past, present and future of the greater Gowensville community. The association sponsors a fall festival the second Saturday in November. Lynne Pfaff, 864-6800681.

GREEN BLADES GARDEN CLUB

Organized in 1952 and federated in 1958 with National Garden Clubs, the mission of the Green Blades Garden Club is learning through guest speakers and area excursions. 864-457-6160, facebook.com/greenbladesgardenclub

GREEN CREEK RURITAN CLUB

Ruritan is a civic service organization with the purpose of creating a better understanding between people and, through volunteer community service, making America’s communities a better place to live and work through fellowship, goodwill, and community service. Meets every third Tuesday at 7 at Green Creek Community Center cafeteria, Paul Stacy, 828-863-4304

GREEN RIVER WATERSHED ALLIANCE

Works to address the health of our waterways with initiatives that

promote clean water, responsible stewardship/management and sustainability of our most valuable natural resource. Sky Conard, 704-299-1424

GUARDIAN AD LITEM

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) advocate is a trained community volunteer who is appointed, along with a Guardian ad Litem attorney, by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children petitioned into the court system by the Department of Social Services. 828-6944215, 1347 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792. Facebook: NC Guardian ad Litem of Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania Counties

GUIDING REINS

Guiding Reins operates at several host farms in Upstate SC and Western NC, providing a variety of mental health wellness programs and retreats for veterans, first responders and their families utilizing the intuitive power of horses reducing the stigma of mental health challenges and suicidal ideations. Diane Prewitt, 864-457-3575, guidingreins.org, info@guidingreins.org

HOPE MINISTRY AT MIDWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

The purpose of Hope Ministry at Midway Baptist Church is to serve and support foster and adoptive families in our community. This includes hosting parents night out events and in the future a monthly support group. Hope Ministry serves and supports families in their journey of helping and loving vulnerable children. Jennifer Blomeley, 562-310-0029,2101 NC Hwy 108 E, Columbus, NC, jenblomeley@gmail.com

HOUSE OF FLAGS MUSEUM

Provides a unique venue dedicated to promoting patriotism, flag etiquette and historical understanding of our nation as told by our 300 flags, accomplished through a blend of unique historical exhibits, guided tours, educational programs and student activities. Open Thursday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is always free. Robert Williamson, 828-894-5640, 33 Gibson St., Columbus, NC, flagmuseum@ gmail.com, houseofflags.org.

KIWANIS CLUB OF TRYON

The Kiwanis Club of Tryon is a service organization that was founded in 1927. As a charter member of Kiwanis International, our primary purpose is to improve the quality of life for children and families. Some ways we do this are by presenting dictionaries to Polk County third graders, awarding scholarships to graduating seniors, donating new clothing to the elementary schools, and making monetary donations to organizations that support families. Meets at the Tryon Depot every Wednesday at 12 noon. Linda Brenner, lndbrenner@gmail.com, tryonkiwanisclub.com, Facebook: Kiwanis Club of Tryon

LANDRUM GARDEN CLUB

Strives to stimulate interest in gardening and, through

cooperation with other organizations, to aid in the protection and conservation of natural resources, to undertake programs of beautification in the community and to encourage the improvement of roadsides and parks. Mary Jane Giles, hrjgiles@ aol.com.

LANDRUM QUILTERS

The Landrum Quilters meet at the Gowensville Community Center on the second Thursday at 10 a.m. A bee takes place on the fourth Monday at 9:30 a.m. Visitors are welcome. The club’s purpose is to promote an interest in the heritage art of quilting. The club sponsors a quilt show in the spring/summer and an Airing of the Quilts. Landrumquilters.com.

LANIER LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

One of only 16 membership libraries in the country. Established in 1890, it is the oldest civic organization in Tryon and new members are always welcome. Programs are held throughout the year and most are open to the public free of charge: 72 Chestnut St., Tryon, 828-859-9535, thelanierlibrary.org.

LIONS CLUB OF LANDRUM

Organized in 1959 to aid the visually impaired and handicapped. Serves Landrum, Campobello, Gowensville, New Prospect and surrounding areas in S.C. Provides financial help to local school districts for drug and alcohol prevention programs. PDG Bob Walker Landrum Lions Club PO Box 367 Landrum, SC 29356. 864-457-3328, 864-590-0409, bwalker@landrumins.com

MASONIC LODGE #278 A.F.M. (LANDRUM)

A fraternal organization that holds meetings on the second Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and falls under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina. Officers are elected in November. Michael Collins, 864-4573115, 8264-230-9806, mc3115@aol.com, 200 N. Shamrock Ave., Landrum, SC 29356.

MASONIC LODGE #482, POLK COUNTY UNITY

Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday. Meal served at 6:30, meeting at 7:30. 622 Ozone Dr., Saluda, NC, Jim Steckel, jrsteckel@gmail.com

NC RETIRED SCHOOL PERSONNEL - POLK COUNTY CHAPTER

Meets the second Monday in September, November, January, March, May and July. Promotes social, economic and professional status of members, provides opportunities for continued learning and works toward solution of common problems. Retired school personnel from any state may join. Judy Banks, jbchinook55@gmail.com, ncrsp.org.

OPERATION HOPE

A cooperative ministry of churches in the Greater Landrum area providing emergency assistance in the areas of utility, medication, clothing and non-perishable foods. 108 W. Rutherford St.,

Landrum, SC 29356, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., 864-457-1005. Thrift Store: 206 E. Rutherford Street, Landrum, SC 29356, Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., 864-457-2812.

PEA RIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER

Established in the late 1950s to support community involvement and growth. 207 Big Level Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756. Daryl Hardin, 828-894-8376, wdarylhardin@gmail.com

PEARSON’S FALLS

A wildlife and bird sanctuary comprised of 268 acres of native forest, granite, spring-fed streams and a moderate 1/4 mile trail to a 90 ft. waterfall, with over 200 species of rare wildflowers and plants, mosses, lichens, shrubs and trees. Owned and maintained by The Tryon Garden Club. 2748 Pearson Falls Road, Saluda. Pearsonsfalls.org.

PISGAH CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED

Chartered in 1969, serves Polk, Henderson and Transylvania counties with the mission to “conserve, protect and restore cold-water fisheries and their watersheds.” Supports Troutin-the-Classroom programs, and contributes to Rivercourse Conservation and Fly-Fishing Youth Camp. pisgahtu.org

POLK BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

The PBA consists of 24 churches and a Spanish mission. Our mission statement is “Helping Churches Grow Together and Accomplish Their Mission.” Office hours are 8 a.m.-12 p.m, 828-894-3787.

POLK COUNTY BEEKEEPERS

Support local beekeepers in Polk County with education and information. Monthly meetings February-September, third Thursday of the month, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., David Smith, d.smith.7363@gmail.com, 828-275-2873.

POLK COUNTY 4-H YOUTH ORGANIZATION

In 4-H you can go to camp, start a business, ride in a bike rodeo, take part in an international exchange, raise an animal, create a blog, participate in community service, develop your resume, learn about healthy eating and build lifelong friendships. For youth ages 5-19. Helen Blackwell, 828894-8218, helen_clark@ncsu.edu

POLK COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Preserves Polk County’s heritage, offers first-hand experiences with events, documents, people and artifacts, sponsors free programs with guest speakers. Museum is open Thursday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admsision is always free. 33 Gibson St., Columbus. 828-894-3351, polknchistory.org

POLK COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY

The mission is to help elect politicians committed to the principles upon which this republic was founded by educating voters about current issues, the U.S. Constitution, the timeless conservative principles of limited government, strong family

values and personal responsibility. Meetings are held the second Thursday at 6 p.m., 33 S. Peak St., Columbus, NC 28722, 828802-1158, polk.nc.gop

POLK VOCATIONAL SERVICES

PVS provides rehabilitation, development and employment services to adults with barriers to employment. Offers vocational assessment and job placement services. 451 State Rd 1556, Columbus, NC 28722, 828-894-3041, polkvocational.com

QUESTERS THERMAL BELT CHAPTER #1408

Study group to appreciate antiques, encourage preservation, promote education in the fields of historical preservation and restoration. Betsy Miner, 864-457-3016, questers1944.org.

ROTARY CLUB OF TRYON

A service club with the motto “service above self” shared by 1.2 million Rotarians around the world. In recent years through the RCOT Foundation, the club has awarded over $60,000 a year in local and international grants and scholarships. Tryon Presbyterian Church, 430 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon, NC 28782. rotarycluboftryon.com.

SALUDA GARDEN CLUB

Meets the third Monday of every month for programs, education, and resources for garden lover from March to Nov ( Call for more info ). Except for special events and outings,

meetings start at 10 a.m. The club’s purpose is the beautification and improvement of Saluda and its surroundings. Special emphasis is given to the landscaping, annual plantings and care of our historic Spring Park. Susan Cannon, 828-749-3852.

SALUDA MOUNTAIN DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB

The Saluda Mountain Duplicate Bridge Club offers ACBLsanctioned bridge games on Monday afternoons at the Senior Center, 64 Greenville St., Saluda. For information, contact Laura Spinks, ldspinks2243@gmail.com.

SCORE OF POLK COUNTY

Polk County’s premier service of free and confidential small business mentoring and workshops. Our mentoring volunteers have years of experience in multiple business disciplines to offer our clients. 828693-8702, scorepolkcounty@gmail.com, score.org/westernnc

SECOND WIND HALL OF FAME

The mission of Second Wind is to identify those outstanding volunteers who contribute so much to the quality of life in our community, and to provide recognition of retirees sixty years and over who have had a useful and productive life continuing beyond retirement, while others paused to rest. They caught a 'second wind' and began a new career of service to the community and to mankind. Carol Browning, 864-580-1000, PO Box 711, Tryon, NC, carolbrowning72@gmail.com

THERMAL BELT AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

The Thermal Belt Amateur Radio Club provides emergency radio communications for Polk County and the Landrum area when called for by the American Red Cross and or the Polk County Emergency Management. The club holds a NET every Monday Night at 7:30 pm on the TBARC Repeater-145.330 (-600) PL 91.5. This NET is open to all radio amateurs within the repeater's coverage area. To contact the TBARC: Robin Michael, KV4AL, P.O. Box. 1016, Tryon NC, 28782, 828-817-0467, polkcounty.org/ham

THERMAL BELT FRIENDSHIP COUNCIL

The Council promotes stronger relationships and inclusion in Polk County through social activities that bring diverse groups together. Activities include monthly meetings, occasional potluck dinners, Christmas caroling, monthly group luncheons (dutch treat) at local restaurants, an annual community picnic, and annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Meetings are at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday at Roseland Center, September through June. Donna Tatnall, dtatnall@yahoo.com, PO Box 414, Lynn, NC 28750.

THERMAL BELT STAMP CLUB

Open to stamp collectors of all ages and interests. Meets the first and third Monday of the month at HomeTrust Bank in Columbus at 7:30 p.m. to learn about philately and to trade stamps. William Anderson, 865 Warrior Dr., Tryon, NC 28722, PO Box 16, Lynn, NC 28750.

TRYON GARDEN CLUB

Established in 1928, the garden club develops and conducts educational programs, and members are committed to contributing to the beautification of Tryon. The club owns and maintains the 268-acre Pearson’s Falls in Saluda. The club meets the third Wednesday. PO Box 245, Tryon, NC 28782, 828749-3031, pearsonsfalls.org

TRYON PARKS COMMITTEE

Promotes the use and maintenance of the town’s ten park areas. John Vining, 828-859-6534, 301 North Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782.

TUBA CHRISTMAS

Held on the first Saturday of December, Tuba Christmas at Polk County High School is filled with more than 60 brass instruments, tubas, and euphoniums. Players come from WNC and beyond to perform this free concert, 828-894-0197, tubachristmas.com.

WESTERN CAROLINA CLASSIC RADIO CLUB

WCCR meets on the third Monday at 2 p.m. at Isothermal Community College Polk Campus in Columbus to listen to old-time radio shows aired during the golden age of radio. PO Box 311, Lynn, NC 28750. Bob Reynolds, 828-859-9388

Did we miss your organization and you’d like to be included next year? Do you need to make changes to your current listing? If so, please email us at news@tryondailybulletin.

TRYON

Member Exhibits eight shows per year

2nd Saturday art demonstrations

4th Friday open until 7 p.m.

EDUCATION

POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS

Polk Central Elementary Grades PreK-5

Adam Giles, Principal 2141 S. NC Hwy. 9, Mill Spring, NC 28756 828-894-8233

www.polkschools.org/pcs

Saluda Elementary School Grades PreK-5

Erika Stronach, Principal 214 E Main St, Saluda, NC 28773 (828) 894-1040 www.polkschools.org/sal

Sunny View Elementary School Grades PreK-5

Preston Allen, Principal 86 Sunny View School Rd, Mill Spring, NC 28756 (828) 894-1050

www.polkschools.org/sve

Tryon Elementary School Grades PreK-5

Dr. John Mauldin, Principal 100 School Pl, Tryon, NC 28782 (828) 859-6584 www.polkschools.org/tes

Polk County Middle School

Adam Dedmon, Principal Tony McMinn, Assistant Principal 321 Wolverine Trail Mill Spring, NC 28756 (828) 894-2215 www.polkschools.org/pcms

Stearns Education Center District Administration

Todd Murphy, Superintendent PO Box 638 125 East Mills Street, Columbus, NC 28722, (828) 894-3051 www.polkschools.org

Polk County Early College Grades 9-13

Dr. Kim McMinn, Director 1545 E. N.C. Hwy. 108, Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-2698

http://www.polkschools.org/pcec

Polk County High School Grades 9-12

Michelle Bean, Principal 1681 E. NC Hwy. 108, Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-2525

www.polkschools.org/pchs

Polk County Schools

Todd Murphy, Superintendent 125 East Mills Street Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-3051, www.polkschools.org

www.polkschools.org | www.polkstudents.com | www.polksports.com

POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS

Doing What’s Right For Students

Polk County Board of Education

RELATIONSHIPS: Polk County’s teachers work diligently to develop meaningful relationships with their students. These strong relationships allow teachers to know, understand and meet the needs of the students they serve.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS: Polk County Schools is consistently ranked among the highestperforming school districts in North Carolina. The Polk County Board of Education and hundreds of educators strive to provide high-quality educational experiences for young people, affording them the tools they need for future success.

COMMUNITY: Polk County Schools receives substantial support from the Polk County community. Families, local government, businesses, and philanthropic organizations partner with our staff and schools to ensure students are afforded opportunities to learn and grow in the classroom and beyond.

WHAT MAKES POLK COUNTY UNIQUE

Polk County Schools is often asked, “What are your teachers doing that allows your students to perform so well year after year?” Other school systems want to know what magic we have that they can replicate in their schools. Unfortunately for the other school systems, the answer isn’t an easy one. If they want their students to perform like students in Polk County, all they need to do is replicate the strong community support our students receive.

For students in Polk County, a supportive community comes in many different forms. We have strong and consistent leadership from our School Board and Superintendent. These leaders can focus on providing the best learning opportunities for our students because our parents and other community members trust them to make the best decisions possible for our students. Polk County’s Board of Commissioners also understands that additional funding is necessary to support a vibrant and innovative school system where students have opportunities well beyond the classroom.

With this framework in place, our schools can focus on the needs of their students. The staff of Polk County Schools understands our singular focus, “Doing What’s Right For Students.” When new teachers and principals come to Polk County, they sometimes take a while to fully understand how different our schools truly are from our neighbors. Every school system talks about focusing on students, but the schools in Polk County fully integrate this idea into everything we do. We explain to new employees that we hired them because they were the best person we could find to enrich the lives of our students. It is each teacher’s responsibility to form a meaningful relationship with their students to help each student reach his/her potential. Polk County Schools understands that the best instructional decisions are made in the classroom in the hands of caring and experienced professionals.

SUMMER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Summer learning programs, funded by the Polk County Community Foundation, provide students with week-long enrichment experiences designed to challenge learners from different schools and academic areas. Students engage in hands-on projects across a variety of locations throughout the county. These programs encourage creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and real-world application of skills while allowing students to explore new interests in an engaging academic setting.

Recent offerings include:

Computer Science with Sphero Robotics – Students explore basic computer science concepts and robotic programming through interactive challenges that emphasize problem-solving and teamwork.

3D Printing & Design with TinkerCad – Students learn the fundamentals of 3D modeling and printing while designing and creating their own original 3D objects.

POLK COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The support of our students goes beyond the schools. The Polk County Community Foundation is a major partner in many things our students and teachers do each day. Generous funding from the Foundation is focused on two areas: programs for students and opportunities to train teachers. For students, the Foundation pays 100 percent of the student fees for participating in the Polk County High School Band and funds the AIG Summer Seminars. For teachers, the Foundation recently sponsored sending school counselors to the NC School Counselors Conference; allowed school nurses to attend the National School Nurse Virtual Conference; provided Slater funding for educational travel opportunities for teachers; and awarded Adults Going Back to School scholarships to Polk County Schools employees pursuing advanced degrees.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

Polk County Schools operates a preschool program at each of its four elementary schools, offering students in our community the opportunity to attend a high-quality early childhood program. The program targets the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of the children to ready them for school. Services are available through funding from Head Start, NC-PreK, Exceptional Children, Title I, and support from Polk County’s Commissioners.

Mystery, Danger, and Heroism – A mission-based experience where students solve problems using science, engineering, and critical thinking while strengthening collaboration and communication skills.

Creative Cultivators – An interdisciplinary experience blending baking, gardening, art, and science through hands-on, food-centered daily themes.

Drones: Learn to Fly – Students learn drone safety, mechanics, and navigation while practicing flight skills and flying through obstacle courses.

So You Want to Write a Novel (or Screenplay…or Podcast…) – Aspiring writers develop voice, character, and plot through creative exercises, analysis of mentor texts, and collaborative workshops.

Crime Buster: A Deep Dive into Forensic Science – Students investigate mock crime scenes while learning forensic techniques such as fingerprinting, chromatography, and DNA analysis.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

With 21st Century Grant Funding and assistance from the Polk County Board of Commissioners, Polk County Schools is pleased to be able to offer the PEAK After School program. PEAK After School serves students in PK-12th grade in all four elementary schools, Polk County Middle School and Polk County High School, running daily from 3-6 p.m. During After School, students have opportunities to receive help with school work and homework; participate in STEM, literacy, and social-emotional enrichment opportunities; and enjoy fun games and activities.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Along with the strong academic course load available to students at Polk County High School, the school also provides a strong Career & Technical Education program. The students can participate in career training in fields such as Agriculture, Health Science, Construction, Business & Marketing, Hospitality, and Family & Consumer Science.

When students complete a focused study in one or more of the career areas, they are successfully passing industry certification exams in Health Care, Construction, Office productivity, and Food Service. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at Polk County High provide students with the skills needed to obtain jobs right out of high school while providing other students with the practical skills needed to continue their postsecondary education.

PCHS students in career training classes regularly compete and win regional and state competitions. Due to their success at regional and state competitions, students in PCHS agriculture classes have attended national poultry judging, land judging, tractor driving, and Future Farmers of America (FFA) competitions. Students in PCHS construction classes have improved school campuses by building sidewalks, picnic shelters, and outdoor classrooms. These same students have completed three houses that will be used as supportive housing for Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry clients. This is an example of Polk County High School students giving back to the community that has supported them throughout their school careers.

ISOTHERMAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE PARTNERSHIP

Polk County Schools partners with Isothermal Community College to offer college-level courses to high school students. Through the “dual enrollment” process, high school students can engage in college coursework while also receiving credits towards their high school diploma. Students taking advantage of this opportunity can graduate from high school in our school system with as many as 30 or more college credit hours that are immediately transferable to a traditional four-year university of their choice.

This partnership is not just beneficial for students seeking to go to four-year universities, but also to students seeking certifications or associate degrees for entry into trade fields. Community College courses in high-demand fields like welding are immediately accessible to our high school students and many have gone on to take advantage of apprenticeship programs in various trades as a result of their studies.

ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Polk County Middle School and Polk County High Schools sponsor male and female athletic teams for students in grades 6-12. Through these sports, students learn about the importance of committing the time and effort necessary to reach personal goals. As a part of a team, athletes learn to work together and rely on input from everyone to reach team goals.

GETTING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Ensuring that our students have excellent reading and math instruction is essential, but this doesn’t mean our students spend all of their time inside the classroom. Polk County teachers know that the best way for some students to learn is by moving and experiencing the content. Through the support of partners such as FENCE and Muddy Sneakers, our elementary students have opportunities to learn in the forests surrounding our schools. At the middle and high school levels, students have opportunities to work on STEM and construction projects or learn about agriculture and horticulture on the high school farm.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY DISTRICT ONE/LANDRUM AREA SCHOOLS

Spartanburg District One Board of Education Trustees are: Wanda McDowell (Chairman), Barbara Hopper (Vice-Chairman), Gene Vanderford (Secretary), Billy Cothran, Trey Gramling, David Green, Brad Johnson, Mark Rollins, and Steve Skinner

The superintendent of District One is Mark S. Smith, Ed.D.

Regular meetings of the board of trustees are generally held on the second Monday of the month. Unless otherwise stated, the meetings are held at the District One Schools Administrative Office, 121 Wheeler St., Campobello, SC. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. Administrative staff can be reached at 864-472-2846.

LANDRUM HIGH SCHOOL

Grades 9-12

Kegan Flynn, Principal

Amanda Derrick & David Kirkland, Assistant Principals

18818 Asheville Hwy, Landrum, SC 29356

864-457-2606, Fax: 864-468-4004

spart1.org/o/lhs

LANDRUM MIDDLE SCHOOL

Grades 6-8

Dr. Amy W. Walker, Principal 104 Redland Rd., Landrum, SC 29356

864-457-2629, Fax: 864-457-5372

spart1.org/o/lms

CAMPOBELLO-GRAMLING SCHOOL

Grades K - 8

Jeremy Darby, Principal Graham Batson, Assistant Principal 250 Fagan Ave., Campobello, SC 29322 864-472-9110, Fax: 864-468-4210

spart1.org/o/cgs

O.P. EARLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Grades K – 5

Ashley Foster, Principal; 100 Redland Rd., Landrum, SC 29356 864-457-3416, Fax: 864-457-3913

spart1.org/o/opee

OTHER EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS

CHARTER SCHOOLS

LAKE LURE CLASSICAL ACADEMY

Celebrating its 16th year, Lake Lure Classical Academy is a kindergarten through 12th-grade tuition-free public charter school that is open to all North Carolina students. Offers free bus transportation. Over 500 students attend from across four counties. LLCA incorporates an engaging Core Knowledge curriculum that adheres to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in language arts, history, geography, mathematics, science, and fine arts.

The high school program offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum leading to a high school diploma. Students may also choose to participate in the College and Career Promise, enabling them to take classes through Isothermal Community College (ICC).

In addition to a high school diploma, students may also earn an Associate of Arts or Science Degree. There are also opportunities for students to earn certificates in courses such as computer science, welding, and machining through our partnership with ICC. LLCA also has a robust performing arts program and a comprehensive athletics program.

1058 Island Creek Rd., Lake Lure, NC 28746

828-625-9292, llcharter.org

THOMAS JEFFERSON CLASSICAL ACADEMY

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy is a public charter school in Rutherford County. For over 20 years, we have been a college preparatory school option for our community, using the classical model of education. This model follows the Trivium, the three natural stages of human development involving Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric.

At TJCA, our goal is not just to impart knowledge to our students but to equip them to think and learn for themselves for the rest of their lives. The Trivium does this by grounding students early on with the Grammar stage. During the elementary school years and into middle school, students use observation and memorization to master basic facts dealing with history, literature, art, science, and mathematics.

They are then ready for the Logic stage, starting in middle school and progressing into high school. Through the Socratic method, students build the skills of discursive reasoning, learning to form and defend sound arguments.

In the Rhetoric stage (high school), students develop the ability to communicate persuasively. They express the knowledge and logic they have acquired through public speaking, culminating in a senior thesis presentation and defense. These three steps build on each other to produce well-rounded, thoughtful students who understand the purpose of education and are ready to learn on their own.

Beyond academics, we offer an arts program for our many musicians, actors, and painters, and we have plenty of athletic opportunities ranging from football and soccer to basketball and tennis.

Grammar School: 1110 South Broadway, Forest City, NC 28043, 828-245-9526

Middle School: 2527 US 221A HWY, Mooresboro, NC 28114, 828-282-2170

High School: 2527 US 221A HWY, Mooresboro, NC 28114, 828-657-9998 tjca.org

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

LANDRUM FIRST BAPTIST WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL

A ministry of the church, the weekday preschool provides education for ages two through four, as well as Toddler Time, a supportive ministry to families with toddlers. We strive to provide a quality program where teachers plan activities to meet the physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual needs of each child.

300 E. Rutherford St., Landrum, 864-457-4448, fbclandrum.com/kids-ministry

TRYON SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST SCHOOL

Offers education of the “whole person,” grades K-8. The home, school, church and community participate in the procedure of education, which also blends into the basic message and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

2820 Lynn Rd., Tryon, NC 28782

828-859-6889; tryonadventistschool.org

HOME SCHOOL

HOME SCHOOLING

For more information about home schools, curriculum, testing, requirements and recommendations, call 984-236-0110 or visit ncadmin.nc.gov/public/home-schoolinformation.

HIGHER EDUCATION

ISOTHERMAL COMMUNITY

COLLEGE, POLK CENTER

Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult High School (AHS) and General Educational Development (GED). English Second Language (ESL) is available free of charge for adults. Provides continuing education opportunities for adults who desire to upgrade their capabilities for professional success or to enrich their personal lives.

1255 W. Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-3092, isothermal.edu/ continuing-education/polk-center

Lake Lure Classical Academy Lake Lure Classical Academy

Celebrating its 16th year, Lake Lure

Classical Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving K-12 students.

Outdoor

Outdoor

Exploration

Exploration

Classical Education

Classical Education

Lifelong

Learning

Lifelong Learning

Nestled among the beautiful mountains of Lake Lure, NC, LLCA is a school of choice for families who want both a nurturing and challenging learning environment for their children.

LLCA has bus stops located throughout Rutherford, Polk, and Henderson Counties.

With small class sizes and tutoring for all grade levels, students are supported throughout the school year.

LLCA offers sports for students in 6th-12th graders and cheer for 3rd-12th graders, as well as extracurricular clubs and activities for all grade levels.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

POLICE/SHERIFF DEPARTMENTS

CAMPOBELLO POLICE DEPARTMENT

864-468-4545

Police Chief William C. McNeill townofcampobellosc. com/police-department

COLUMBUS POLICE DEPARTMENT

828-894-5464

Police Chief Scott Hamby

GREENVILLE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

864-271-5210

Sheriff Hobart Lewis gcso.org

FIRE DEPARTMENTS

CAMPOBELLO FIRE DEPARTMENT

864-468-4921

Fire Chief Brandon McNeill

townofcampobellosc.com/ fire-department

COLUMBUS FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT

828-894-3667

Fire Chief Bobby Arledge

SALUDA POLICE DEPARTMENT

828-749-2691

Police Chief Clay Price

SPARTANBURG

COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

864-503-4500

Sheriff Bill Rhyne spartanburgsheriff.org

LANDRUM POLICE DEPARTMENT

864-457-7281

Police Chief Levi Bouwkamp cityoflandrumsc.com/ police-dept

GLASSY MOUNTAIN

FIRE DEPARTMENT

864-895-4306

Fire Chief Robert J. Staples gmfd.net

GREEN CREEK VOLUNTEER FIRE RESCUE

828-863-2100

Fire Chief Jeremy Gregg greencreekfire.org

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

LANDRUM RESCUE & EMS

864-457-5968

POLK COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

828-894-3067

Director Michael Crater

Emergency services in the Thermal Belt are provided by both paid and volunteer staff. All are highly trained, fully equipped and committed to high standards. All areas include 911 services for emergencies. Phone numbers listed below are for non-emergency situations.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

828-894-3001

Sheriff Tim Wright polksheriffnc.com

MILL SPRING FIRE DEPARTMENT

828 894-2454

Fire Chief Roger Roberts

SALUDA FIRE AND RESCUE

828-749-9816

Fire Chief Robert Dellinger saludafire.org

POLK COUNTY FIRST RESPONDERS

828-894-3067

TRYON POLICE DEPARTMENT

828-859-9195

Police Chief Scott Holt tryon-nc.com/services/ police-department

LANDRUM AREA FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT

864-457-3101

Fire Chief Warren Ashmore landrumfire.com

TRYON FIRE DEPARTMENT

828-859-9335 or 859-9566

Fire Chief Josh Connell tryon-nc.com/services/ fire-department/

POLK COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD

828-894-2323 facebook.com/PolkNCRescue

Lake Lanier residents should call 911 for emergencies and will be assisted by the appropriate rescue agency.

ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION & BEAUTIFICATION

CONSERVING CAROLINA

Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC) and Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) have consolidated into the organization now known as Conserving Carolina. The neighboring land conservancies have the common mission of permanently conserving, caring for, and connecting people to our most treasured places.

In North Carolina, their region includes Polk, Henderson, and Transylvania counties and parts of Rutherford and other surrounding counties. In South Carolina, they serve the Landrum area, including parts of Greenville and Spartanburg Counties. Highlights from almost 30 years protecting land and water include protecting over 47,000 acres; playing a key role in creating public lands such as Chimney Rock State Park, as well as additions to the Green River Game Lands; creating numerous preserves and trails; holding over 200 conservation easements; helping to remove invasive plants, restore wildlife habitat, and protect streams and wetlands; helping to create multiple preserves for research and education, which host public events, school groups, college classes, and field researchers; supporting free speaker series on environmental and naturalist topics at Walnut Creek Preserve and Landrum Library; and leading AmeriCorps Project Conserve, which places around 25 AmeriCorps members at 13 environmental organizations throughout Western North Carolina each year. 847 Case St., Hendersonville, NC 828-697-5777

ConservingCarolina.org

SALUDA COMMUNITY LAND TRUST

SCLT was formed by a number of residents in the Saluda area in 2007 and is

now a 501(c)3 organization with the mission of preserving Saluda’s rural character by preserving farm and forest land in and around Saluda.

Since its existence, SCLT has created eight nature parks open to the public (Little Park, Judd’s Peak/Nature Park, Bradley Nature Preserve, Twin Lakes, Round Mountain, Moonshine Park, Henry's Nature Center and the Missing 40), made possible through support from both private citizens, grants, foundations, and many dedicated volunteers.

SCLT’s ongoing projects have been focused on helping local citizens with land-related problems. These projects include a hemlock recycling program, kudzu control, forest management, botanical studies, conservation easements, stream stabilization, a community garden and a public dog park.

PO Box 732, Saluda, NC 28773

828-749-1560

Saludaclt.org

UPSTATE FOREVER

Upstate Forever is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects critical lands, waters, and the unique character of the Upstate of South Carolina. The organization focuses their work on the ten counties of Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg and Union. Since 1998, they have worked to protect the natural assets that make the Upstate so special: farmlands, forests, natural areas, rivers, and mountains. They are committed to ensuring that communities are vibrant and retain their green spaces, outdoor heritage, and unique identities in the face of rapid development and significant sprawl. They work in the areas of land conservation and conservation easements, clean water, land planning and policy, watershed protection. Recently, Upstate Forever announced plans to work with other nonprofits to develop the Saluda Grade Rail Trail. Upstate Forever has offices in Greenville and Spartanburg. 900 S Pine St, Ste 1B Spartanburg, SC 29302 864-327-0090

UpstateForever.org

POLK COUNTY APPEARANCE COMMISSION

The Appearance Commission is an all-volunteer body serving in an advisory role, providing guidance and leadership in matters of community appearance. This Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Womack Building EOC Conference Room at 5 pm. The commission’s mission is to preserve and enhance the appearance of Polk County by advising and implementing programs of general community beautification. 828-894-3301

Beautifulfoothills.org

EQUESTRIAN TRADITION

BOARDING & TRAINING BARNS

Block House Sport Horses/Finally Farm

999 Carriage Rd., Columbus, NC 828-497-2976, kellykocher.com

Brights Creek Equestrian Center

2222 Palmer Rd., Mill Spring, NC 828-694-4500, brightscreekclub.com

Cherokee Hill Farm

460 Cherokee Hill Lane, Tryon, NC 828-859-9990, cherokeehillfarm. com

Chosenbrook Show Stables

4386 Coxe Rd., Tryon, NC 818-726-2497, chosenbrook.com

Clear View Farm

105 Smith Rd., Landrum, SC 864-895-7845, clearviewfarmlandrum.com

Fair Winds Farm

169 Fair Winds Dr., Tryon, NC 828-817-0896

Freedom Hill Farm & Rescue

311 Mize Nursery Lane, Columbus, NC 203-321-6178

Haven Hill Equestrian Center 4386 Coxe Rd., Tryon, NC 678-327-7001

KS Sporthorses

2600 Fox Mountain Rd., Columbus, NC 828-817-6774, kssporthorses.com

Marydell Farm

855 Phillips Rd., Columbus, NC 828-863-2145, marydellfarmsnc.com

Mendoza Dressage

1081 Phillips Rd., Columbus, NC 301-801-9353, mendozadressage.com

Misty Mountain

493 Hickory Grove Church Rd., Columbus, NC 239-850-9900

Renovatio Farms

1807 John Shehan Rd., Tryon, NC 864-325-5684, renovatiofarm.com

Rolling Hills Show Stables

7900 Hwy. 9 South, Columbus, NC 828-863-1311, rollinghillsshowstables.com

Serenity Acres

501 Stirrup Downs Lane, Columbus, NC 828-863-4748, serenityacresnc. com

Shiflet Stables 1588 McEntire Rd., Tryon, NC 828-863-2790

Sisterhood Stables

613 Old Hwy. 19, Columbus, NC 828-585-1220, sisterhoodstables. com

Smokey Hollow Farm Tryon, NC/Landrum, SC 828-337-8350, smokeyhollowriding.com

Spring Valley Farm

4160 Hunting Country Rd, Landrum, SC 29356 515-231-9875

Still Creek Farm

4290 Collinsville Rd., Columbus, NC 828-894-0176, stillcreekfarmnc. com

Stone’s Throw Farm Dressage Landrum, SC 864-266-3828, stonesthrowfarmdressage.com

Stout Stables

920 Preservation Trail, Columbus, NC 828-676-4723

Susan Hancock Dressage, LLC

435 Landrum Rd., Columbus, NC 541-231-9438

Team Tate Dressage

226B Pleasant Hill Rd., Landrum, SC

803-597-1405, teamtatedressage.com

Winding Creek Stables 13 Blockhouse Rd., Tryon, NC 828-337-2250

EMERGENCY RESCUE

Foothills Equine Rescue Assistance (FERA)

828-863-4924 or 864-3993473 ferancsc.org

Polk Equine Emergency Rescue (PEER)

828-817-0422, peernc.org

Polk County Sheriff’s Office – Animal Control/Animal Cruelty

828-894-3001, 828-894-0187

EQUESTRIAN CLUBS, ORGANIZATIONS & NONPROFITS

Blue Ridge Hunter Jumper Association

The objective of BRHJA is to create, stimulate and maintain interest in regional horse shows; to promote cooperation between horse shows and exhibitors; to help improve the caliber of regional shows; to maintain proper records in connection with the sport for the use of its members; to arbitrate disputes between management, exhibitors and/or judges; and to assist in the settlement of conflicts of show dates. PO Box 752, Tryon, NC 28782

828-894-5674, brhja.com

Carolina Carriage Club

The purpose of the Club is to encourage and promote the sport of carriage driving through education, participation, and the practice of safety. We strive to make everyone, members and equine partners, feel welcome and safe by offering encouragement and support to the beginning and advanced driver. We support a variety of clinics, pleasure drives, educational meetings and volunteer opportunities in the community. 864-923-6160, carolinacarriageclub.com

Collinsville Equestrian Trail Association (CETA)

CETA is an equestrian trail system traversing thousands of acres centered around the old Collinsville Farm District. CETA is a family-oriented neighborhood trail-riding organization. Membership is open to landowners in

the Collinsville area or their tenants and limited to 3 boarders per farm. cetatrails.com

The Equine Journey

A non-profit that seeks to provide equine opportunities to those who would otherwise not be able to experience barn life.

10 Fair Winds Dr., Tryon, NC 828-817-9750, theequinejourney.com

Equestrian Trail Coalition of Western NC

ETWC’s mission is to develop, preserve, and protect equestrian trails, promote trail stewardship, preserve nature’s beauty through land conservation, encourage camaraderie among equestrian enthusiasts and positively impact the region’s economy.

Rachel Butterworth-Tice, 828-447-9600

Foothills Equestrian Trails Association (FETA)

Estimated at approximately 125-150 miles, FETA is dedicated to the preservation of the historic equestrian trail system in and around Hunting Country in Polk County. Many of these trails date back to the 1920s, when people began coming to Tryon from all over the country to fox hunt and enjoy the beautiful area and sporting life. fetatrails.org

Foothills Riding Club

The Foothills Riding Club is organized for the purpose of promoting understanding and enjoyment of equestrian activities, particularly dressage and combined training, through sponsorship of educational and recreational activities such as presentations, clinics, schooling shows, and other mounted programs. PO Box 637, Landrum, SC foothillsridingclub.org

Goodwin Hounds

A traditional Foxhunt in the CarolinasMaster of Fox Hounds Tot Goodwin 60 Mountain Range Rd., Mill Spring, NC

828-817-2121, Facebook: Goodwin Hounds

Green Creek Hounds

Founded in 1988 and formally accepted by the MFHA in 1990. The territory consists of varied terrain in the North Carolina foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, and typical quarry consists of red and gray fox, bobcat, and coyote. Three fields can accommodate any skill of rider, and many types of coop, log, and stone jumps are scattered throughout the territory. Typical hunting season runs September through February, but mounted trail rides are organized in the off-season for conditioning and hound training, and many non-mounted and social activities take place year-round. 420 Elder Rd., Chesnee, SC 29323 828-863-2753

Greencreekhounds.com

Guiding Reins

Equine-assisted wellness for veterans, military, front-line workers and first responders. 864-457-3575, guidingreins.org

Helping Equines Regain Dignity (HERD)

A non-profit equine rescue group that saves equines from dire conditions and in many cases slaughter. HERD volunteers have rescued, vetted, fed, trained, and given these equines a second chance at life. herdrescue.org.

Long Ear Rescue

Advocating love and respect for donkeys and mules through education, care, and rescue. 864-414-2469, longearrescue.com.

North Carolina Horse Council

The council exists to represent and further the common interest of the entire equine industry of North Carolina; composed of volunteer individuals and groups from all breeds and types of horse activities; amateurs and professionals, horse hobbyist, commercial producers, local riding clubs, and larger corporations. 919-854-1990, nchorsecouncil.com

Polk Equine Emergency Rescue (PEER)

PEER is a non-profit devoted to large animal rescue in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. 828-817-0422, peernc.org.

River Valley Pony Club

River Valley Pony Club was founded in 1992 and is a local affiliate of the Carolina Region of the United States Pony Club. We educate riders from Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. Activities include monthly mounted and unmounted meetings, regional and national competitions, winter horse management study groups, clinics, fox hunting, trail riding, cross country schooling, summer/winter camps, and fun social activities. rivervalleypc.com.

The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run

The mission is to rescue abused, neglected or at risk equines and other animals, offering rehabilitation and permanent placement including lifelong sanctuary.

385 Blackwood Rd., Columbus, NC 828-863-2017, redbellrun.org

Therapeutic Riding of Tryon (TROT)

TROT provides equine-assisted activities to adults and children with physical, developmental, and cognitive disabilities in a safe, friendly, and supportive environment.

3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon, NC 828-859-9021, fence.org/trot

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club

TRHC encourages, supports, and promotes all types of horse activities to enhance the equestrian tradition of the Tryon area through programs of education, demonstrations of horse skills, and cooperation with allied programs of nature conservation, maintenance of trails and carriageways, recreational and sporting events, and such other equestrian activities that will benefit the entire community. 112 N. Trade St., Ste. 12, Tryon, NC 828-351-9709, tryonridingandhuntclub.org

Tryon Hounds

Recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds Association since 1935, maintains all the traditions associated

with mounted foxhunting and provides a seven-month season of riding to hounds in Polk County, NC, and northern Spartanburg County, SC. The kennels, stable and clubhouse are located on Little Mountain Road. 1145 Little Mountain Road, Columbus, NC 828-863-4223, Tryonhounds.com

Western Carolina Hunter Pace and Trail Ride Series

Hunter Paces are a fun way to get out and about with our horses, enjoy trails we normally don’t have access to and compete in a friendly game. Western Carolina Hunter Pace & Trail Ride Series Events will normally be between 6-12 miles in length.

828-863-4713, wchpace.org

EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES

Cedar Hill Mobile Equine

Aaron Langley, DVM

2799 Bill Collins Rd., Tryon 423-741-3637, Facebook: Cedar Hill Mobile Equine PLLC

Tryon History Museum and Visitor Center

Play our Match Game

Test your Tryon history trivia:

a. Nina Simone

b. Harthorne Wingo

c. Morris

d. Sidney Lanier

e. William Gillette

f. Carter Brown

Learn through New Exhibits:

Check out our website for upcoming Tales and other events: tryonhistorymuseum.org

Join our Dynamic Group of Volunteers!

Serve our community as a docent and enjoy educational in-services and community events, appreciation luncheons and community outreach. If interested, contact Kristy Moeller, (571) 319-6989; kdmstrong@yahoo.com.

Find an Unique Gift in our Expanded Gift Shop:

Our gift shop has a little of everything. If you are shopping for Morris the Horse merchandise or a Tryon T-shirt, Doggie Bandanas or a scented candle, we have it and so much more!

View our Equestrian, Sidney Lanier, Nina Simone, William Gillette exhibits and more.

Expanded Hours!

Wednesday and Thursday: 1:30 - 4 pm  Friday and Saturday: 11 am - 5 pm 26 Maple Street, Tryon, NC 28782 tryonhistorymuseum.org info@tryonhistorymuseum.org (828) 440-1116

Hunt Country Equine

Mobile Veterinary

Grace Buchanan, DVM; Meliah Carrel, DVM; Wilhelmina Deboer, DVM 1550 Airport Rd., Rutherfordton

828-894-2627, Emergency 866-397-8312, huntcountryequine.com

Mobile Equine Health Care

Thann Boyum, DVM

Acupuncture and Integrated Equine Medicine, FEI licensed 828-863-4242

Tryon Equine Hospital & Ambulatory Services

Anne Baskett, DVM; Bill Hay, DVM; Rich Metcalf, DVM; Katie Marsh, DVM; Meghan Breen, DVM; Emilie Setlakwe, DVM; Alec Davern, DVM; Dominic Eickert, DVM

3689 Landrum Rd., Columbus, NC 828-894-6065, tryonequine. com

FARRIERS/ BLACKSMITHS

Carolina Hoof Care Andy Painter

Carolina Hoof Care

864-706-8593

Donald Archer, Jr.

Dixie Farrier Service

704-402-8930

Randy Autrey

864-979-6774

Knutur Berndsen

845-240-5065

Bishop’s Farrier Service

864-606-1736

Ronald Brock

Brock’s Farrier Service 919-738-2865

Chaise Cantrell

864-420-6647

Brandon Clayton

828-223-0485

Mick Doyle 864-978-6282

Eagle Ridge Equine Farrier 618-979-0760

Lonnie Fletcher

Fletcher’s Farrier Service 843-908-5291

Corey Gasperson 828-817-0211

Sean Gaul 864-640-7466

Abe Green

Elite Equine Farrier Service 803-242-6246

Erin Griffith 864-752-8994

Mike Hubacz 774-200-1370

Ronald Levandoski Levandoski Farrier & Equine Flexion Therapy Services 910-622-5401

Keith Mackinlay

Whiteline Farrier Service 864-280-5258

Aaron McAbee

Double A Farrier 828-269-8988

Jack Montgomery Sr. Tryon Farrier 828-899-2380

Jack Montgomery III 864-310-9748

Keith Painter 828-817-5539

Jeff Pauley

Mountain Farrier Services 828-712-2343

Anthony Cane & Taylor

Reed

Paragon Farrier Service 254-722-9316

Marcus Pierce 704-753-4576

Eric Richards 704-472-0634

Robbie Shuler

Top Notch Farrier Service 828-421-1440

Pat Spaulding

Patriot Shoeing 845-233-1705

Cody Toms CT Farrier Services 828-919-1095

FEED, TACK, APPAREL & BARN SUPPLIES

The Endurance Boutique 370 John Weaver Rd., Columbus, NC 704-953-1541, enduranceboutique.net

The Farm House Tack Shop

22341 Asheville Hwy., Landrum, SC, 864-457-3557

Tryon International Equestrian Center, Vendor Cabins 9&10, 828-817-6837 farmhousetack.com

Green Creek Farm Supply 2291 Chesnee Rd., Columbus, NC 828-863-4343

The Hay Rack 325 W. Rutherford St., Landrum, SC, 864-457-2155 6331 NC Hwy 9 S., Columbus, NC, 828-863-0536 thehayrack.com

Ride EquiSafe

Tryon International Equestrian Center, Vendor Cabin 5 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring 919-404-9744, rideequisafe.com

SS Farm & Saddlery 2060 Lynn Rd., Suite 7, Columbus, NC 828-440-1510, ssfarmandsaddlery.com

Tim Edwards Farm & Landscaping Supplies 109 Post Office Rd., Mill Spring, NC 828-894-0741, timedwardslandscaping.com

Tractor Supply 651 W. Mills St., Columbus, NC 828-894-0560, tractorsupply.com

TRAILER SALES & SERVICE

Larry Stott 4550 Landrum Rd., Columbus, NC 828-894-3291

See Horse Trailer Repairs LLC Mobile Unit 828-859-7682

Ken Feagin Truck & Trailer 4125 Compton Bridge Rd., Campobello, SC 828-230-9590, 864-5108832, kenfeagintruckandtrailer.com

EQUINE INSURANCE

Dusenbury Insurance Agency

951 S. Trade St., Suite 1, Tryon, NC, 828-859-9187 60 Walker St., Columbus, NC, 828-894-2546 dusins.com

Lisa Seger Insurance 770-368674 lisasegerinsurance.com

Main Street Insurance 22 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 828-859-9252, mainstreetins.com

Penny Insurance

816 W. Mills Ave., Suite A-2 & A-3, Columbus, NC 828-859-6700, 828-8596839, pennyinsuranceagency.com

FARMERS MARKETS FARM STORES &

MARKETS

COLUMBUS INDOOR MARKET

Food and craft vendors provide delicious food and locally made products throughout the winter season. Every first and third Saturday from November - April,10 a.m.-1 p.m. behind Iron Key Brewing, 135 Locust St., Columbus.

COLUMBUS FARMERS MARKET

Area farmers and crafters offer a wide assortment of homegrown produce, meats, eggs, plant starts, and artisanal crafts in this historic downtown Columbus location. Saturdays, 8 a.m.- noon, May - October. Located on Courthouse St. in Downtown Columbus.

LANDRUM FARMERS MARKET

Join a large group of vendors each Saturday morning between 8 a.m. and noon, April through December, for an amazing assortment of delicious homegrown produce, meat, honey, eggs, soaps,

Several restaurants serve farm-to-table meals or feature locally-sourced ingredients, including Rural Seed Restaurant, The Purple Onion Restaurant, OpenRoad Coffee, Martha’s Amish Bakery, Wakey Monkey and Wildflour Bakery. Please see our Restaurant listings for more information.

crafts, flowers and more. Coffee and biscuits are available, too, as you listen to local musicians. Winter Market and Craft Fairs are held Saturdays in November and December, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Located at 221 W. Rutherford St. by Bealls. 864-237-3644.

SALUDA TAILGATE MARKET

A bustling market featuring some of the best-tasting and healthiest produce, meat, eggs, baked goods and value-added food items in the area. Make sure to arrive early! Fridays 4:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m., May-October. Located at Saluda School Field.

FARM STORES

ATKINS ORCHARD STAND

Fine ciders, gourmet jams and jellies, mountain honey, fruit butters, pickles, relishes and many other delicious food products. Located at I-26, Exit 59 in Saluda. 828749-2111. AtkinsOrchard. com.

BENEFICIAL FOODS

ORGANIC GROCERY

This natural foods market carries a full array of healthy foods including fresh, organic produce, herbs and spices, jams, jellies, honey, baking goods, health and beauty products, nuts, grains, organic snack foods and environmentally friendly household cleaning products. Call 828-894-0737 or stop by 93 Adawehi Lane, Columbus.

BENSON PRODUCE STAND

A roadside stand located on bustling NC 108 between Columbus and Lynn, Benson’s sells a variety of vegetables, plants, and garden pottery, spring through fall. Visit 1912 NC 108, or call 828-859-2888.

MILL SPRING FARM STORE

With a focus on organic, sustainable, and local sourcing, this farm store offers take & bake items, artisan products, honey, eggs, raw milk, cheese, locally raised meats and produce, gluten-free items, and a weekly seafood order service. Call 828-8948028 or visit 82 Hwy. 9 North in Mill Spring.

All Polk County markets accept CC and EBT transactions. Information for these markets can be found at polkcountyfarms.org, info@polkcountyfarms.org or 828-894-2281.

GOVERNMENT

NORTH CAROLINA

Governor: Josh Stein (D), Office of the Governor, 20301 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0301, 919-814-2000,

governor.nc.gov

U.S. Senator: Thom Tillis (R), 113 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510, 202224-6342, tillis.senate.gov. Local field office by appt.: 1 Historic Courthouse Square, Suite 112, Hendersonville, NC 28792

U.S. Senator: Ted Budd (R), SRB85 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510, 202224-3154, budd.senate.gov

U.S. Congress, NC District 11: Chuck Edwards (R), 1505 Longworth House Office Bldg, Washington, DC 20515, 202-225-6401, edwards.

house.gov. Local district office: 200 N. Grove St., Suite 121, Hendersonville, NC 28792, 828435-7310

U.S. Congress, NC District 14: Tim Moore (R), 1318 Longworth House Office Bldg,

Washington, DC 20515, 202225-5634, Local district office: 128 W. Main Ave., Gastonia, NC 28052

N.C. Senate, District 48:

Timothy D. Moffitt (R), 16 West Jones St., Rm. 2111, Raleigh, NC 27601, 919-733-5745, ncleg.gov

N.C. House, District 113: Jake Johnson (R), 300 N. Salisbury St., Rm. 306B1, Raleigh, NC 276035925, 919-715-4466, ncleg.gov

POLK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Chairman: Myron Yoder (R) Vice-Chairman: David Moore (R) Commissioners: Tommy Melton (R), Paul “Little” Beiler (R), Jennifer Hargett (R)

Commissioners meet on the first and third Monday of each month at 5 p.m. in the R. Jay Foster Hall of Justice, Womack Bldg., 40 Courthouse St., Columbus, 828894-3301, PolkNC.gov. County Manager: Marche Pittman

TRYON BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Mayor: Alan Peoples

Mayor Pro Tempore: Skip Crowe

Town Commissioners: Bill Crowell, Tracie Greenway

Morris, Julie Lambakis

The Board of Commissioners meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at 301 N. Trade St., 828-859-6656, TryonNC.com

COLUMBUS TOWN COUNCIL

Mayor: Patrick McCool

Council members: Richard Hall, Mark Phillips, Brent Jackson, Becky Kennedy

Town Manager: Danna Stansbury

Town Council meets on the third Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. at 95 Walker St., 828-894-8236, ColumbusNC.com

SALUDA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Mayor: Tangie Morgan Commissioners: Kevin Burnett, Melanie Talbot, Mark Oxtoby, Stan Walker

City Manager: Steve Orr

The Board of Commissioners meets the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 6 E. Main St., 828-749-2581, Cityofsaludanc.com

SOUTH CAROLINA

Governor: Henry McMaster (R), State House, 1100 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201, 803-7342100, governor.sc.gov

U.S. Senator: Lindsey Graham (R), 290 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-5972, graham.senate. gov. Upstate Regional Office: 2 West Washington St., Suite 808, Greenville, SC 29601, 864-2501417

U.S. Senator: Tim Scott (R), 104 Hart Senate Office Bldg.,

Washington, DC 20510, 202224-6121, 855-425-6324, scott. senate.gov. Upstate Regional Office: 301 N. Main St., Suite 1006, Greenville, SC 29601, 864-233-5366

U.S. Congress, SC District 4: William Timmons (R), 267 Cannon House Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20515, 202225-6030, timmons.house.gov. Upstate Field Office: 114 Trade St., Greer, SC 29651, 864-2410175

U.S. Congress, SC District 5:

Ralph Norman (R), 569 Cannon House Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20515, 202-225-5501, norman.house.gov. Rock Hill

Field Office: 454 S. Anderson Rd., Suite 302B, Rock Hill, SC 29730, 803-327-1114

S.C. Senate, District 5: Thomas “Tom” Corbin (R), 501 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, SC 29201, 803-212-6100, scstatehouse.gov

S.C. House, District 38: Josiah Magnuson (R), 434C Blatt Bldg., Columbia, SC 29201, 803-212-6876, cell 864-4207933, scstatehouse.gov

SPARTANBURG COUNTY

Councilman, Spartanburg County District 5: Bob Walker, 864-590-0409, bwalker@ spartanburgcounty.org, District 5 includes Wellford, Lyman, Duncan, Landrum and Campobello

County Administrator: Cole Alverson, 864-596-2526

County Council meets on the third Monday of each month at 5:15 p.m., 366 N. Church St., Main Level, Suite 1000, Spartanburg, SC 29303, SpartanburgCounty.org

GREENVILLE COUNTY

Councilman, Greenville

County District 17: Joey Russo, 864-483-0689, jrusso@ greenvillecounty.org

thegorgezipline.com

County Administrator: Joe Kernell, countyadministrator@ greenvillecounty.org

County Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers, 301 University Ridge (County Square)

LANDRUM CITY COUNCIL

Mayor: Bob Briggs Council Members: Warren Ashmore, Carol Browning, Tammy Cox, Shannon Dotson, Robert Farmer, Billy Inman

City Administrator: Shannon Baldwin

City Council meets on the second Tuesday of the month for a work session at 5:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. for Council Meeting, Landrum City Hall, 100 N. Shamrock Ave., 864-457-3000, Cityoflandrumsc.com

We’ll help you discover this area.

We’re your local experts – call, click or stop by our Visitor Center in Columbus to find your way around Historic Saluda, Tryon, Columbus and the surrounding areas. We have a lot of free information – from phone books and detailed road maps to attractions, restaurants, lodging, and events. Our staff is glad to help you find the information you need to get settled and have a great time in the First Peak of the Blue Ridge. First Peak Visitor Center | 20 E. Mills St. Columbus, NC | 800-440-7848 | firstpeaknc.com

HOSPITALS

ADVENTHEALTH POLK

101 Hospital Drive, Columbus, NC 28722

828-894-3311, adventhealth.com/ hospital/adventhealth-polk

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL WHOLE?

Few things are more critical to our daily lives than our health—body, mind, and spirit. And this cannot be truer for people who live in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. AdventHealth Polk (formerly St. Luke’s Hospital) has risen to one of the top critical access hospitals in the Southeast, with a “patient experience” rating much higher than the national average!

UNLEASHING WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE:

To become the best, we hired the best talent and worked hard to purchase bestin-class technology. To summarize:

• The Emergency Department is open 24/7 and is staffed by a talented group of doctors certified in emergency medicine.

• Cancer & Infusion Services: Under the leadership of nationally renowned oncologist and hematologist Dr. Joe Stephenson, the center is the area’s leading clinic for cancer care. Dr. Stephenson profoundly knows the practice of oncology and hematology and is involved in cancer research at the molecular level, the science behind therapy. He is an expert with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and other treatment options.

• Heart & Vascular Care is directed by nationally recognized and Vanderbilttrained cardiologist Dr. Evans Kemp. Under his leadership, our clinic is one of the top heart care providers in the region. Adventhealth Polk consistently delivers world-class clinical therapies, surgical implantation, and monitoring of

cardiac devices. The clinic sees patients with angina, artery problems, valvular heart disease, heart failure, and more complex conditions.

• Surgical Care is led by highly regarded five-star surgeon Dr. Josh Knollhoff, an accomplished surgeon in endoscopic, laparoscopic, and open procedures. Moreover, Dr. Knollhoff is highly skilled in breast, hernia, biliary, colon, skin, image-guided diagnostic, elective, emergent, and acute care surgery. He has also done an extensive burn and trauma residency and is proficient in lines and ports.

• Behavioral Health is here to treat you with empathy, compassion, and integrity. Our practice comprises a psychiatrist (MD), a master’s level psychotherapist, and a program manager licensed in clinical social work. The psychiatrist and psychotherapist provide services virtually so clients can access treatment from the comfort and privacy of their homes. We accept patients 15 years and older.

• Orthopedic & Sports Medicine features five-star surgeons Dr. George Azar and Thomas Cadier. They perform hip, knee, and shoulder replacement surgery. The practice also offers shoulder and fracture care, hand surgery, and sports medicine.

• Pain Care delivers the most innovative pain treatment options. We offer interventional pain therapies without high-dose opioids using a multidisciplinary and ethical approach. Individualized attention with ethical care is our standard.

• Rehabilitation Center is a hidden gem in the western Carolinas. Located at the hospital, our center boasts 8,800 square feet of state-of-the-art equipment and some of the best licensed physical therapists in the region. We offer one-on-one physical and occupational therapy, lymphedema therapy, oncology

rehabilitation, pelvic floor therapy, balance/vertigo therapy, and aquatic therapy.

• Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient counseling program that addresses the emotional and behavioral health of adults over 65. Through a combination of therapies, education, and wellness programs, Senior Life Solutions assists older adults experiencing depression, anxiety, or traumatic events and a host of other symptoms.

• Steps to Home, a swing bed program, is the next step from acute care to home. Our skilled care program provides an astounding one-nurse to six-patient ratio. Steps to Home assist patients in improving their physical, emotional, and social functioning through rehabilitative therapies. Our program helps you return home with self-assurance and confidence.

• Urology Care: Dr. JG Cargill provides contemporary urologic care for men and women, treating incontinence, kidney stones, bladder, male reproductive tract, and complex prostate issues. We offer an array of minimally invasive treatments that provide patients with less pain and quicker recovery times.

• Best-in-Class Technology: With world-class talent on our team, we recognized the need to invest in best-inclass technology to fully harness their expertise. These investments represent the forefront of medical technology. And these tools enable us to deliver worldclass healthcare to Polk County and surrounding regions.

• At Adventhealth Polk, extending the healing ministry of Christ is our mission. It calls us to be His hands and feet in helping people feel whole. Our story is one of hope — one that strives to heal and restore the body, mind and spirit.

We work harder every day to make you whole—body, mind, and spirit.

UNC HEALTH PARDEE

800 N. Justice Street, Hendersonville, NC 28791 828-696-1000, unchealthpardee.org

UNC Health Pardee is a not-for-profit healthcare system managed by UNC Health that serves Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, Polk, and Transylvania counties. The county-owned Pardee Hospital was founded in 1953 in Hendersonville, NC, and is licensed for 222 acute care beds. Pardee offers a wide range of medical services, including a regional primary care network, comprehensive cancer center, multiple urgent care and orthopedics clinics, and a medical staff representing 43 specialties. For more information or to find a physician, visit www.unchealthpardee.org.

GIBBS CANCER CENTER & RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute is a nationally recognized cancer treatment and research facility. With locations in Spartanburg, Greer, Union and Gaffney, Gibbs Cancer Center is a proven leader in providing effective cancer treatment through advanced technology, professional expertise and an exceptional level of personalized care. Along with prevention, diagnosis and treatment, Gibbs Cancer Center offers genetic counseling, a center for integrative medicine and a cancer survivorship program. For some patients, CyberKnife offers a painless, non-invasive alternative to surgery for treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors. Located at Gibbs Cancer Center at Pelham, the CyberKnife system delivers powerful and highly targeted radiation to tumors, including those that are difficult to reach or inoperable, while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissue. For more information, visit GibbsCancerCenter.org or call 1-855-DNA-GIBBS.

RUTHERFORD REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

288 S. Ridgecrest St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139 828-286-5000, myrutherfordregional.com

Founded in 1906 by Drs. Henry Norris and Montgomery H. Biggs as Rutherford Hospital, Inc., Rutherford Regional Health System today is a not-for-profit hospital system governed by a local board of trustees and licensed for 143 private acute care beds.

Rutherford Regional is dedicated to providing patients with a full range of services to meet their healthcare needs, with over 120 qualified physicians and more than 23 medical specialties.

In addition to being a four-time Top 100 Hospital (Thomson

Reuters), Rutherford Regional Health System recently received three more national recognitions, including being named one of America’s 100 Great Community Hospitals, as well as ‘Top Performer on Key Quality MeasuresTM from The Joint Commission.

Rutherford Regional Health System consists of the Medical Center and14 off-site entities in Rutherford and Cleveland counties that provide a wide variety of inpatient, outpatient and emergency services.

MARY BLACK HEALTH SYSTEM

1700 Skylyn Dr., Spartanburg, S.C. 29307

864-573-3000, maryblackhealthsystem.com

Mary Black Health System is a health care delivery system comprised of Mary Black Health System – Spartanburg, Mary Black Health System - Gaffney, Mary Black Physicians Group, and Mary Black Health Network, Inc. The combined organization has 332 licensed beds, more than 1,400 employees and more than 400 physicians on medical staff.

Providing health care services to Upstate residents for more than 90 years, Mary Black Health System –Spartanburg’s acute care hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, The Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (Chest Pain Accreditation), and is a Certified Stroke Center.

Our facility features surgical suites, a warm and inviting Family Birthing Center, nationally credentialed (CARF) Inpatient Rehabilitation, a 24-bed Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Geriatric Psychiatric Services, a Joint Care Program, Cardiology and a Sleep Center.

Outpatient services include Radiology, Endoscopy Center, a Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center, Rehabilitation Services and Women’s Breast Health Center featuring same-day digital mammography and bone density testing..

Medicine from the Living World

Hi, I’m Veronica Johnson.

After over three decades in healthcare, I’ve seen where our healthcare system falls short.

I help people uncover the real roots of fatigue, inflammation, hormonal chaos, medication dependence, and lingering symptoms that never quite resolve — by listening closely, running the labs that matter, and helping people return to their own rhythm of healing.

I’m a family and psychiatric nurse practitioner, trained to hold both the body and the mind with equal weight. At White Oak Medicine, I practice the way healing actually works: unhurried visits, real relationships, and care that reaches deeper than diagnostic codes.

Through a holistic and functional lens, I help people safely taper medications when appropriate, regulate the nervous system, and rebuild metabolic and hormonal health. Healing isn’t just biochemistry — it’s the story beneath the symptoms, the tension carried for years, the pace the body can’t keep up with anymore.

My work weaves clinical training with lived experience, shaping a whole-person approach that supports physiology, metabolism, the nervous system, and the deeper emotional layers conventional medicine often misses.

Real healing isn’t linear or effortless. It asks for presence, patience, and partnership.

And when you commit to that path, your body remembers how to find its way home Direct Primary Care, Heart Centered Mental Health,

• Tired of quick-fix medication appointments that don’t truly heal?

• Frustrated by the lack of holistic, whole-person care in conventional medicine?

• Longing for a provider who actually listens and understands? I get it—I’ve lived it. Are you:

My Approach

Everything I do at White Oak Medicine is rooted in an approach I call Rhythm Medicine — a way of caring for the whole person that works with the rhythm of daily life to help you reclaim agency over your mind, body, and life again.

MISSION HEALTH SYSTEM - MISSION HOSPITAL

509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC 28801 828-213-1111, missionhealth.org

Mission Health, a large and complex organization, began more than 130 years ago out of a five-room house in downtown Asheville. Now it is a growing seven-hospital health system serving nearly 1 million people in 18 counties with more than 12,000 employees.

Mission Health’s community hospitals and locations include Angel Medical Center in Franklin, NC; Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, NC, CarePartners (Hospice and Post-acute Care), Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in Highlands, NC, Mission Hospital McDowell in Marion, NC, Mission Children’s Hospital in Asheville, NC, Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC, and Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard, NC.

Mission Hospital, located in Asheville, is Mission Health’s flagship hospital, licensed for 815 beds. Business North Carolina ranked Mission Hospital the 2020 No. 1 “Best Hospital” in North Carolina.

Mission Hospital is the region’s referral center for the only Level II trauma center, comprehensive stroke center, Level III neonatal intensive care unit. And Mission Children’s Hospital – the region’s only children’s hospital, including a pediatric emergency room– provides 30 pediatric subspecialists.

Mission is the busiest surgical hospital west of Raleigh, and is the state’s second-busiest. Mission Hospital provides the only open heart and interventional cardiology in the region.

Earth and Soul Adventures

MEDICAL SERVICES

HOSPICE

Hospice of the Carolina Foothills

Medically directed program of care for persons with life-threatening illnesses and for their families. Services are delivered by staff professionals and specially trained volunteers. Bereavement care is offered to the community.

155 West Mills St., Suite 108., Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-7000 or Toll Free 800-218-2273, hocf.org

Upstate Community Hospice House (Agape Care)

A home away from home that ensures all patients receive the proper level of care they need. The Hospice House is a Medicare-certified, 12-bed inpatient medical facility serving families in the foothills. An experienced hospice staff and fully trained volunteers provide care and attention to hospice patients and their families. This inpatient care option is primarily dedicated to patients who have challenging care requirements, or caregiver relief needs.

260 Fairwinds Rd., Landrum, SC 29356 864-457-9100, sc.agapecaregroup.com

GENERAL HEALTH NEEDS

Polk County Health & Human Services – Public Health

The Public Health Division of the HHSA is responsible for many aspects of population health management including: Environmental Health Services, Women Infant and Children (WIC) Services, Vital Records, Preparedness, Health Education, Communicable Disease, and Senior Services. Together these services promote and protect healthy lifestyles, good health outcomes, and ultimately aid in improving the quality of life for residents, guests, and employees. 2881 NC-108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-8271, polknc.org

The Free Clinics

Provides free healthcare and prescription services to residents of Polk and Henderson counties.

60 Walker St., Suite 1, Columbus, NC 28722 828-722-1200, thefreeclinics.org

The Saluda Medical Ctr/Prescription Assistance Program (PAP)

Qualifying individuals can obtain prescriptive drugs at almost no cost.

86 Greenville St. Saluda, NC 28733 828-749-4411, saludamedical.org/prescriptions

Blue Ridge Health - Polk

Walk-in integrated care facility offering family medicine, nutrition services, behavioral health/counseling, screening, vaccinations, women’s health.

161 Walker Street, Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-2222, brhs.com

Blue Ridge HealthCollins Dental Center

The center treats children and financially qualified adults needing emergency dental work.

48 Hope Valley Lane, Columbus, NC 828-894-3120, info@brchs.com

Community Alternatives Program (CAP) for Disabled Adults

A subsidized health care program for disabled adults, CAP includes home care, prescriptions, medical supplies and safety equipment.

St. Luke’s Hospital

101 Hospital Dr., Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-0546

Partnership for Children of the Foothills

As a partner in the Smart Start network, Partnership for Children brings together all the people involved in a young child’s life (birth to 5 years) including families, teachers, doctors, caregivers, social workers, and many others, to ensure every child has all they need for healthy growth and development.

338 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043 828-245-8673, pfcfoothills.org

RETIREMENT/ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

LaurelHurst and LaurelWoods

Retirement home independent living apartments and assisted living available, plus memory care.

1064 W. Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722 828-481-9149, sonidaseniorliving.com

Ridge Rest

Assisted living options in a peaceful setting. 354 Woodland Dr., Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-8612

Tryon Estates

Retirement apartments, home health, skilled and assisted living, 52-bed nursing facility, 44-bed assisted living facility. 617 Laurel Lake Drive, Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-3000, 800-633-2718 Actsretirement.org

White Oak Village

Retirement Community

One and two bedroom independent living apartments are available, as well as assisted living, skilled nursing and short-term rehab. 70 Oak Street, Tryon, NC 28782 828-859-5871, Whiteoakindependentliving.com

NURSING HOMES

Autumn Care of Saluda

Rehabilitation, skilled nursing, intermediate and long-term care facility with 99 beds. 501 Esseola Circle, Saluda, NC 28773 828-233-5368, 828-749-2261 saberhealth.com/locations/autumncare-of-saluda

White Oak Manor

70-bed skilled and intermediate care facility and 30-bed adult care home/respite care facility.

70 Oak St., Tryon, NC 28782 828-859-9161, Whiteoakmanor.com

ADDICTION RECOVERY

Pavillon Residential Treatment & Outpatient Services

Nonprofit, CARF-accredited, residential treatment facility located on 160-acre property dedicated to treatment of alcoholism, drug addictions and related disorders.

241 Pavillon Pl., Mill Spring, NC 28756 828-694-2300, pavillon.org

MENTAL HEALTH

CooperRiis Healing Community

CooperRiis believes that whole person care, delivered in a community setting, is the most powerful and effective way to address challenging mental health issues. In the healing community, they embrace a holistic approach to recovery that emphasizes three specific and often interrelated areas of focus including community work and service, clinical support and wellness.

101 Healing Farm Lane, Mill Spring, NC 28756 828-929-3803, cooperriis.org

Family Preservation Services of NC

Provider of outpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs, mental health care services, intensive in-home therapy, school-based therapy and peer support services.

94 White Dr., Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-2290

NAMI Four Seasons (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Serves Hendersonville and Polk County as an advocate for the mentally ill, provides support for friends and families, strives to educate the public about mental illness and eliminate stigma.

888-955-6264, info@namifourseasons.org, Helpline 800-950-NAMI

Polk Wellness Center

The Center provides a holistic approach, offering a comprehensive, integrated model to provide primary care, mental health/substance abuse, prevention, education, wellness, and recovery support services. Sliding scale for clients meeting income requirements.

155 West Mills St., Suite 201/202, Columbus, NC 28722

828-894-2222, polkwellness.org

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE / HOLISTIC HEALTH

Adawehi Healing Center

Adawehi Healing Center invites you to experience health and wellness. Located at the 125-acre Adawehi Wellness Village, services include chiropractic care, massage, colon hydrotherapy, reflexology, yoga, tai chi and more. Adawehi is also home to Beneficial Foods Organic Grocery.

93 Adawehi Lane, Columbus 828-290-7523, adawehi.com

Clover Acupuncture and Wellness

Acupuncture can help to bring the body back to balance and alleviate pain and dis-ease. Treatments may include acupuncture, massage and bodywork, herbal medicine, and nutritional guidance.

31 S. Trade St., Tryon 828-817-9883, cloveracupuncture.com

Wildflower Wellness

Offers massage (including prenatal and infant), lymphatic drainage, energy work (Reiki), cupping & gusha, oncology massage. 136 Pacolet St., Tryon 828-722-4933, wildflowerwellness.love

HOME HEALTH

Community Health Connections

Provides non-institutional personal care, healthcare and related services designed to encourage independent living in a cost effective, patient-centered and high quality setting. CHC, is a licensed InHome Aide Agency working in affiliation with St. Luke’s Hospital. Trained In-Home Aides and Certified Nursing Assistants, under a Registered Nurse’s supervision, provide personal care in the home, hospital or nursing home.

2186A Lynn Rd, Lynn, NC 28750 828-894-3308

Enhabit Home Health & Hospice

Care provided by home health aides, nurses, therapists and social workers at home.

108 Shuford Dr., Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-8296, ehab.com

SERVICES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Services for the Blind

The Division of Services for the Blind provides services to people who are visually impaired, blind and deaf-blind to help them reach their goals of independence and employment.

231 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring, NC 28756 828-894-2100, ncdhhs.gov/dsb Asheville District Office

50 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801 1-800-422-1881

SUPPORT GROUPS

Foothills Dementia/Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

The goal of the support group is to develop a network for caregivers and provide specific training and resource information. Meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus. Peggy Wyllie, 828-859-6339.

Polk/Foothills Support Group, Autism Society of NC

Network of parents/families affected by autism living in Polk County and surrounding areas.

1289 West Mills St. Columbus, NC 28722 1-800-708-3337, autismsociety-nc.org

HISTORY

MUSEUMS

TRYON

Tryon History Museum & Visitor Center

From its early role as a colonial outpost on the edge of Indian territory to the present day, Tryon has produced and welcomed numerous figures of cultural, artistic, and historical note, and has preserved dozens of places and traditions for posterity. You can learn all about Tryon’s people and places at the History Museum, open Wednesday and Thursday, 1:30 - 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by attending the popular speaker series “Tales of Tryon.” The museum is the place to learn about the authors, actors, poets, entrepreneurs, equestrian pioneers, architects, sports legends, and more who called Tryon home. While you’re there, visit the gift shop for T-shirts, books, glassware, and more souvenirs.

26 Maple St., 828-440-1116

Tryonhistorymuseum.org

COLUMBUS

Polk County Historical Association Museum

A history buff’s delight, this museum promotes, advances, encourages and cultivates public and private interest in the history, archives and memoirs of Polk County. Thousands of historical pictures, artifacts, articles and maps are preserved at the museum, and volunteers are constantly engaged with government offices, business and civic groups, churches and individuals to promote our local history. The museum features a growing genealogy library with family histories and reference books, and through its oral history project, the life stories of some of Polk’s oldest residents have now been preserved. With organized field trips,

a regular speaker series, and historical re-enactors, the museum brings history to life! Open Thursday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Free admission. Gift shop. 33 Gibson St., 828-894-3351

Polknchistory.org

House of Flags Museum

This unique educational museum opened on Sept. 8, 2001 in response to a local citizen’s desire to instill respect and etiquette for the flag of the United States of America. As the flag collection grew to over 300 different flags, the history education role of the museum also grew. All flags are full-size faithful reproductions accompanied with detailed descriptions of their story. And, every flag has a story to tell. The museum features flags from the nation’s founding, WWI and WWII, and various states, in addition to presidential, veterans and 9/11 flags. Self-guided tours or narrated tours are available in this fully handicap accessible facility in downtown Columbus. The museum is open Saturdays from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., small group tours by appointment. Free admission, donations accepted. Gift shop.

33 Gibson St., 828-894-5640 Houseofflags.org

SALUDA

Saluda Historic Depot

The history and development of Saluda has been intertwined with the completion of the railroad connecting Spartanburg with Asheville since 1878, so it is fitting that the town’s history museum is located in its beautifully renovated train depot. Located in a prominent location at the top of the Saluda Grade (the steepest, mainline standard gauge railroad in the country), the depot museum features interesting exhibits, regular “Train Tales” programs, and fascinating train memorabilia. The museum is open Thursday through Saturday, 12-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. and some holidays. Admission

is free, voluntary donations are appreciated.

32 W. Main St., 828-769-9016 SaludaHistoricDepot.com

HISTORICAL POINTS OF INTEREST

TRYON

Sidney Lanier: Southern poet, died in this house. September 7, 1881. Marker is on Lynn Road (NC Hwy. 108) east of Mimosa Inn Lane. 35° 13.657’ N, 82° 14.149’ W

Stoneman’s Raid: On a raid through western North Carolina Gen. Stoneman’s U.S Cavalry fought Southern Troops at Howard’s Gap. 4 Mi. North, April 22, 1865. Marker is at the intersection of Lynn Road (NC Hwy. 108) and Old Howard Gap Rd. and Story Rd. 35° 13.72’ N, 82° 14.017’ W

The Block House: Early landmark, western terminus of the 1772 boundary survey between N.C. and S.C. Stood 1/2 mile east. Marker is on S. Trade St (U.S. 176), just north of the North and South Carolina Line. 35° 11.836’ N, 82° 13.708’ W

The Tryon Horse: Symbol of town. Larger first version with tree-trunk legs was built 1928 for parade at Tryon Riding & Hunt Club show by two boys employed at Tryon Toy Makers. This scaled-down replica is the latest version. Represents nationally-famous handcrafted miniature horse-on-wheels first made in 1916 and designed by Toy Makers founder Eleanor Vance (1869-1954). Marker is at the intersection of South Trade

St. (U.S. 176) and Pacolet St. 35° 12.507’ N, 82° 14.293’W

Tryon Mountain: Landmark on Cherokee boundary, negotiated by Gov. William Tryon and Cherokee Chief, 1776. Elevation 3,231 feet. Marker is at the intersection of Skyuka Rd. and Lynn Rd. (NC Hwy. 108) on Skyuka Road. 35° 13.93’ N, 82° 13.831’W

Tryon Toy House: Constructed 1925 as retail showroom and office for Tryon Toy Makers and Wood Carvers, famous craft enterprise founded by Charlotte Yale and Eleanor Vance in 1915. Designed by Tryon architect J. Foster Searles to evoke the European inspiration for distinctive style of Tryon toys and woodcraft. Eleanor Roosevelt delivered her Fourth of July speech in 1934 from the front terrace. Marker is at the intersection of North Trade St. (U.S. 176) and East Howard St. 35° 12.672’ N, 82° 14.453’ W

Nina Simone birthplace and childhood home: Numerous preservation partners are working to preserve the singer and Civil Rights activist’s birthplace, a three-room, wood clapboard home located at E. Livingston St. and Fred Lyles Circle. Closed to the public. Take your picture with a larger-than-life sculpture of Simone at her keyboard on S. Trade St. at the Nina Simone Plaza. NinaSimoneProject.org.

COLUMBUS

“Old Bill” Williams: Wellknown guide and trapper. Helped survey Santa Fé Trail. Guided the ill-fated Fremont expedition of 1848. Was born near here in 1787. Marker is on

E. Mills Street (NC Hwy 108) near Hampton St. 35° 15.107’ N, 82° 11.924’ W

Dr. Columbus Mills: In Honor of Dr. Columbus Mills, Planter and Physician, “Father of Polk County”, After a ten-year effort to create a new county from parts of Henderson and Rutherford Counties, the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation, thanks to Dr. Columbus Mills’ efforts, that created Polk County on January 20, 1855. The County Seat, Columbus, was named in his honor. Dr. Mills served in the North Carolina Senate from 1846-1857, and 18954-1857, and the Council of State in 1852 and 1858. Marker is on E. Mills St. on courthouse grounds. (NC Hwy. 108). 35° 15.121’ N, 82° 11.896’ W

Battle of Round Mountain: In Commemoration of the 1776 Battle of Round Mountain (located Northwest of here) in which Captain Thomas Howard with his brave followers and and faithful Indian guide, Skyuka, won the battle against the Cherokee. Relocated by Polk County Historical Association 2007. Marker is on corner of E. Mills St. (NC Hwy. 108) and Hampton St.

Polk County WWI

Memorial Marker: This monument marks this highway that we dedicate to the memory of Levi Butler, Jessie Lewis, Wallace Lankford, Zibo Wilson, Lawson Williams, Ralph Walker, Columbus Donstant who paid the supreme sacrifice for their home and country and also all those who served in the World War from Polk County, North Carolina. This monument was erected by the School

Children and patriotic citizens of the county. Marker is at the intersection of Court House St. and E. Mills St. (NC Hwy. 108). 35° 15.095’ N, 82° 11.937’ W

North Carolina: Colonized, 1585-87 by First English settlers in America; permanently settled c. 1650; first to vote readiness for independence, Apr. 12, 1776. Marker is near Kross Keys, NC in Polk County. Marker is on NC Hwy. 9. Just north of the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. 35° 11.381’ N, 82° 2.902’ W

Tryon’s March: Governor William Tryon, with a body of militia en route to survey the Cherokee boundary line, camped near this spot June 7, 1767. Marker is in Kross Keys, NC in Polk County. Marker is on NC Hwy. 9, on the right when traveling south. Just north of the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. 35° 11.385’ N, 82° 2.907’ W.

SALUDA

Saluda Grade: The steepest, standard gauge, mainline railway grade in the U.S. Opened in 1878; three mi. long. Crests here. Marker is on W. Main Street (U.S. 176). 35° 14.171’ N, 82° 20.933’ W

Pacolet River Scenic Byway: You could take Interstate 26 between Saluda and Tryon for a quicker trip down the mountain, but why? Instead, experience the official NC Scenic Byway of Hwy. 176. Paralleling the railroad tracks of the famous Saluda Grade, the slow and winding route passes old railroad depots, log cabins, the old Orchard Inn,

roadside waterfalls, and Pearson’s Falls Glen.

LANDRUM

Earle’s Ford & Fort: Erected By Cowpens Chapter D.A.R. to the Memory of The Valiant Defenders of Earle’s Ford and Fort, July 15, 1780. Marker is on Landrum Rd (SC Hwy. 14), on the left when traveling north. 35° 11.121’ N, 82° 9.133’ W

Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway: SC Hwy. 11 passes through five Upstate counties, but some of its most impressive vistas lie in the Campobello/ Gowensville area. Traveling through the South Carolina mountain foothills will transport you to a time when American Indians hunted and traded in the area, and you’ll understand why the Cherokee name for the Appalachian mountains was “The Great Blue Hills of God.”

RUTHERFORDTON

Overmountain Men: On Oct. 5, 1780, about 1400 militia, including many riflemen, camped 1 mi. S. at Alexander’s Ford and there turned toward Kings Mountain. Marker is on NC Hwy. 108 at County Line Rd., east of Mill Spring.

Green River Plantation: Late in April 1865, Green River Plantation received uninvited guests: a detachment of U.S. cavalrymen, likely part of Col. William J. Palmer’s brigade of Stoneman’s raiders. Hungry men and horses in need of forage filled the yard. According to family tradition, horses quartered in the house left footprints in the parlor floor. Marker is at 6333 Coxe Road, Rutherfordton NC 28139. 35° 17.085’ N, 82° 1.194’ W.

Habitat Cabinets by Design

@ the Landrum ReStore!

We offer high quality cabinets at an affordable price, designed specifically for your project by our cabinet specialists. Cabinets will be shipped to you in as little as 4 ~ 5 weeks.

132 North Trade Ave., Landrum, SC Monday ~ Saturday: 10 ~ 5:00pm Scan or visit: habitat-hvl.org

Making Scenes Since

HOUSES OF WORSHIP

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL

Zion Grove AME Zion

5620 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 828863-2283

BAPTIST

Bible Baptist Church

330 W. Finger St., Landrum, SC 29356, 864457-5214, bbclandrum. com

Blue Ridge Baptist Church

330 Oak Grove Rd., Landrum, SC 29356, 864457-2590

Crossroads Baptist Church

333 Fox Mountain Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-894-2355, crossroadsbaptistnc.org

First Baptist of Tryon

125 Pacolet St., Tryon, NC 28782, 828-859-5375, firstbaptisttryon.org

Garrison Chapel Baptist Church

416 Markham Rd., Tryon, NC 28782, 828-859-5418

Green Creek Missionary Baptist Church

2382 Coxe Rd., Tryon, NC 28782, 828-863-2549,

Facebook: GCMBC828

Green River Baptist Church

2880 Ken Miller Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139, 828-863-4300, Facebook: grbcnc

Iglesia Bautista Hispania Renovación

141 S. Peak St., Columbus, NC 28722, Facebook: iglesiabautista. hispanarenovacion.10

Lake Lure Baptist Church

6837 US 64/74 Alt, Lake Lure, NC 28746, 828532-0220, lakelurebaptistchurch.com, Facebook: LakeLureBaptist

Lynn First Baptist Church

339 Thermal View Dr., Tryon, NC 28782, 828859-5742

New Freedom Baptist

2800 Chesnee Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 828863-4436

Pacolet Baptist Church

3424 Skyuka Rd., Tryon, NC 28782, 864-859-7618

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

2790 Polk County Line Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 828-625-9603

Polk Baptist Association

208 Blanton St., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-8943787, polkbaptistassociation.com

Rock Springs Baptist 111 Polk County Line Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139, 828-625-4222 or 691-1749

Sandy Springs First Baptist Church

382 Sandy Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139, 828-863-4040, Facebook: SandySpringsFirstBaptist

Southside Baptist

445 Sunset Rd., Landrum, SC 29356, 864-468-5428

Tryon Church

59 Freeman Hill Rd., Tryon, NC 28782, tryonchurch.org, bsfbc.org

West Point Baptist 1160 Union Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139, 828-287-0165, westpointbaptist.org

Wheat Creek Baptist

3738 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 828863-2866

BAPTIST/ INDEPENDENT

Calvary Baptist Church

302 S. Church Ave., Landrum, SC 29356, 864-292-0366

Grace Baptist Church

1795 Landrum Mill Rd., Campobello, SC 29322, 864-457-3348, gracelandrum.org

Ingleside Baptist

19000 Asheville Hwy., Landrum, SC 29356, 864-457-2588

Landrum Independent Baptist Church

200 E. Blue Ridge St., Landrum, SC 29356, 864-457-2847, landrumchurch.com

BAPTIST/NATIONAL

Landrum Springs Baptist Church

313 N. Randolph St., Landrum, SC 29356, 864-457-2795

BAPTIST/SOUTHERN

Beulah Baptist Church

140 Beulah Church Ln., Tryon, NC 28782, 828-894-8688, bbctryon.com

Big Level Baptist Church

4940 Big Level Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 828-625-4441, Facebook: BigLevelBaptistChurch

Cane Creek Baptist Church

365 NC Hwy. 9, Lake Lure, NC 28720, 828-625-1503

Columbus Baptist Church

45 Houston Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-894-8588, columbus-bc.org

Coopers Gap Baptist Church 730 Coopers Gap Rd.,Mill Spring, NC 28756, 828-625-4628, coopersgapbaptist.com

Ebenezer Spanish Mission (Polk Baptist Spanish Mission)

7253 NC Hwy 9 N., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 828-894-3890

Ebenezer Welcome Church

4005 Hwy. 414 N., Landrum, SC 29356

El Alfa Y Omega Baptist Church

337 Irish Hills Lane, Landrum, SC 29356

Emmanuel Baptist Church 516 Fox Mountain Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-894-6447, ebccolumbus.com

Fairview Baptist Church

705 SC Hwy. 14 W, Landrum, SC 29356, 864457-3366

Faith Baptist Church

265 NC Hwy. 9 N., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 828894-8063

Faith Temple Baptist Church

662 Mountain Range Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 828-625-9256

First Baptist Church of Campobello

255 S. Main St., Campobello, SC 29322, 864-4684350, fbccampobello.org

First Baptist Church of Gowensville 5650 SC Hwy. 14, Landrum,

SC 29356, 864-468-4408, fbcgowensville.com

First Baptist Church of Landrum

300 E. Rutherford St., Landrum, SC 28782, 864457-4118, fbclandrum.com

First Baptist Church of Saluda

213 Henderson St., Saluda, NC 28773, 828-7493231, fbcsaluda.com

Fork Creek Baptist Church

26 Fork Creek Rd., Saluda, NC 28773, Facebook: forkcreek.baptistchurch

Glassy Mountain Baptist Church

936 N. Glassy Mountain Rd., Landrum, SC 29356

Welcome to a fellowship community united by shared values & UU principles. The wisdom and spirituality of our principles include:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

• Accept others and encourage spiritual growth in our congregations;

• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

• The right of conscience and use of democratic process in our congregation and society at large;

• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Meeting the 1st & 3rd Sundays at 10:30 am at Whimsical World Gallery, 116 Jones Street, Landrum, SC. For more information visit www.uufcf.org

Since 1975

, the Polk County Community Foundation has been dedicated to advancing philanthropy and improving the quality of life for all citizens in the community centered in and around Polk County, North Carolina. The Foundation receives charitable donations of all sizes from community members and then distributes grants to area nonprofits, awards scholarships to local students, manages endowment funds for local nonprofits, and administers other funds tailored to the specific charitable wishes of individual donors.

255 South Trade Street Tryon, NC 28782 828-859-5314 polkccf.org

Green Creek First Baptist

534 Coxe Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-863-2600, greencreekfirstbaptist.com

Heart’s Refuge Ministries

Baptist Church

104 Red Barn Rd., Landrum, SC 29356

Hickory Grove Baptist

368 Hickory Grove Church Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-863-2529, Hickorygrovebaptist.church

Latigo Cowboy Church

3472 Hwy. 414, Landrum, SC 29356, 864-363-3727, Facebook: latigocowboychurch

Midway Baptist Church

2101 NC 108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-8945633, mwbaptist.org

Mill Spring First Baptist Church

4320 Hwy 108 E., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 828-894-3325

Morgan Chapel Baptist Church

2850 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon, NC 28782, 828-8942436, Facebook: MorganChapelBaptistChurch

Mountain Hill Community Church

34 The Cliffs Pkwy. #3015, Landrum, SC 29356, 864977-8006

Mountain Page

Baptist Church

2010 Mountain Page Rd., Saluda, NC 28773, 828-7499553

Mountain Valley Baptist

5001 Green River Cove Rd., Saluda, NC 28773, 828-749-3258

Mountain View Baptist Church

2837 Lake Adger Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 864-7043705

New Hope Baptist Church

500a N. Shamrock Ave., Landrum, SC 29356

Oak Grove Baptist Church 826 Oak Grove Rd., Landrum, SC 29356, 864457-3972

Pacolet Hills Baptist Church

3240 Red Fox Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-8943484, pacolethillsbaptist.org

Pea Ridge Baptist Church

8732 NC Hwy. 108 E., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 828-8942428

Peniel Baptist Church

5393 Peniel Rd., Tryon, NC 28782, 828-894-8494

Redeemed Baptist Church

1000 S. Blackstock Rd., Landrum, SC 29356, 864457-3150

Rock Springs Baptist

191 Dug Hill Rd., Landrum, SC 29356, 864-457-3784

Silver Creek Baptist Church

4391 Silver Creek Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 828-8948598, Facebook: silvercreek. baptistchurch.9

Tryon Second Baptist Church

76 McDonald St., Tryon, NC 28782, 864-404-0702

Warrior Mountain Baptist Church

3520 Howard Gap Rd., Saluda, NC 28773, 828-749-9635

BIBLEWAY

Maybry’s Temple Bibleway 10794 SC Hwy. 11, Campobello, SC 29322, 864-468-4441

CATHOLIC

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

180 Laurel Ave., Tryon, NC 28782, 828859-9574, stjohntryon.com

CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL

New Zion CME

170 Carson Cove Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 828-863-2110

St. Luke’s CME

462 Markham Rd., Tryon, NC 28782, 828-859-5376, Facebook: stlcme

Stony Knoll CME

1530 Stoney Knoll Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 828-458-2108

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Tryon Church of Christ

1355 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, 828-859-2722, tryonchurchofchrist.com

CHURCH

OF GOD

Landrum Church of God

650 W. Finger St., Landrum, SC 29356

Star Bethel

704 N. Randolph Ave., Landrum, SC 29356, 864-457-3347

Tryon Church of God

3872 Lynn Rd., Tryon, NC 28782, 828859-6319, Facebook: TryonCOG

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

LDS Forest City Ward

250 Mt Pleasant Church Rd., Forest City, NC 28043, 828-317-1078, churchofjesuschrist.org

CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

Melvin Hill Church of the Brethren 525 Melvin Hill Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-863-2292

Mill Creek Church of the Brethren 1795 John Smith Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-863-2657

We remain your only true local internet provider, proudly ser ving numerous areas throughout Polk and Ruther ford Counties. Our dedicated staff live and work right here in the community, suppor ting all local schools, county and municipal governments, hospitals, and hundreds of businesses and residential customers.

Each customer benefits from a dedicated fiber connection that delivers business-class internet ser vice to both commercial and residential clients—offering unmatched reliability and stability. With minimum dedicated fiber speeds of 500/500 Mbps and 99.9999% uptime, your VoIP systems and connected devices will per form at peak efficiency.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, PANGAEA provides internet at a set rate—with no added taxes or fees— and we have not increased our prices, ever!

Call or email for a free no obligation estimate 828-859-3072 | staff@e-polk.org

EPISCOPAL

Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration

72 Charles St., Saluda, NC 28773, 828749-9740, transfigurationsaluda.org

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church Tryon

814 Markham Rd., Tryon, NC 28782, 828-859-9961, goodshepherdtryon.com

Holy Cross Episcopal 150 Melrose Ave., Tryon, NC 28782, 828-859-9741, holycrosstryon.org

INTERDENOMINATIONAL

Fairfields Mountain Chapel 1384 Buffalo Creek Rd., Lake Lure, NC 28746, 828-625-2411, fairfieldmountainschapel.org

Pure Grace

45 S. Trade Ave., Landrum, SC 29356, 864-395-6099

The Well

395 W. Rutherford St., Landrum, SC 29356, thewell-landrum.com, 864-497-8511

With ALL

76 N. Peak St., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-606-3452, bewithall.org

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 2971 Skyuka Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-859-5434

LUTHERAN/MISSOURI SYNOD

Rejoice Lutheran Church

4 Walnut St., Inman, SC 29349, 864-4575150, rejoiceinman.com

Springs of Grace Lutheran Church 320 Holden Dr., Inman, SC 29349, 864599-8802

Trinity Lutheran Church

3353 Hwy. 176 N., Tryon, NC 28782, 828-817-5506, trinitylutherantryon.com

MENNONITE

Foothills Community Chapel

2720 Landrum Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-863-4638, foothillscommunitychapel.com

MESSIANIC JEWISH SYNAGOGUE

Beth Shiloh Tryon

59 Freeman Hill Rd., Tryon, NC, bethshiloh.org

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

The Alliance of Divine Love

2200 Coxe Rd., Tryon, NC 28782, 828755-4786

Carolina Foothills Christian Fellowship

1521 E. Rutherford St., Landrum, SC 29356, 828-817-1444, cfcfalive.net, Facebook: NewTestamentChristianFellowshipLandrum

Full Proof Ministries

199 Jackson St., Tryon, NC 28782, 828859-6974

PENTECOSTAL HOLINESS

Church of the Living God Pillar and Ground of the Truth 122 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782, 828859-2218

New Holland Temple Holiness

523 N. Randolph Ave., Landrum, SC 29356, 864-457-4407

Restoration Pentecostal Holiness

395 W. Rutherford St., Landrum, SC 29356, 864-457-4325

PRESBYTERIAN/ARP

Sandy Plains Associate Reformed Church

350 Sandy Plains Rd., Tryon, NC 28782, 828-863-2117, sandyplainsarp.net, gmhamer1645@gmail.com

PRESBYTERIAN/PCA

Philadelphia Presbyterian 120 SC Hwy. 14, Landrum, SC 29356, 864-457-2150

PRESBYTERIAN/PCUSA

Columbus Presbyterian Church 21 Peniel Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-894-3368, Facebook.com/cornerofPeniel

Grace Foothills

2820 Lynn Rd, Tryon, NC 28782, 828338-8887, gracefoothills.org

Landrum Presbyterian Church

404 E. Rutherford St., Landrum, SC 29356, 864-457-2761, landrumpresbyterianchurch.org

Tryon Presbyterian Church

430 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon, NC 28782, 828-859-6683, tryonpresbyterian. org

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST

Tryon Seventh-day Adventist 2820 Lynn Rd., Tryon, NC 28782, 828859-6407, tryonnc.adventistchurch.org

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Carolina Foothills

116 Jones St., Landrum, SC 29356, 828513-0570, uufcf.org, Facebook: UUFCF

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

The Congregational Church of Tryon 210 Melrose Ave., Tryon, NC 28782, 828-859-9414, ucctryon.org

UNITED METHODIST

Bethlehem United Methodist Church

253 School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 980-3635644, Facebook: BethlehemUMCMillSpringNC

Campobello United Methodist Church

401 Depot St., Campobello, SC 29322, 864-7062755, Facebook: CampobelloUMC

Grays Chapel United Methodist

500 Grays Chapel Church Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139, 828-894-6328

Jacksons Grove United Methodist of Landrum 2842 N. Pacolet Rd., Landrum, SC 29356, 864-5103199, jacksonsgrove.org

Kistler’s Chapel United Methodist 1060 Poors Ford Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139, 828-248-3041

Landrum Methodist Church

227 N. Howard Ave., Landrum, SC 29356, 864-4573984, Landrumumc.net, Facebook: Landrum.UMC

Liberty Methodist Church 4282 Hwy. 414, Landrum, SC 29356, 864-292-3366

Saluda United Methodist Church 132 Greenville St., Saluda, NC 28773, 828-749-9764

GLOBAL METHODIST

New Hope Methodist Church

4251 Chesnee Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139, 828863-2939

Lebanon Methodist Church

2330 Big Level Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756, 828625-2656

JUDICIAL SYSTEM

Polk County Courthouse, Columbus

STATE COURT

North Carolina District Courts: hear cases involving civil, criminal, juvenile, and magistrate matters. Polk County is in District 29B. North Carolina Superior Courts: hear felony criminal cases, civil cases involving more than $25,000, and appeals from the district courts. Polk County is in the Fifth Division. North Carolina Court of Appeals: the state’s intermediate appellate court, 15 judges serve on this court, judges are elected in statewide partisan elections

North Carolina Supreme Court: the court of last resort, 7 justices serve on this court, judges are elected in statewide partisan elections

Office of the NC District Attorney (Prosecutorial District 42Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties)

POLK COUNTY COURTHOUSE

One Courthouse Square

Columbus, NC 28722

828-894-4900

8 am - 5 pm

Clerk of Superior Court 828-894-4900

Superior Court Judges 828-694-4230

District Court Judges 828-694-4225

Guardian ad Litem 828-694-4215

Polk County Magistrates 828-894-8119

For information including court dockets and calendars, visit nccourts.gov.

District Attorney Andrew Murray Assistant District Attorney for Polk County John Sauve Henderson County Courthouse 200 N. Grove St., Suite 223 Hendersonville, NC 28792 828-694-4200

8:30 am - 5 pm ncdistrictattorney.org

FEDERAL COURT

United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina - Asheville Division Federal courthouses are located in Charlotte, Asheville and Statesville. The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States

in the Western District of North Carolina. This includes all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits by and against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers.

U.S. Attorney Dena J. King Charlotte 704-344-6222, Asheville 828-271-4661

NC GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM

Established by statute in 1983, the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program has been serving abused and neglected children for more than 30 years. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 7B-601, when a petition alleging abuse or neglect of a juvenile is filed in district court, the judge appoints a volunteer Guardian ad Litem advocate and an attorney advocate to provide team representation to the child—and this team has full party status in trial and appellate proceedings. All Guardian ad Litem advocates are trained, supervised, and supported by program staff in each county of the state. The collaborative model of GAL attorney advocates, volunteers, and staff ensures that all North Carolina children who are alleged by the Division of Social Services to have been abused or neglected receive GAL legal advocacy services. Judicial District 29B Satellite Office 4 Gibson St., Columbus Judicial District 29B Main Office 1347 Spartanburg Hwy. Suite 5, Hendersonville, 828-694-4215

LIBRARIES

POLK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Polk County Public Library

1289 West Mills St., Columbus

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

828-894-8721, polklibrary.org

Saluda Public Library

44 W. Main St. Saluda

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

828-722-5218, polklibrary.org

SPARTANBURG COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Landrum Library

111 Asbury Dr., Landrum, SC 29356

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m.8 p.m.

Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 864-457-2218, spartanburglibraries.org/Locations/ Landrum

OTHER COMMUNITY LIBRARIES

Lanier Library

72 Chestnut Street, Tryon, NC 28782

Tuesday - Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Sunday: 1 - 4 p.m.

828-859-9535, thelanierlibrary.org

Founded in 1890, the Lanier Library is Tryon’s oldest civic organization and one of only 16 remaining membership libraries in the United States. Visitors are always welcome and most programs are free and open to the public.

LICENSES PERMITS &

POLK COUNTY

LICENSE PLATES, VEHICLE REGISTRATION

The license plate office and county tax office are together at 51 Walker Street, Columbus, NC 28722. The tax/tag office is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. 828894-8500.

DRIVER’S

LICENSES

Hendersonville Driver License Office 125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, 828-6926915

Forest City Driver License Office

596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, 828-286-2973 ncdot.gov

BUILDING

PERMITS & INSPECTIONS

Community Development Building, 35 Walker St., Columbus, NC, 9 a.m.-4

p.m. Mon.-Fri., 828-8943739, polknc.gov

FISHING LICENSE AND SUPPLIES

North Carolina fishing regulations can be found online at ncwildlife.org or by consulting the Regulations Digest for North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping. Customer service is available Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 888-248-6834 or licenses@ncwildlife.org. The regulations digest and fishing licenses can be obtained locally at the following locations:

Tim Edwards Landscaping 109 Post Office Rd., Mill Spring 828-894-0741

MA Pace General Store

60 E. Main St., Saluda 828-749-2401

McGuinn’s Store

4 884 Highway 9, Mill Spring 828-625-4755

Silver Creek Campground 3111 Silver Creek Road, Mill Spring 828-894-2331

ZONING/BUILDING PERMITS

For new construction, alterations to existing buildings, or moving of buildings within the city limits of Columbus, Saluda, Tryon or Tryon’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, a zoning permit is required from the Town Hall within that town.

Landowners outside an incorporated town should check with the county Building Inspection Department.

SIGN PERMITS

Outside the incorporated city or town – obtain from the Building Inspection Department and the Planning Director. Inside city limits – obtain from appropriate Town Hall.

BOAT

REGISTRATION

Boat Registration Section, Wildlife Resources Commission, 1709 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 919-662-4370 or 800-628-3773, Proof of ownership required.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY

DRIVER’S LICENSES

Information: 800-4421368. Branches open Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. except on state holidays. Spartanburg branches: 8794 Fairforest Rd., Suite B, 864-587-4713, and 1625 Southport Rd., 864-5944940.

Woodruff branch: 363 S. Main St., 864-476-5913.

LICENSE PLATES,

REGISTRATION

Newcomers must obtain license plates and title within 45 days of moving to the state. Applicants must fill out a Form 400 and submit it with their current out-of-state title and a paid property tax receipt from the county in which they reside.

ZONING/BUILDING PERMITS

Landrum City Hall: 100 N. Shamrock Ave., 864-457-3000

BUILDING PERMITS, INCLUDING APPROVAL FOR ALL SEPTIC CONSTRUCTION:

County Building Inspector’s Office, 366 Church St., Spartanburg, 864-5962727, Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.4 p.m. For mobile homes in the City of Landrum, zoning approval must first be obtained from City Hall.

SIGN PERMITS

Available from the Building Inspector’s Office, following zoning approval from City Hall.

DOG TAGS

Required within Landrum City limits and obtainable at Landrum City Hall.

BOAT REGISTRATION

Available from the S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources, Boat Titling and Registration, P.O. Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202, 803734-3447.

PETS

VETERINARIANS

All Seasons Veterinary Hospital

486 S Trade St., Tryon 828-537-5004

allseasonsvethospital.com

Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital 155 Shuford Rd., Columbus 828-722-0202

bonniebraeveterinaryhospital.com

God’s Creatures Animal Hospital

136 S. Howard Ave., Landrum 864-457-3565

godscreaturesanimalhospital.net

Landrum Veterinary Hospital

1600 E. Rutherford St., Landrum 864-457-3351

landrumvet.com

Saluda Veterinary Hospital 1499 Ozone Dr., Saluda 828-749-2340

saludavet.wixsite.com

Tryon Equine Hospital

3689 Landrum Rd., Columbus

828-894-6065

Tryonequine.com

Twin Oaks Veterinary Clinic

5365 N. Hwy. 14, Landrum

864-895-8091

Twinoaks.vet

PET SUPPLIES

Green Creek Farm Supply 2291 Chesnee Rd., Columbus 828-863-4343

Animal feed

The Hay Rack

325 W. Rutherford St., Landrum 864-457-2155

Pet supplies

The Hay Rack on 9 6331 NC Hwy. 9, Columbus 828-863-0536

Animal feed

Purrrfect Bark

155 W. Mills St., #109, Columbus

828-894-2444

Natural pet food and treats, nail trim service

The Southern Pet

116 E. Rutherford St., Landrum

864-457-1224

Pet supplies

Tim Edwards Farm & Landscape Supply

109 Post Office Rd., Mill Spring 828-894-0741

Animal feed

Tractor Supply

651 W. Mills St., Columbus 828-894-0560

Ag & livestock supplies

GROOMERS

Blue Ridge Barkway Pet Grooming Salon & Boutique

2536 Lynn Rd., Suite B, Tryon 828-440-1217

Doggie Barber Shop

202 E. Earle St., Landrum 864-457-4490

Gentle Hands Grooming

156 US 176, Saluda 828-749-3280

Love on a Leash

214B E. Rutherford St., Landrum 864-457-4929, 202-505-5625

Noble Dog Lodge 157 Shuford Rd., Columbus 828-802-1053

Perribrook Doggie Salon

40 E. Mills St., Suite B, Columbus 828-785-8248

DOG PARKS

TRYON

Harmon Field

Harmon Field Dog Park is a fenced area

visible from Harmon Field Rd.

SALUDA

Saluda Dog Park

199 Chestnut St.

LANDRUM

Landrum Dog Park

Located behind Stone Soup Market and Cafe at 1522 E. Rutherford St.

ADOPTIONS

Foothills Humane Society

The mission of FHS is to shelter and care for stray and surrendered companion animals within our community; prevent cruelty to animals; reunite lost animals with their owners; adopt animals to qualified homes or place them with reputable rescue organizations; and educate the public about responsible animal ownership and population control. 989 Little Mountain Rd., Columbus 828-863-4444

FoothillsHumaneSociety.org

FOSTER

Paws, Prayers and Promises

3Ps mission is to help animals and their people in Polk County, N.C. and upper Spartanburg County, S.C. We are a foster-based organization. We are not a shelter or rescue, we have no cages, kennels or chains. 828-243-1852, Pawsprayersandpromises.org

P3 Retail for Rescue

A thrift store that accepts donations of women’s clothing and accessories, decorative household items, home furnishings, and pet supplies. The organization also sponsors the P3 Benefit Bingo Night on the second Thursday of each month at Landrum Depot.

112 East Rutherford St., Landrum, SC, Tuesday - Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 864-457-3694, Pawsprayersandpromises.org

POST OFFICES

Campobello, SC 29322

30 S. Main St., 864-468-4585

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-1pm, 2-4pm, Sat 9-10am Lobby: 24 hours

Passport services offered

Columbus, NC 28722

126 Ward St., 828-894-8680

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:45am-4:30pm, Sat 10am-12:30pm Lobby: 24 hours

Inman, SC 29349

14 Blackstock Rd., 864-472-8401

Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-4:30pm, Sat 10-11am Lobby: 24 hours

Lake Lure, NC 28746

2432 Memorial Hwy., 828-625-4711

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-12pm,1-4pm, Closed Sat. Lobby: 24 hours

Lynn, NC 28750

2633 Lynn Rd., 828-859-5111

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-12pm, 1:30-4:45pm, Sat 9:3011:30am Lobby: 24 hours

Landrum, SC 29356

500 E. Rutherford St., 864-457-2362

Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-1pm, 2-4pm, Sat 10-11am Lobby: 24 hours

Mill Spring, NC 28756

50 School Rd., 828-894-3199

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-12:30pm, 1:30-4pm Lobby: 24 Hours

Rutherfordton, NC 28139

130 E. Court St., 828-287-3750

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 9am-12pm Lobby: 24 Hours

Saluda, NC 28773

102 E. Main St., 828-749-5921

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-1pm, 3-4:30pm, Sat 9:30-11am Lobby: 24 Hours

Tryon, NC 28782

95 Pacolet St., 828-859-9357

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm, Sat 10am-12pm Lobby: 24 Hours

Passport services offered

RECREATION

HIKING TRAILS

Bradley Nature Preserve at Alexander's Ford

Trail type: Out and back, Length: 1.3 miles each way, Difficulty: Easy, Parking: Located near the intersection of County Line Rd. and Gray's Rd.

The Preserve was acquired through multiple grants to help tell the story of the Overmountain Men, a rag-tag group of area militia that chased down a British general during the Revolutionary War and won a pivotal battle at Kings Mountain. The old roadbed that is now the Preserve's main trail is believed to be the exact location of their trip.

Little

Bradley Falls Trail

Trail type: Out and back, Length: 1 mile each way, Difficulty: Moderate, Parking: Located off Holbert Cove Rd.

The Little Bradley Falls Trail is a moderate 1-mile trail to a beautiful 40-foot waterfall located in the Green River Game Lands. A little more than

a quarter mile into the trail, there is flagging on a tree on the right side; hikers should continue this way, crossing a small creek to stay on the trail. Another creek crossing awaits hikers shortly after the first in about ankle-deep water. Red blazes mark the trail, but some are fading and hard to see.

Bradley Nature Preserve

Trail type: Out and back, Length: 1.5 miles each way, Difficulty: Easy, Parking: Located at the intersection of Esseola Dr. and Substation Rd.

The Lazy Girl Loop is an easy trail that runs through the woods of the Bradley Nature Preserve. A Connector Trail links the Lazy Girl Loop to Laurel Drive. Dogs are not allowed on the lower loop sections of the trail.

Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE)

Trail type: Loop Trail System, Length: 5-6 miles of trail, Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, Parking: 3381 Hunting

Country Rd.

The Foothills Equestrian Nature Center is located on a beautiful 380-acre nature preserve. There are leisurely trails for both hikers and horseback riders on the property. More info: FENCE.org.

Green River Game Lands

Trail type: 9 Connected Trails, Length: 14.3 miles total, Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, Parking: Can be accessed from the North via Big Hungry Rd. or from the South via Green River Cove Rd.

The Green River Game Lands consist of 18,639 acres of wilderness. Nine named trails run through the Game Lands that have signs at each trail connection, blue blazes that mark the trails. Hunting is allowed. More info: ncwildlife.org. The trails are better suited to more experienced hikers.

Isothermal

Community College Loop

Trail type: Loop, Length: 0.5 miles, Difficulty: Easy, Parking: Located off NC Hwy 108 in the ICC/Library Parking lot

This easy 0.5-mile trail is located behind Isothermal Community College. It connects to St. Luke's Tom Raymond Fitness Trail. A great trail for kids or to stretch your legs during the day!

Norman Wilder Forest

Trail type: 5 trails, Loop, Length: 2 to 3 miles of trail, Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous, Parking: Located off Hwy. 176 between Tryon and Saluda

Norman Wilder Forest is a 185-acre protected forest on the slopes of Little Warrior Mountain. It is composed of mature third growth mixed hardwoods managed by Conserving Carolina. This forest is home to a wide variety of wildflowers, birds, and mammals. Drip Falls also provides a unique environment and is a haven for salamanders. There are multiple trails of varying difficulty to explore.

Round Mountain

Trail type: Out and back, Length: 0.5 mile each way, Difficulty: Strenuous, Parking: Located off Howard Gap Rd. between Warrior Mountain Church and the bridge over I-26. There is currently about 0.5 miles of completed trail with a small picnic area at the beginning of the trail.

Poinsett Reservoir Passage of the Palmetto Trail

Trail type: One way hiking trail, Length: 6.6 miles, Difficulty: Moderate , Parking: The parking area is inside a split rail fence just off Fork Creek Rd. At the other end of the open RV camping area is the trailhead kiosk. More info: PalmettoConservation.org

Blue Wall Passage of the Palmetto Trail

Trail type: One way hiking trail, Length: 14 miles, Difficulty: East to west, miles 0-6, easy; miles 6-12, moderate; miles 12-14, strenuous., Parking: FENCE, 3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon. The eastern trailhead is located at FENCE. Country roads and sidewalks take the hiker through downtown Landrum and around Lake Lanier. The Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment at miles 12 to 14 climbs steeply and abruptly to Vaughns Gap (trailhead for Poinsett Reservoir Passage). More info: PalmettoConservation.org

Saluda Mountains Passage of the Palmetto Trail

Trail type: One way hiking trail, Length: 9.1 miles , Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous  , Parking: Orchard Lake Campground & Talisman Camp

Runs along the ridge defining the northern perimeter of the Poinsett Watershed and the border between the Carolinas. The 19,000-acre watershed is a pristine wilderness area with remarkable habitat for rare plants and animals, including the threatened Peregrine falcon. More info: PalmettoConservation.org

Pearson's Falls & Glen

Trail type: Out and back, Length: 0.25 mile each way, Difficulty: Moderate, Parking: 2748 Pearson Falls Road

Pearson's Falls is located on a 268-acre botanical reserve with moderate hiking to a beautiful 90-foot waterfall. This lush forest is home to some 200 species of wildflowers and plants. Small admission fee, no dogs are allowed. More info: pearsonsfalls.org.

Tom Raymond Fitness Trail

Trail type: Out and back, Length: 0.4 miles each way, Difficulty: Easy, Parking: St. Luke's Hospital

The Tom Raymond Fitness trail is located behind St. Luke's Hospital and features 8 fitness stations along the wide gravel trail. This trail connects to the Isothermal Community College Loop.

Tryon Missing 40 Trace

Trail type: Loop, Length: 1 mile, Difficulty: Moderate , Parking:  Between Tryon and Saluda on Pearson's Falls Rd. The Tryon Missing 40 Trace is set in the beautiful Pacolet River Gorge. The trail starts at the convergence of Joles Creek and the North Pacolet River, it continues next to the river and features two unassisted river crossings in about ankle high water. Taking the trail to the right is

recommended to save river crossings for the end of the hike. White blazes mark the trail throughout.

Vaughn Creek Greenway

Trail type: Out and back, Length: 0.8 miles each way, Difficulty: Easy, Parking: Off New Market Rd. in Tryon, a small, open field about 300 feet from the trailhead This easy 0.8-mile trail takes hikers through a beautiful, wooded area along Vaughn Creek. Not far into the hike, visitors can see Siller's Falls on their left. The trail ends at a large tunnel that Vaughn Creek flows through. A short trail goes from the picnic shelter to Siller's Falls.

Woodland Park

Trail type: Loop, Length: 1 mile, Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, Parking: Two entrances, one off Chestnut St., Tryon and

one behind the Tryon IGA

Woodland Park is a nice escape into the woods, close to downtown Tryon. There is about 1 mile of trail with several small loops, located in a beautiful patch of woods featuring many large hardwoods and pines.

WALKING PATHS

Adawehi Wellness Village

Easy forest walking path with Labyrinth. 93 Adawehi Lane, Columbus, 828-8945260, Adawehi.com

Green Creek Family Life Center

Paved walking trail

Green Creek Dr. and Coxe Rd., Green Creek

Isothermal Community College Trail

Primary access is from Polk County Public Library/Isothermal Community College parking lot.

1255 W. Mills St., Columbus

Tom Raymond Fitness Trail

Easy footpath features fitness stations as well as an attractive hardwood forest setting, primary access is from the AdventHealth Polk back parking lot.

101 Hospital Dr., Columbus

Polk County High School Track

Regulation size paved oval running track 1681 N. Hwy. 108, Columbus

Stearns Park

Includes a paved walking path loop (0.2 mi) and Stearns Gym with indoor recreational activities

125 East Mills St., Columbus

Brookwood Park

Half-mile paved walking path, some shaded, and a playground.

East Rutherford St./Hwy. 14 in Landrum

Polk Central Elementary School

Half-mile nature trail with educational markers.

2141 Highway 9 South

Polk County Middle School Track

Paved regulation sized oval outdoor track. 321 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring

Polk County Recreation Complex

Includes paved walking path loop, baseball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic shelters, large playground and fishing pond access.

223 Wolverine Drive

Sunny View Elementary School Playground

86 Sunny View Road

Lazy Girl Loop Trail

Accessible from Laurel Drive, Saluda, easy 1-mile trail (one way), no dogs allowed.

McCreery Park

A busy playground and park located in the heart of Saluda at the intersection of Greenville and Maple Streets that features swings, slides and an obstacle course, as well as a covered picnic area and gazebo.

Norman Wilder Forest

Managed by Conserving Carolina, trails are located on 185 acres of mature third growth mixed hardwood on the slopes of Little Warrior Mountain. Trail has bridges, steps and loops. Plan on a 2 to 3-mile hike.

Located off Hwy. 176 between Tryon and Saluda

Saluda Elementary School playground and tennis courts

214 E. Main St.

Harmon Field

Thirty-six acres containing paved walking path loop with a fitness course, paved oval walking track, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields.

117 Harmon Field Road, Tryon

FISHING

POLK COUNTY HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS:

• North Pacolet River from Pacolet Falls to Highway 108 bridge

• Fork Creek Church on SR 1100 to North Pacolet River

• Big Fall Creek portion above water supply reservoir

• Green River from the Henderson County line to mouth of Bright’s Creek

• Little Cove Creek

• Big Fall Creek (portion below water supply reservoir)

• Cove Creek

• Camp Creek (Henderson County line Green River)

Laughter Pond

Laughter Pond, located at the Polk County Recreation Complex in Mill Spring, provides public fishing and is stocked with catfish. There are no size restrictions on catfish, and the daily limit is six catfish per licensed person per day.

PUBLIC SWIMMING

The Foothills area is known for its mountains and rivers but also has public swimming opportunities. The area is home to nearby lakes, the Green River, Pacolet River and a county-owned outdoor swimming pool.

Gibson Park Pool

Public swimming pool. Fee for pool use. Annual pass available. 236 Park St., Columbus, 828-894-2646

Harmon Field Beach

Public river swimming and a public park with playgrounds 828-859-5784

Lake Lure Beach

Mountain lake featuring a traditional sand beach, and a kids’ park with waterslide and water games.

2724 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, 828625-0077

GOLF COURSES

Links O' Tryon

This Tom Jackson 6,800-yard course allows you to feel like you are visiting Scotland, Pinehurst and Pebble Beach in one day! Nestled in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, the course winds through rolling countryside with spectacular mountain and water views. The fairways are challenging and playable for all levels of golfers. 11250 New Cut Road, Campobello, 864468-5099

Meadowbrook Golf Club

The 6,700-yard course rolls gently up hills and down through meadows with Henson and Davis Creeks, creating challenging holes on both nines. The golf course at Meadowbrook Golf Club is characterized by its tree-lined fairways and abundance of water. Both creeks and two ponds come into play on 10 holes. Stretching to just over 6,700 yards from the back tees (blue) and offering four tee boxes, Meadowbrook’s

golf course is ready to test the skills of both young and old, as well as the novice and experienced golfer.

1211 Meadowbrook Road, Rutherfordton, 828-863-2690, meadowbrookgolfclub.com

Tryon Country Club

The Donald Ross-designed course is a ninehole golf club where members walk or ride, play 9, 12 or 18 holes, and rarely wait for the tee. Do not let its size fool you — tests await at every turn. The layout rewards well-struck shots on its Bermuda fairways, though the trademark bent-grass greens are well-bunkered and unforgiving to errant approach shots. A stream running through the property often comes into play.

393 Country Club Road, Tryon, 828-8599561, tryoncountryclub.com

MOBILE RECYCLING DROP-OFF

To provide residents with convenient options for recycling and to help reduce waste going to the landfill, Polk County’s Mobile Recycling Service offers multiple drop-off locations throughout the county. Mobile Recycling units are set up to accept recyclables from 7 am -12 pm on the following days and locations:

• Monday – Harmon Field, Tryon

• Tuesday – Corner of Ozone Drive and Hwy. 176, Saluda

• Wednesday – Green Creek Fire Dept, Green Creek

• Thursday – Ward St. Extension (Between First Citizens Bank and Feagan Law Building, Columbus

RECYCLING

The Mobile Recycling Service operates all days as scheduled except on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Mobile Recycling units also do not operate on any day that Polk County Schools are canceled because of inclement weather.

RECYCLING GUIDELINES

Items that may be recycled include:

• Metal

• Food, beverage or household container cans (metal and aluminum must be separated)

• Plastic food, beverage or household containers if they are plastic types 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7

• Paper food, beverage or household containers

• Glass food and drink containers

• Magazines, newspapers, books and junk mail

• Cardboard (if boxes, preferably broken down)

Items that may not be recycled include:

• Plastics such as those containing antifreeze, automotive oil, pesticides and herbicide

• Plastic bags

• Planting pots

• Styrofoam

• PVC

• 5-gallon buckets

• Paint buckets

• Wax paper

• Plastic toys

• Glass other than glass food and drink containers

Recycling attendants at the Mobile Recycling units can help answer questions.

For more information about recycling and waste disposal in the county, call the Polk County Solid Waste Transfer Station & Recycling Center at 828-894-3737.

Being a good neighbor means being there for my community. As your local State Farm® agent, I’m ready to help whenever you need me. Give me a call.

Thank you to our community for choosing us to be your 2025 Favorite Foothills Insurance Agency! We are proud to serve both SC & NC.

Tiffany Freel Agent

702 E Rutherford St., Landrum, SC 29356-1721

Bus: 864-457-2021 • www.tiffanyfreel.com

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

Sate Farm

Bloomington, IL

RESTAURANTS

TRYON

All Good Things Bakery

289 S. Trade St.

828-440-1018

Bakery, Coffeeshop

Buck’s Pizza

30 N. Trade St. 828-859-0400

Pizza

Brooks Tavern 10 Oak St. 828-440-1540

Casual Dining

Don Bigotes II

526 S Trade St 828-440-1140

Mexican

El Sureňo

1052 S. Trade St. 828-859-3075

Mexican

Huckleberry's 90 N Trade St.

828-318-7670

To-go meals

Hunt Brothers Pizza & Hotdog

King

3950 Lynn Rd.

828-859-9080

Pizza (take-out)

Katie D’s NY Bagels & Deli

255 N Trade St. 828-440-1441

Bagels & Deli

K.D.’s Sea Shack

82 N. Trade St. 828-440-1285

Bistro

The Livery Pourhouse 60 Pacolet St. 828-440-1057

Pub Food

Nana’s Kitchen 354 S. Trade St. #A 828-859-0305

Casual Dining

Side Street Pizza & Pasta 135 S. Trade St. 828-859-5325

Italian

Trade Street Diner 10 N. Trade St

828-440-1522

Casual Dining, Ice Cream

The Tryon Bottle / Della’s Tacos 15 S. Trade St. 828-859-6473

Wine bar, tacos

Tryon Coffeehouse Co-op 62A N. Trade St. 828-436-0085

Coffeehouse

Valhalla Cakes 90 Pacolet St. 828-440-1264

Coffee, Pastries

COLUMBUS

Bojangles 84 W. Mills St. 828-351-3170

Fast Food

The Brick Pizzeria 214 E. Mills St. 828-894-2299

Italian

Calvert’s Kitchen

306 E. Mills St. 828-894-0268

Casual Dining

Cocula Mexican Grill 338 W. Mills St. 828-894-2099

Mexican

El Campesino 205 E. Mills St. 828-894-0541

Mexican

Fuji Express

393 W. Mills St. 828-802-1199

Hibachi

Iron Key Brewing Company 135 Locust St. 828-802-1045

Craft beer, Grill

Joy Wok II

155 W. Mills St. #102 828-894-5566

Asian

Guerrero's (in Vgo station)

401 W. Mills St. 828-802-1196

Mexican

Martha’s Amish Bakery

6431 Hwy. 9 South

863-4643

Bakery

McDonald’s

300 W. Mills St. 828-894-2827

Fast Food

Mountain View BBQ & Deli

829 W. Mills St. 828-894-7060

Barbecue

Naruto Sushi Bar

55 W. Mills St. #101 828-802-1019

Asian

Openroad Coffee Roastery

915 W. Mills St. 828-894-2021

Coffeehouse

Subway

235 W. Mills St. 828-894-3333

Fast food

Sully’s Place

155 W. Mills St. 828-802-1099

Casual Dining

Taco Bell

202 W. Mills St. 828-722-1025

Fast Food

Waffle House

363 W. Mills St. 828-894-2311

Fast food

Wendy’s

255 W. Mills St. 828-894-5269

Fast food

Wolverine Pizza

1550 Hwy. 108 W 828-894-5252

Italian

Zoe’s Place

192 E. Mills St.

Sandwiches, salads

SALUDA

Saluda Mexican Grill

40 E Main St. 828-769-9024

Mexican

Back Alley Barn

24 E. Main St. 828-521-1169

Tap room, bar fare

Green River BBQ

131 Highway 176 828-749-9892

Barbecue

Green River Brew Depot

26 Church St. 828-769-9033

Bar & Grill

Green River Eddy’s Tap Room

435 E. Main St.

828-848-4060

Tap Room, Bar Food

Newman’s Restaurant at Orchard Inn

100 Orchard Inn Lane

828-749-5471

Fine dining Reservations required

Purple Onion

16 E. Main St. 828-749-1179

Mediterranean

Saluda Sweet Shop

32 W. Main St. (in depot) 828-769-9016

Ice Cream

Saluda Truck Plaza

1380 Ozone Dr. 828-749-4921

Grill

Somewhere In Time

70 E. Main St. 828-749-1514

Ice Cream

K’s NY Pizza & SoFlo Food

101 E. Main St. 828-513-1104

Pizza

Subway 1484A Ozone Drive 828-376-1369

Sub sandwiches, salads

Thompson’s Store & Ward’s Grill

24 E. Main St. 828-749-2321

Casual Dining

Wakey Monkey

18 Church St. 828-769-9040

Coffeehouse

Wildflour Bakery & Café

173 E. Main St. 828-749-3356

Bakery, Café

LANDRUM

1878 Butcher's Block

227 E Rutherford St. 864-702-8004

Deli

Bojangles 1792 Hwy. 14 East

864-457-2207

Fast Food

Boots’ & Sonny’s #2

328 S. Howard Ave. 864-457-2378

Casual Dining

Burger King 1880 Hwy. 14 East 864-457-5449

Fast food

Cardinal Coffee & Bistro

114 E. Rutherford St. 864-702-8063

Coffee, ice cream, pastries

Caro-Mi Dining Room 909 E. Rutherford St.

Casual Dining

China Café & Japanese Hibachi 1760 Hwy. 14

864-457-3836

Asian

Dimitri’s Greek & Italian Restaurant 5600 Hwy. 14 864-661-2939

Italian

Domino’s Pizza 1750 Hwy. 14 East 864-510-0080

Pizza

The Drake House 511 N. Howard Ave. 864-457-2533

Casual Dining

El Chile Rojo 209 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-5977

Mexican

The Hare & Hound 101 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-3232

Casual Dining

Harvest House 22345 Asheville Highway 864-457-2823

Casual dining

The Junction of Gowensville 5599 Hwy. 14

864-468-4675

Buffet

Kirk’s Kitchen

603 S. Howard Ave. 864-607-4224

American

Rhema Soul

212 E Rutherford St. 864-457-5380

Southern, Soul Food

The Red Horse Inn

45 Winstons Chase Ct. 864-909-1575

Wine Bar

Soulisa’s Fine Thai Dining

208 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-5318

Thai, Japanese

Southern Manners

2915 Hwy. 14 E 828-894-0406

Casual Dining, Deli

Southside Smokehouse & Grille

726 S. Howard Ave. 864-457-4581

Casual Dining

Starbucks (in Ingles)

1851 Hwy. 14E 864-457-5187

Coffeehouse

Stone Soup Market & Café 1522 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-5255

Casual Dining

Stubborn Mule Restaurant and Brewery

501 N Howard Ave.

Pizza, American Gastropub Fare

Subway 1772 Hwy. 14 East 864-457-7337

Deli, Fast Food

Twin Palmetto

1005 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-5008

Casual dining

Zaxby’s 1820 SC-14

864-510-0033

Chicken, Fast Food

MILL SPRING

Crossroads Ice Cream & Coffee

82 Hwy. 9 N. 828-894-0119

Ice cream, fudge, brownies

Deb’s Mini Mart

21 Hwy. 9 North 828-894-2232

Sandwiches, drinks

Mill Spring Farm Store

82 Hwy. 9 N. 828-894-8028

Artisan Farm Store

Relish Grill at Parker-Binns

Vineyard 2275 Whiteside Rd. 828-894-0154

Charcuterie, Burgers, Tacos

Tryon International Equestrian Center

25 International Blvd.

*Gerti Mae’s & Blue Ginger 828-863-1121

Asian, Southern Fare

*Campagna Italian Cuisine 828-863-1127

Italian

*Legends Grille 828-863-1122

Fine Dining

*Roger’s Diner 828-863-1113

Casual Dining

*Taco Mundo & Siesta Cantina 828-863-1000

Mexican

*Silver Spoon Saloon 828-863-1121

American

*Silo Bar Beer, Ale, Cider, Karaoke

*Pony Express Deli Deli sandwiches, soup, salad

*Mane Street Coffee Coffees and treats

*The General Store & Market Groceries, wine, ice cream, beer

*Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ 828-863-1179

*Bonne Bouche Fine Chocolates 828-817-4122

SALONS, SPAS BARBERS &

TRYON

A New Outlook Salon

568 N. Trade St. 828-859-5511

Artistry Above Hair Studio 590 S. Trade St. 828-817-4820

Gloessence Studio

112 N. Trade St., Suite 13 864-612-8117

Haven Salon & Boutique

Rylee Woods 120 N. Trade St.

Jay & Co. Skin Studio

163 N. Trade St. 828-440-1261

La-Plaza Beauty Salon

1005 US 176 828-859-5113

Lashes by Kaylin

112 N. Trade St., Suite 8 864-494-4439

Pure Skin Esthetics

2753 Lynn Rd. 828-817-8104

Shear Magic Hair & Nail Salon

1005 S. Trade St. 828-859-5000

Soul Esthetics

951 S. Trade St., Suite 4 864-517-0907

Spa Nails by Karie 2753 Lynn Rd. 828-551-9238

Studio Z Hair & Nail Salon

2753 Lynn Rd., Suite B 828-551-9238

COLUMBUS

202 Salon & Spa 155 W. Mills St. 828-894-0202

Elegance Permanent Beauty Co.

155 W. Mills St., Suite 201 828-802-1187

Hair Associates

816 W. Mills St. 828-894-2990

Hair Den

73 Toma Lane 828-859-5757

JK Nails

155 W. Mills St., Suite 107 828-894-5535 jknailscolumbus.com

Karma Salon & Boutique

750 E. Mills St. 828-894-0613

Lovely Lady Styling Salon 124 Blanton St. 828-894-8580

Paul’s Barber Shop 40 E. Mills St. 828-817-4598

Salon 3:15

6431 NC-9 828-863-1209

Underground Tans

750 NC Hwy 108 E, Suite B 828-802-1222

Uptown Girl Salon 81 Simms St. 828-894-7011

Vibes Massage & Spa 803 W. Mills St. 828-802-1173 vibesmassageandspa.com

Smith’s & Associates Landrum Barbershop

LANDRUM

The Brass Beard Barbershop

202 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-1138 schedulicity.com

Dale James Salon 119 E. Prince Rd. 864-457-1086

Facebook: Dale James Salon

Headlines by Patti 206 N. Poplar St. 864-457-3536

Honeycomb Hair Salon 607 S. Howard Ave. 864-510-1568

Lovely Nails 1764 SC 14 E 864-457-5621 Lovelynailslandrum.com

Main Street Salon 103 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-4202 Facebook: MainStreetSalonLandrum

Smith’s & Associates 107 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-3733

Swedish Solutions Day Spa 110 Thrift Circle 828-817-4543

Victorian Rose 120 Lodge St. 864-457-3800

MILL SPRING

Hair & Beyond

964 NC Hwy 9 828-894-6383

Julie’s Primp and Polish Promenade Cabin 25 International Blvd. 910-382-1100

Juliesprimpandpolish.com

Tangles & Toes Hair and Nail Salon

82 NC Hwy 9 North, Suite 7 828-899-0107

SENIOR SERVICES

The Meeting Place Senior Center Sponsored by the Polk County Council on Aging, The Meeting Place provides daily recreation, art, music, language and social activities. Lunch is served every weekday from 11:30 am -12:30 pm with to-go plates available. Homedelivered meals are available for seniors who are unable to travel. Seniors may also obtain assistance regarding Medicare and Medicare Supplement insurance policies and claim forms through the Senior Health Insurance Information Program at the Meeting Place.

75 Carmel Lane, Columbus, NC 28722

Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. 828-894-0001

The Meeting Place II (Saluda Senior Center)

The Saluda Senior Center offers a variety of programs to enhance the quality of life for senior residents of Polk County, including home-delivered and congregate meals.

64 Greenville St., Saluda, NC 28773

Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 828-749-9245

Senior Health Insurance Information Program

Counselors answer Medicare beneficiaries’ questions about Medicare. Appointment required.

75 Carmel Lane, Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-7962

Saluda Living in Place (SLIP) Offers a variety of services for seniors, including support services, home safety and accessibility and social activities. PO Box 322, Saluda, NC 828-749-1975, slipnc.org

Med-Assist

Med-Assist is a resource for seniors that assists with access to life-saving prescription medications each month. Appointment required.

75 Carmel Lane, Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-0001

Community Alternatives Program (CAP)

A program that allows elderly and disabled adults ages 18 and up to receive support services in their own home, as an alternative to nursing home placement.

48 Hospital Dr. Ste. 3, Columbus, NC 28722

828-894-0564

The Senior Community Service Employment

Program

If you are 55 years or older and economically disadvantaged, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is available to you through the Division of Aging and Adult Services and other agencies in North Carolina. The Senior Community Service Employment Program, funded through Title V of the Older Americans Act, places individuals 55 and older who are economically disadvantaged into useful part-time community service programs while helping them transition into unsubsidized employment.

111 W. Court St, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

828-287-2281

Polk County Sheriff’s Office R-U-OK Program

The R-U-OK program is an automated phone system that calls residents of Polk County on a daily basis at a time specified by the user. The recipient of the call presses a specific button to acknowledge receipt of the call. If there is no answer or the recipient fails to properly acknowledge the call, an alert is sent and a PCSO officer responds to the residence to check on the resident.

164 Government Complex Dr, Columbus, NC 28722

828-894-3001 ext. 303 (nonemergency), polksheriffnc.com

Polk County Transportation Authority

Polk County Transportation Authority has proudly served the public transportation needs of citizens since 1985, offering safe, reliable travel to and from a wide range of destinations including around the county, or to Hendersonville, Rutherfordton, Asheville, Spindale, Spartanburg, Greenville, and Forest City. The well-maintained fleet includes liftequipped vans and child safety seats. Call to arrange trips to work, college, shopping, personal care appointments, medical appointments, airports and more. Free for those over 60. Donations encouraged. Call by 10 a.m. to schedule a trip for the next day. Out-of-county trips require three-day advance notice. 2881 NC Hwy 108 E., Columbus, NC 28722

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 828-894-8203

Meals on Wheels

The mission of Meals on Wheels is to provide hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors who are unable to shop or prepare their own meals, allowing seniors to live in their homes with dignity and independence. Must be 60 or older, Polk County resident, homebound. Contact The Meeting Place for information, referrals, or to volunteer.

Polk County Senior Games and Silver Arts

Polk County Senior Games and SilverArts is organized by Polk County Senior Services and is sanctioned by North Carolina Senior Games. Participants who qualify in their Local Games are invited to participate in State Finals in the fall. Each 2 years, State Finals qualifiers get the opportunity to represent North Carolina at National Senior Games. In order to participate in Polk County Senior Games, one must be 50 years of age or better. Men and women compete in separate categories in the following 5-year increments: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, 95-99, 100+. Contact Polk Health and Human Services Agency/The Meeting Place for more information.

SHOPPING

TRYON

Architectural Warehouse at Old Mill Market Square

151 Southern Mercerizing Rd. 828-966-9030 oldmillmarketsquare.com

Back Alley Boutique and Bud Bar

226 S Trade St. 828-440-1184, 828-388-6040

The Book Shelf

17 S. Trade St. 828-859-9304

Brett Auston Floral & Gift Boutique

255B N. Trade St. 828-412-7016

Brettauston.com

Dark Horse Antique Market

1161 S. Trade St. 828-859-5634

Foothills Mercantile

23 S. Trade St. 828-859-0164

IGA Supermarket

370 S. Trade St. 828-859-9245

Mountain Trail Soap Company

152 N Trade St. 828-301-4546 Mountaintrailsoapcompany. com

Nature’s Store House

Health Food Store

427 S. Trade St. 828-859-6356 naturesstorehousenc.com

The Nest at Missildine’s 13 S. Trade St. 404-319-1052

Facebook: The Nest Artisan Market

Seventh Day Adventist

Church Thrift Store

2820 Lynn Rd. 828-859-6407

Thompson Garden Gallery 83 Palmer St. 828-859-3185

Tryon Antique Mall 1005 S. Trade St. 828-859-2756

Tryon Bottle - A Wine & Beer Boutique 15 S. Trade St. 828-859-6473 tryonbottle.com

Tryon Toymakers & Woodcarvers 17 S. Trade St. 843-373-7232 tryontoymakers.org

Wild Petunias 112 N. Trade St. 828-859-7039 wildpetunias.com

COLUMBUS

Advance Auto Parts

211 W. Mills St. 828-894-3202

Avery Creek Nursery & Gift Shop 2676 NC 108 828-894-0107 Averycreeknursery.com

Beneficial Foods Organic Grocery 93 Adawehi Lane 828-894-0737

Blissful Buds

200 E. Mills St. 828-802-1159

Blue Waters Pool & Spas

32 N. Peak St. 828-894-0299

Carolina Dragonfly Boutique 2060 Lynn Rd., Suite 3 828-440-1163 Carolinadragonflyboutique. com

CarQuest Auto Parts

291 E. Mills St. 828-894-3064

Columbus ABC Store

250 W. Mills St., Suite 3 828-894-3188

CVS

333 W. Mills St. 828-894-8247

Dogwood Market Home Decor

2060 Lynn Rd., Suite 10 864-491-0371

Dollar General

101 Shuford Rd. 828-722-1100

Dutch Boy Barns

617 W. Mills St. 864-804-6999

Elegance Permanent Beauty Co.

155 W. Mills St, Suite 201 828-802-1187

The Endurance Boutique

370 John Weaver Rd. 704-953-1541

European Market

155 W. Mills St. 828-590-6760

Food Lion Supermarket

250 W. Mills St. Unit 5

828-894-8286 Foodlion.com

Foothills Pharmacy 80 Shuford Rd. 828-894-6112

Gunner’s Haven

2060 Lynn Rd., Suite 5 828-440-1057 gunnerscustomholsters.biz

Hay Rack on 9 6331 NC 9 828-863-0536

King Smoke & Vape

155 W. Mills St., #106 828-802-1116

O’Reilly Auto Parts

120 W. Mills St. 828-722-1000

Purrrfect Bark

155 W. Mills St., Suite 109 828-894-2444

SS Farm & Saddlery

2060 Lynn Rd., Suite 7 828-440-1510

Second Chance Thrift Store

232 E. Mills St. 828-894-2373 stepstohope.org

Tractor Supply Co.

651 W. Mills St. 828-894-0560 tractorsupply.com

Unique Boutique, Gift Shop and Book Nook at Adawehi 93 Adawehi Lane 828-894-5260

Watson Appliance and Flooring 133 Shuford Rd. 828-894-5150

SALUDA

Adventure Cycles

160 W. US 176 (in Tickle Family Health) 828-817-1892 Saluda.com/adventure-cycles/

The Dressing Room, Etc.

137 E. Main St. 828-749-9555 Facebook: thedressingroometc

eArthly Minds Gallery & Gift Shop

19 Pearson Falls Rd. 828-769-9063 earthlymindsgallery.com

Gardener’s Cottage & Brass Latch

181 E. Main St. 828-749-4200

Historic Thompson’s Store/Ward’s Grill 24 Main St. 828-749-2321

M.A. Pace General Store 60 E. Main St. 828-749-2401

Mewdlic’s

171 E. Main St. 828-769-9036 mewdlic.com

Milkweed Chainstitch Embroidery

192 Patterson St. 828-290-9268

Milkweed.shop

River Dog Run 46 E. Main St. 828-551-1461

Saluda Outfitters

435 E. Main St. 828-848-4060

SaludaOutfitters.com

Somewhere in Time Ice Cream & Antiques 70 E. Main St. 828-749-1514

LANDRUM

ALDI 1752 Hwy. 14 855-955-2534

Bealls

209 W. Rutherford St. 864-457-2140

Big John’s Antiques 601 S. Howard Ave., Suite B

Blue Ridge Wine & Spirits (Inside Roadrunner Markets) 1884 SC Hwy 14 864-457-5260

Carruth Furniture 104 S. Howard Ave. 864-457-3344

Classic Couture

109 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-3360

Covington & Co. Jewelry 210 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-5854

Crawford’s of Landrum 108 E Rutherford St. 914-954-7704

Crawfordsoflandrum.com

Dollar General

1756 SC Hwy 14

828-722-1029

Dollar Tree

213 W. Rutherford St.

864-708-6028 dollartree.com

Dutch Country Whole Foods

214 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-2450

Elaine’s Attic

601 S. Howard Ave. 864-457-1242

Equitiques Of Landrum

601 W. Rutherford St. 864-457-2314

Eubanks Farm Store

1506a E. Rutherford St. 814-673-4655

Expressions Florist and Antiques

105 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-6694

The Farm House

22341 Asheville Hwy.

864-457-3557

farmhousetack.com

Foothills Amish Furniture

106 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-2400 foothillsamishfurniture.com

The Hay Rack

325 W. Rutherford St. 864-457-2155

Ingles Markets & Gas Express

1851 SC Hwy 14 E 864-457-5187

Landrum Armory

106 Jones St. 864-457-1366

Landrum Drug Co.

104 W. Rutherford St. 864-457-2401

Landrum Hardware 1712 SC Hwy 14

864-457-2324

landrumhardware.com

O’Darby’s Liquor Barn

127 Fairwinds Dr. 864-457-1557

odarbysliquorbarn.com

P3 Retail for Rescue

112 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-3694

Animalaf.org

pawsprayersandpromises.org

Savvy Scavengers Antique Mall and Marketplace

105 S. Randolph Ave. 864-457-6710

The Shops at LAM

221 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-4000

Facebook: LandrumAntiquesandFurniture

Sissy Boutique and Gifts

210-B E. Rutherford St. 864-457-2425

Facebook: Sissyboutiqueandgifts

Steps to Hope Thrift Barn 1810 Hwy. 14

864-457-1099 stepstohope.org

The Stitching Fox 22349 Asheville Hwy. 828-222-5018 stitchingfox.com

Thermal Belt Habitat For Humanity Restore 132 N. Trade Ave. 864-457-2666 thermalbelthabitat.org

Whimsical World Gallery

116 Jones St. 207-272-9088

davidcedrone.gallery/ whimsical-world-gallery/

White Buffalo Collectibles

205 E. Rutherford St. 386-405-2263

The Yankee Peach Antiques and Collectibles

120 E. Rutherford St. 864-386-5800 theyankeepeachantiques.com

MILL SPRING

Adair’s Rod & Gun Supply (at Tim Edwards Landscaping Feed & Farm Store) 109 Post Office Rd. 828-894-0741

Dover Saddlery 30 Legends Circle 800-406-8204 Doversaddlery.com

The General Store & Market at TIEC

25 International Blvd. 828-863-1000 Tryon.com

Imperial Mercantile & Outfitters

25 International Blvd. 828-863-1100

ImperialMercantilekm.com

McGuinns Store 4884 NC 9 North 828-625-4755

Red Mountain Hardware 6068 NC 9 828-553-7470

Tim Edwards Landscaping Farm & Landscaping Supplies 109 Post Office Rd. 828-894-0741

TimEdwardsLandscaping.com

Unique Boutique at TIEC

25 International Blvd. 828-863-1000

Tryon.com

SOCIAL SERVICES

ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

Polk County Department of Social and Economic Services

The mission of Polk County Department of Social and Economic Services is to assist families and individuals by helping them maintain and/ or enhance their quality of life and to prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable people in the community as we administer services and public assistance programs in a timely, effective and professional manner. The agency administers the Food and Nutrition Services Program, Medicaid for families and children, Medicaid for aged and disabled programs, and temporary assistance to Needy Families Program. DSS administers various programs of emergency assistance to families and individuals in crisis and provides referral services to local, state and federal resources. DSS also offers foster parent preparation training.

231 Wolverine Trail Mill Spring, NC 28756 828-894-2100 (or 828-894-0187 after hours emergencies)

Polknc.gov, click on Departments

South

Carolina

Department of Social ServicesSpartanburg County

The department’s mission is to promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and vulnerable adults, help individuals achieve stability, and strengthen families. DSS provides protective services for children and vulnerable adults, adoption, and

foster care services; administers federal Title IV-B Child Welfare Services and Title IV-E Foster Care and Adoption Assistance programs; establishes standards for and licenses child care providers and residential group homes for children; administers economic assistance programs including the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; administers food assistance programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); distributes supplemental food through a network of food banks.

630 Chesnee Hwy. Spartanburg, SC 29303 864-596-3001 (after hours reporting 864-585-1445)

dss.sc.gov

Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry

Since 1991, Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry (Outreach) has served Polk County residents living with a crisis or with longer-term poverty. A private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Outreach’s mission is to provide compassionate assistance to Polk County residents who are unable to meet their basic life needs. Whether it is providing food to children and families through the Food Pantry and Feed-A-Kid Program, or by helping families facing the loss of their home or utilities being cut off, Outreach seeks to bring the necessities of life to those who need a helping hand and a caring heart.

134 White Dr. Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-2988, tboutreach.org

NC 211 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina. Families and individuals can call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services and resources within your community. Information is also available online at nc211.org.

HOUSING

Ashley Meadows Apartments

1, 2 and 3 BR apartments, subsidized, low-income housing

113 Ashley Meadows Circle, Columbus, NC 28722, 828-8942671

Bon Aire Apartments

1, 2 and 3 BR, 40 units, federally subsidized housing

700 S. Randolph Ave., Landrum, SC 29356, 864-457-2280

Highwood Apartments

A HUD complex for persons 62-plus years of age with 44 apartments

15 Pinetree Lane, Columbus, NC 28722

P.O. Box 807, Columbus, NC 28722, 828-894-3499

Hope Village

2 BR/2BA rental homes

134 White Dr., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-894-2988, tboutreach.org

Jasmine Apartments

1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartment homes

90 Unity Lane, Columbus, NC 28722, 828-822-4200, jasmine@ epmsites.com

Ridge Oak Apartments

1, 2 BR, 18 units, federally subsidized housing

160 Shuford Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 864-457-2280

Thermal Belt Habitat For Humanity

Habitat homeowners build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.

With our help, those homeowners achieve the independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

40 E. Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722

828-393-6494

thermalbelthabitat.org

Habitat ReStore

Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International and operates in Polk County, N.C. and Landrum, S.C. Its mission is to provide affordable housing in a decent community for people of modest income who otherwise might not be able to afford homeownership. Since its inception, ReStore has been a major funding source for the ongoing construction of new homes. 132 N. Trade Ave., Landrum, SC 29356

864-457-2666, thermalbelthabitat. org

FOOD

Polk Baptist Association Care Kitchen

Free hot meals are served from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Friday 208 Blanton St., Columbus in lower level 828-894-3787

Saluda Welcome Table

Everyone is invited to attend the Saluda Welcome Table every Tuesday. Dinner will be served from 5:30-6:45 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All are welcomed. Donations accepted. 132 Greenville St., Saluda 828-749-9764

The Meeting Place - Polk County Senior Center

Congregate meals served daily Monday-Friday from 11:30am12:30pm. Free to seniors age 60+. 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus 828-894-0001 polkcountymeetingplace.com

Meals on Wheels

Home-delivered meals for those that qualify daily Monday-Friday. 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus 828-894-0001

Bethlehem United Methodist Church

Free meal to the public, take-out plates available, every Thursday, 6-7 p.m.

The Thursday Table 253 School St., Mill Spring, NC 828-551-9686

Columbus Presbyterian Church

Breakfast every Sunday at 9:20 a.m. Dinner every Wednesday at 6 p.m. Congregate meals served

free to the community. 21 Peniel Rd., Columbus, NC 828-894-3368

The Well Church

Free community meal available for pickup between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month.

395 W. Rutherford St., Landrum

Landrum United Methodist Church

Congregate meals served free to the community every fourth Saturday, 4-6 p.m.

227 N. Howard Ave., Landrum 864-457-3984

Landrum First Baptist Church

Congregate meals served free to the community every third Saturday, 4-6 p.m.300 East Rutherford St., Landrum 864-457-4118

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous

76 N. Peak St, Columbus, Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m., 828-8942168

195 New Market Rd., Tryon, Monday, 5:30 p.m.

101 Healing Farm Ln., Mill Spring, CooperRiis, Thursdays, 8 p.m., 828-859-7099

404 East Rutherford St., Landrum, Mondays, 7 p.m., 864266-2404

64 Greenville Street, Saluda, Tuesdays, 6 p.m., 828-749-2251, 800-286-1326

St. Luke’s Hospital Classroom 704, 101 Hospital Dr., Columbus, Thursdays, 7 p.m.

408 N. Main St., Rutherfordton, Tuesday 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday 12-1 p.m.

Nicotine Support Group

St. Luke’s Hospital, 101 Hospital Dr., Columbus, 828-699-9001, 828-817-2481, Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Adolescent Substance Abuse Support Group

84 White Dr., Columbus, Monday 4-5 p.m., 828-894-2290

Adult Substance Abuse Support Group

84 White Dr., Columbus, Tuesday, 1-2:30 p.m., 828-8942290

Celebrate Recovery

Midway Baptist Church, Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., 828-8945633

The Well, Fridays, 6:30 p.m., 828-817-9789

Narcotics Anonymous

Saluda Center, Fridays, 8 p.m., 864-457-7278

victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, a 24-hour crisis hotline for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, case management and support groups, help with filing domestic violence protection orders and support through the court process.

Steps to HOPE, 828-894-2340, stepstohope.org

Male Domestic Abuse

Batterer Intervention Program (BIP) is a 26 week course focusing on healthy family relationships. Call for more information.

Steps to HOPE, 828-894-2340, stepstohope.org

Women’s Support Group

Steps to HOPE, Mondays 6 p.m., 828-894-2340

Weight Watchers

Tryon United Methodist Church, Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., 828-8599218

Foothills Parkinson’s Support Group

Landrum Library, 2nd Wed. of Month, 1:30 p.m., 864-4048001

Diabetes Support Group

AdventHealth Polk, 101 Hospital Dr., Columbus, Time/Date varies, 828-894-0944

Smoking Cessation Support Group

AdventHealth Polk, 101 Hospital Dr., Columbus, Thursdays 7 p.m., 828-894-0847

Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse - Be a Voice 4 Kids

Call for location, Every other Thursday, 6:30 p.m., 828-8174267, beavoice4kids@yahoo.com

Seasons of Grief

Proceeds Support the Rotary Club of Tryon Scholarship Fund

Female Domestic Abuse

Batterer Intervention Program (BIP) is a 26 week course focusing on healthy family relationships. Steps to HOPE offers: emergency shelter for

60 Ward St, Columbus, Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., 828-894-2340

SUMMER CAMPS PLAYGROUNDS &

SUMMER AND DAY CAMPS

Foothills Equestrian Nature Center

Nature and equestrian-themed summer camps

3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon, 828-859-9021, fence.org

Gibson Park Pool

Swimming lessons, lap swim, open swim 236 Park St., Columbus, 828-894-2646

Bright’s Creek

Equestrian Center

Horseback riding lessons, ages 4 to adults,

beginners through advanced 2222 Palmer Road, Mill Spring, 828-6944500, BrightsCreek.com

Polk County 4-H

Hands-on learning in areas of agriculture, science/STEM, public speaking/ communication, life skills, sewing, community service projects, ages 5-18. 79 Carmel Lane, Columbus, 828-894-8218, polk.ces.ncsu.edu

Polk County High School – Sports Camps

Numerous sports camps offered during the summer

1681 NC Hwy. 108, Columbus, 828-8942525, polkschools.org/pchs

Stearns Day Camp (YMCA of Greater Spartanburg)

105 N. Peak St., Columbus 828-894-8199, recreation@polknc.org, afehl@spartanburgymca.org

The Adventure School

Programs include Wild Child, Adventure Youth Group, Adventure Days, Summer Camps.

3493 U.S. Hwy. 176, Tryon, 828-817- 0454, theadventureschool.org

Tryon Arts and Crafts School

Arts programs offered throughout the year in a variety of disciplines for youth.

373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon, 828-859-8323, tryonartsandcrafts.org

Tryon Fine Arts Center

Summer camp specializing in traditional Appalachian music instruction.

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon, 828-859-8322, tryonarts.org

Tryon Little Theater

Youth theater classes, Tyron Youth Summer Theater Program 516 South Trade St., Tryon, 828-859-2466, tltinfo.org

PLAYGROUNDS

Brookwood Park

Half mile paved walking path, some shaded, and a playground. East Rutherford Street/Highway 14, between South Poplar, South Bomar and Brookwood Dr., Landrum

Harmon Field

This popular 36-acre park has a paved walking path loop with a fitness course, paved oval walking track, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, picnic shelter and cabin, equestrian riding rings, stables, disc golf course and Pacolet River beach access.

117 Harmon Field Road, Tryon

McCreery Park

A busy playground and park located in the heart of Saluda that features swings, slides and an obstacle course as well as a covered picnic area and gazebo Intersection of Greenville and Maple Streets, Saluda

Stearns Park

Includes a paved walking path loop, jungle gym, and Stearns Gym with indoor recreational activities East Mills St./NC Hwy. 108 (across from the Polk County Courthouse), Columbus

Polk County

Recreational Complex

Includes three ballfields, walking paths, two picnic shelters, a large playground, basketball courts, tennis courts. 235 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring

SWIMMING

Gibson Park Pool

Public swimming pool. Summer hours: Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Fee for pool use.

Annual pass available.

236 Park St., Columbus, 828-894-2646

Lake Lure Beach

Mountain lake featuring both a traditional beach & a kids’ park with a waterslide & water games.

2724 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure 828-625-0077, lakeluretours.com

OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES

Freedom Hill Farm and Rescue Petting Zoo

Petting zoo and pony rides available for children and adults. All ages welcome.

311 Mize Nursery Lane, Columbus, 203-321-6178

The Gorge Zipline

America’s Steepest and Fastest Zipline Canopy Tour with 11 ziplines, skybridge, 3 huge rappells.

166 Honey Bee Dr., Saluda, 828-749-2500, thegorgezipline.com

Green River Adventures

Kayak instruction, guided whitewater trips, stand up paddle boarding, waterfall rappelling program 111 E. Main St., Saluda, 828-749-2800, greenriveradventures.com

UTILITIES

Free wireless internet available:

I-26 Welcome Center at MM 68, Columbus

130 Ward St., Columbus

2 Courthouse Annex, Columbus

151 Locust St., Columbus 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Tesla Destination Charger: 85 Pine Crest Lane, Tryon

ChargePoint Charging Station: 110 N. Trade Ave., Landrum

Shell Recharge Charging Station: 1484 Ozone Dr., Saluda

ChargeLab Charging Station: 3772 Green River Cove Rd, Saluda

AmpUp: 22 Depot St., Tryon

Tesla: 100 Orchard Inn Lane, Saluda

COLUMBUS

Electricity: Duke Energy, 1-800-521-2232

Telephone/Internet: Spectrum, 855-860-9068

Natural Gas: PSNC Energy/Dominion Energy 877-776-2427

Water/Sewer/Garbage: Columbus Town Hall, 828-894-8236

SALUDA

Electricity: Duke Energy, 800-777-9898

Telephone/Internet: Riverstreet, 844-238-0131, Charter Spectrum 855-243-8892

Water/Sewer/Garbage: City of Saluda, 828-749-2581

LANDRUM

Electricity: Duke Power, 800-653-5307

Telephone: Charter Communications, 800-955-7766

Windstream, 800-347-1991

Internet: Charter Communications, 800-955-7766, HughesNet, 855-663-0185

Natural Gas: Greer Commission of Public Works, 864-848-5500

Propane: Freeman Gas, 864-457-2246, Prince Oil Company, 864457-2490

Garbage: City of Landrum, 864-457-3000

Water/Sewer: Spartanburg Water Systems/Sanitary Sewer District 877-797-7773, 864-582-6375

TRYON

Electricity: Duke Energy, 1-800-521-2232

Telephone/Internet: Windstream

Natural Gas: Dominion Energy 877-776-2427

Garbage: Town Hall, 301 N. Trade St.

Water/Sewer: Town Hall, 301 N. Trade St.

Hiking Trails

Go Fly a Kite Day

Equestrian Events

Family Concerts

Art Classes

Event Rentals

Nature Programs

Roastin’ on the Ridge

Therapeutic Riding of Tryon (TROT)

Summer Day Camps

VETERANS SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS

VETERANS SERVICES

Polk County Veterans Services

The North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs (NCDVA) provides a system to assist veterans and their families in the presentation and processing of claims as they may be entitled to under Federal, State or local laws. Polk County is proud to provide that assistance to veterans who have honorably served their country through our NCDVA-certified County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO). The CVSO, while employed by the County Commissioners, is trained by and works under the supervision of an NCDVA District Service Officer (DSO). The CVSO provides on-site counseling and assistance to local veterans and their dependents of their rights and entitlements under various laws. They assist the veterans and their families in the preparation of claims, obtaining supporting documents and affidavits, and forwarding the paperwork to a NCDVA DSO for quality review and submission to the appropriate Government entity. This system ensures that veterans and their dependent families are getting accurate information and quality assistance with claims through State-trained and certified Officers.

Polk County Veteran Services Officer Gina Cashion 828-894-0003, 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus, NC 28722, polknc. gov

VETERANRELATED CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

AMERICAN LEGION POLK COUNTY MEMORIAL POST

250

Monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday at 7 p.m. Membership is open to relatives of Veterans and supports the activities of the American Legion. 43 Depot St., Tryon. facebook.com/NCPost250/

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY POLK COUNTY MEMORIAL UNIT 250

The American Legion Auxiliary meeting is held at the Legion Hall on the first Monday each month at 6 p.m. Membership is open to relatives of all Veterans. The American Legion Auxiliary serves by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military and their families, fosters patriotism, awards scholarships, and serves as a community resource. 43 Depot St., Tryon. Facebook. com/American Legion Auxiliary Unit #250 Polk County Memorial

GUIDING REINS

Equine-assisted wellness for veterans, military, front-line workers and first responders. 864-457-3575, guidingreins.org

PATRIOTS SALUTE TO VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Brings attention to Veterans Day so that the public can join together to render honor and gratitude to all who have honorably served in the US Armed Forces. Michael Collins, 864-230-9806, polkcounty.org/

Veteranspages/VFW post 9116, P.O. Box 654, Columbus, NC 28722.

POLK COUNTY MEMORIAL HONOR GUARD

Provides Military Funeral Honors; participates in ceremonies on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, 9/11, and Veterans day; conducts Flag Disposal Ceremonies; participates in local parades; presents the Colors during opening ceremonies at local events. Follow the activities of the honor guard on facebook. com/VFWAmericanLegion/.

POLK COUNTY VETERANS ASSOCIATION

A county wide nonprofit organization open to all veterans and supporters, and volunteers that conduct local events such as the Veterans Day. Contract Michael Collins, 864-230-9806, polkcounty.org/Veteranspages/ VFW post 9116, P.O Box 654, Columbus, NC

SERVICE ANIMAL PROJECT

SAP identifies and assesses shelter/rescue dogs for training as service dogs with a primary focus to provide the dogs to wounded military personnel and veterans through appropriate training organizations, Foothills Humane Society, 828-8634444, serviceanimalproject@ windstream.net.

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS, POLK COUNTY

MEMORIAL POST 9116

Monthly meeting on third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Womack-Bradley Building, 3788 NC-108, Mill Spring. A nonprofit organization

made up of Veterans who support Veterans, youth and local community. Post is also involved with the activities, care and upkeep of the Columbus Veterans Park. Terry Trelford, Commander, 828-290-7521, 864-230-9806, ncram2500@ gmail.com, polkcounty.org/vets, VFW Post 9116, P.O. Box 654, Columbus, NC 28722.

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS, POLK COUNTY

MEMORIAL AUXILIARY TO POST 9116

Meets fourth Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., at the Womack Building, Columbus. Membership is open to female relatives of veterans or female veterans who served overseas during wartime. Joyce B. Preston, 828-859-5286, jbpreston99@yahoo.com, PO Box 654, Columbus, NC 28722.

MONTHLY VETERANS BREAKFASTS

If you are a Veteran living in Saluda please join SLIP (Saluda Living in Place) for our monthly Veteran’s Breakfast on the first Wednesday of every month at 9 am at the Saluda Senior Center, 64 Greenville St.

VETERANS PARKS

Veterans Park

Memorial plaques for each of US war from the Revolutionary War through Desert Storm. Memorial fountain with bricks honoring family and friends that served and flags of each of the branches of the US military. Charters of Freedom Installation, with copies of the

Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Corner of Gibson St. and Ward St., Columbus.

Veterans Memorial Park

This memorial was established to give honor and special commendation to all men and women of the Saluda area who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Memorial is at the intersection of Greenville St. and Irving St., Saluda.

VETERAN HEALTHCARE

Charles George Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Services offered: advice nurse, audiology & speech, Covid 19 vaccines, cancer care, caregiver support, dental/ oral surgery, dermatology, diabetic care, endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology/ oncology, homeless veteran care, LGBTQ+ veteran care,

mental health, minority veteran care, nephrology, pain management, pharmacy, primary care, prosthetics & rehabilitation, radiology, returning service member care, rheumatology, social work, spinal cord injuries & disorders, suicide prevention, urgent care, vocational rehabilitation, women veteran care, wound care & ostomy. 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805

va.gov/asheville-health-care/

Main phone: 828-298-7911

Mental health care: 828-2987911 x 2519

Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic Services offered: cardiology, laboratory & pathology, weight management, mental health care, pain management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, kinesiotherapy, primary care, telehealth. 2270 College Avenue, Suite 145, Forest City, NC 28043-

2459

va.gov/asheville-health-care/ locations/rutherford-countyva-clinic/

Main phone: 828-202-2735

Mental health care: 828-2022735 x 6000

DISCOUNTS

Many local businesses offer discounts on products and services to veterans. Be sure to ask next time you go shopping!

VOTING

POLK COUNTY

Polk County residents can register to vote at the Polk County Board of Elections, located at 231 Ward St. in Columbus. Hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Contact 828-894-8181 or visit PolkNC.gov. Mail-in forms are also available at the Board of Elections office, the Polk County Library and the Department of Social Services, and online at NCSBE.gov.

Visit NCSBE.gov for a list of eligibility requirements.

If you are an NC DMV customer with an NC driver’s license or NC DMV-issued ID, you may register to vote or update parts of your registration (address, party affiliation) with their online voter registration service at NCDOT.gov.

Precinct locations: Coopers Gap: Sunny view

Elementary School (Gym), 86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring

Columbus 1: Polk County High School,1681 NC-108, Columbus Columbus 2: Isothermal Community College, 1255 W. Mills St., Columbus

Green Creek: Green Creek Fire and Rescue, 8645 NC Hwy. 9, Columbus

Saluda: Saluda Fire and Rescue, 199 Walnut St., Saluda Tryon123: Harmon Field Log Cabin, 117 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon

White Oak: Mill Spring Fire and Rescue, 145 Old Rutherfordton Rd., Mill Spring

SPARTANBURG COUNTY

Spartanburg County residents may register to vote online (with a valid SC driver’s license or state-issued ID) at info.scvotes. sc.gov, or download a voter registration form from SCvotes.

gov and return in person or via mail, fax or email to:

Spartanburg County Board of Voter Registration & Elections

Street Address: 366 North Church Street, Room 1630, Spartanburg, SC 29303

Mailing Address: Post Office Box 1287, Spartanburg, SC 29304

Phone: 864-596-2549, Fax: 864-596-2958

General Email: votepublicinfo@ spartanburgcounty.org

Absentee Email: voteabsentee@ spartanburgcounty.org

Precinct locations: Landrum residents: Landrum United Methodist Church, 227 N. Howard Ave.

Campobello residents: Landrum High School, 18818 Asheville Hwy.

GREENVILLE COUNTY

Greenville County residents

may register to vote online (with a valid SC driver’s license or state-issued ID) at info.scvotes. sc.gov, or download a voter registration form from SCvotes. gov and return in person or via mail, fax or email to:

Greenville County Board of Voter Registration & Elections Greenville County Square 301 University Ridge, Suite 1900, Greenville, SC 296013668

Phone: 864-467-7250, Fax: 864-467-7256

Email: cbelangia@ greenvillecounty.org

Absentee Email: absentee@ greenvillecounty.org

Precinct Locations: Lake Lanier and Gowensville residents: Gowensville Community Center, 14186 Hwy. 11

WINERIES, BREWERIES & FARMS

WINERIES & VINEYARDS

Mountain Brook Vineyards

At Mountain Brook Vineyards crafting fine wine is a labor of love. We take great care in nurturing our 7.5-acre vineyard. All of our wines are made of 100 percent North Carolina grapes, harvested by hand and aged in oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. We keep our vintages small to focus on producing the highest quality wines.

731 Phillips Dairy Road, Tryon 828-722-1037

mountainbrookvineyards.com

Overmountain

Vineyards and Winery

Nestled in the Tryon Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on over 10 acres of land, and a Certified Protected Segment of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, Overmountain Vineyards beckons you to come and enjoy an experience that is like no other. They grow French vinifera: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, petit verdot, merlot, and petit manseng, as well as blueberries for a future blueberry wine.

2012 Sandy Plains Road Tryon, 828-863-0523

overmountainvineyards.com

Parker-Binns Vineyard

Come visit Parker-Binns Vineyard for a chance to savor some fine wines. Bob Binns and Karen Parker-Binns brought their passion for fine wines into the beautiful Foothills

of the Blue Ridge Mountains and established this wonderful vineyard on 35 acres of lush, sprawling countryside. ParkerBinns Vineyard features Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Muscat, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Rosé. Come for the wine, stay for the views!

2275 Whiteside Rd., Mill Spring 828-894-0154 parkerbinnsvineyard.com

Russian Chapel Hills Winery

Sip wine on the patio with vineyard and distant mountain vistas. Great for weddings, receptions, private parties, business events or just a relaxing picnic lunch, this winery provides all the special treatment you need. It is nestled in the rolling hills of Green Creek near horse country.

2662 Green Creek Drive, Columbus 828-863-0540 russianchapelhills.com

BREWERY

Iron Key Brewing Co.

Located in a former prison built in 1932, the craft beers now brewed onsite all have jailhouse-themed names. Play some cornhole, sit behind bars or outside, and enjoy a delicious menu of burgers, salads, and dinner plates. 135 Locust St., Columbus Ironkeybrewing.com, 828-802-1045

FARMS

Apple Mill

Apples, fresh cider, mulled cider, fruit butters, jams, handmade wood gift items. Open year round, closed Tuesdays. Exit 59 (Saluda exit) off I-26 ncapplemill.com, 828-749-9136

Caitlyn Farms

Sustainably Raised Beef

Grass fed beef grazed on native grasslands

Mill Spring, 828-894-0648 beefandbobwhites.com

Colfax Creek Farm

Grass-fed beef, pastured pork, and pasture raised poultry. Bostic, 828-817-5233 colfaxcreekfarm.com

Green River Farm

Mill Spring

U-pick blueberries, Weds. - Sun, 9 am-1 pm, mid-June through July 10103 Hwy. 108 East, Mill Spring 828-894-3431

Looking Glass Creamery

Award-winning cheese and dairy farm, ice cream, preserves, pickles, hard cider

115 Harmon Dairy Ln, Columbus ashevillecheese.com, 828-458-4715

Sunny Creek Farm

Alfalfa, radish, clover, mung bean, broccoli, bean sprouts Tryon, 828-393-4135 sunnycreekfarm.com

TK Family Farm

13 varieties of apples, self-serve farm stand

Rutherfordton (Green Creek) Tkfamilyfarm.com, 828-817-8348

Tryon Mountain Farms

Vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, handcrafted salt blends, simple syrups, blended sugars, herb mixes Tryon, 864-350-9021 tryonmountainfarms.com

Wannamaker Seeds

Edamame soybeans for home gardens, farms, or large vegetable processors. Saluda, 803-707-1112

wannamakerseeds.com For

ADVERTISER INDEX

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