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September 2026 Life in Our Foothills

El Campesino Mexican Grill & Bar A Family Legacy, Served Daily in the Foothills September 2026

Forged by Fire

A Conversation with Bill Crowell

The Results Are In!

2026 Favorites of the Foothills Reader’s Choice Awards

Good Fortune An Update from Pebbles

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CONTRIBUTORS Linda List, Writer and Photographer Linda List’s career was spent in the food industry, often surrounded by chocolate and candy. Retirement and the Tryon Daily Bulletin have provided the opportunity for her to share her writing. Growing up in New York on the Canadian border, she lived most of her adult life at the foot of the Rockies in Golden, Colo. And is now enjoying life in Landrum the foot of the Smokies.

Kirk Gollwitzer, Writer and Photographer Kirk Gollwitzer is a freelance writer, musician, photographer, videographer, and real estate broker specializing in buying and selling homes and horse properties. A former key figure and co-founder of the Tryon International Film Festival, he has done several documentaries and has written two novels.

Storme Smith, Writer and Photographer Storme Smith is a writer who lives in the Foothills of North Carolina. He is the co-founder and publisher of Buno Books, and has a passion for the arts. He also enjoys writing about the history, sports and unique people and places of our area.

Pebbles, Writer Pebbles is the “spokespony” for HERD, or Helping Equines Regain Dignity, a local nonprofit that saves equines from dire conditions and in many cases slaughter. She dictates her monthly columns about her adventures, and what a rescue organization does, to Heather Freeman. Pebbles and Heather can be reached through HerdRescue.org

SEPTEMBER 2026

FROM THE EDITOR

T Jeff Allison Publisher

ON THE COVER

September 2026 Life in Our Foothills

El Campesino Mexican Grill & Bar A Family Legacy, Served Daily in the Foothills September 2026

The Results Are In!

Forged by Fire

Good Fortune

2026 Favorites of the Foothills Reader’s Choice Awards

A Conversation with Bill Crowell

An Update from Pebbles

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El Campesino Mexican Grill & Bar (Story on page 54)

By Storme Smith

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

here’s something special about this time of year in the Foothills. Summer begins to loosen its grip, and our communities take on a different rhythm as we head toward fall. It’s also the perfect time to celebrate the people, businesses, and places that make this corner of the Carolinas such a special place to call home. That’s exactly what we’re doing with this year’s “Favorites of the Foothills,” selected entirely by you, our readers. Each year, we ask you to recognize the businesses and individuals who help make Tryon, Columbus, Landrum and Saluda such wonderful places to live, work and visit. Once again, you answered that call in a big way. Thousands of ballots were submitted, reflecting the enthusiasm and appreciation our community has for the people and places that help our Foothills shine. We’re proud to share those winners with you in this edition. Congratulations to every nominee and winner—your hard work and dedication have clearly made an impact. We hope this feature inspires you to explore or revisit these outstanding local establishments. Supporting them helps our towns remain vibrant and preserve the character that makes the Foothills so unique. This month, we also spend time with a familiar presence here in Tryon — Bill Crowell. He has spent much of his life preserving history, collecting stories and quietly becoming one of Tryon's most recognizable citizens. Depending on whom you ask, he's the town commissioner, the blacksmith, the former owner of the Tryon Theatre, the businessman, the storyteller, or simply Bill. We also learn about the origins and legacy of a perennial favorite here in the Foothills, El Campesino Mexican Grill & Bar in Columbus. Miguel Roman and his team represent the very best of our community — humble, hardworking, consistent, and always happy to serve. If you happen to be new to the area, or have yet to experience this restaurant for yourself, do yourself a favor and go see what all the fuss is about. And, of course, we hear from our beloved resident spokespony, Pebbles. You’ll find all of this and more in this month’s edition—we hope you enjoy what we’ve put together for you! As always, I welcome your stories, ideas, and thoughts; email me anytime at jeff.allison@ tryondailybulletin.com. Thanks for reading, and for being part of what makes our community so special. Jeff Allison Editor

STAFF Publisher & General Manager Jeff Allison Graphic Design Alex Sokoluk Marketing Stacey Cullen Distribution Jamie Lewis Austin Heffner Administration Jennifer Sattler

life IN OUR

FOOTHILLS Life in Our Foothills is published monthly by Tryon Newsmedia LLC. Life in Our Foothills is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Tryon Newsmedia LLC. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Please address all correspondence (including, but not limited to, letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to Manager, Life in Our Foothills, 16. N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, or email to jeff.allison@ tryondailybulletin.com. Life in Our Foothills is available free of charge at locations throughout Polk County and Upstate South Carolina, and online at www.tryondailybulletin.com. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year by calling 828-859-9151. To advertise, call 828-859-9151.

Where Life Comes Together. Timeless Amish Craftsmanship.

106 E. Rutherford St • Landrum, SC SEPTEMBER 2026

CONTENTS 10 Calendar of Events

12 Forged by Fire A Conversation with Bill Crowell

22 Favorites of the Foothills The Results of our 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards are in!

54 El Campesino Community, family legacy and flavor

66 Good Fortune Pebbles shares an update on HERD

76 Quick Bites

81 Marketplace

82 Ad Index

12 8

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

SEPTEMBER 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEPT. 4-6 Earl Scruggs Music Festival Tryon International 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring

Welcome back scan code for visitors information

www.pearsonsfallsandglen.org 10

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Conserving Carolina Speaker Series: The Ecology of Exposure Sept. 8, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saluda Library 44 W. Main St., Saluda

Town of Tryon Rogers Park Music Series Sept. 4, 7 p.m. Rogers Park 55 W. Howard St., Tryon

SEPT. 11, 7 TO 8:30 P.M. Top of the Grade with Hannah Kaminer & Wistfuls McCreery Park Saluda

Tryon BBQ Beatdown Sept. 12, 4 to 6 p.m. Downtown Tryon

Conserving Carolina Speaker Series: Biodiversity & History of the South Pacolet River Sept. 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Landrum Library 111 E. Asbury Drive, Landrum

SEPT. 12, 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. Hogback Mountain Day Trade Street, Landrum

TDDA Annual Meeting Sept. 14, 3 p.m. Tryon Depot 22 Depot St., Tryon

Rotary Club of Tryon Shrimpfest Sept. 18, 6 to 9 p.m. Landrum Farmers Market Pavilion 221 W. Rutherford St., Landrum

Foothills Chamber Music Festival – Rock the Chamber Sept. 19 Looking Glass Creamery 335 Harmon Dairy Road, Columbus

SEPT. 26, 8 A.M. TO 1 P.M. Harmon Field Flea Market Fundraiser Harmon Field 117 Harmon Field Road, Tryon Mary Prioleau Walk of Remembrance Sept. 19, 5 to 7 p.m. Harmon Field 117 Harmon Field Road, Tryon

Town of Tryon Rogers Park Music Series Sept. 25, 7 p.m. Rogers Park 55 W. Howard St., Tryon

A Taste of the Market Sept. 26, 6 p.m. Landrum Farmers Market Pavilion 221 W. Rutherford St., Landrum SEPTEMBER 2026

BILL CROWELL Forged by Fire

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Story and photography by Kirk Gollwitzer

ife occasionally produces one of those remarkable coincidences that reminds us just how connected our journeys can be. Several years ago, while talking with Bill Crowell about the years we had each spent around Charleston, South Carolina, I mentioned renting a small cinder-block house on 33rd Avenue on the Isle of Palms during the mid-1970s. Bill paused and asked, “Which house?” Three. “Dude---I lived there too.” Shocked but curious, I asked which bedroom had been his. “The one on the right.” Mine had been the one on the left. For a moment we simply stared at one another in disbelief. Then we both burst into laughter, nearly falling out of our chairs. Two men who would eventually become close friends in Tryon had unknowingly lived in the same modest beach house only a couple of years apart. We remembered the same neighbor, the same walks to the Windjammer and the same quiet

island before tourism transformed it into one of South Carolina’s busiest destinations. Looking back, that coincidence seems almost fitting. Bill Crowell has spent much of his life preserving history, collecting stories and quietly becoming one of Tryon’s most recognizable citizens. Depending on whom you ask, he’s the town commissioner, the blacksmith, the former owner of the Tryon Theatre, the businessman, the storyteller or simply Bill. Ask ten people to describe him, and you’ll probably hear ten different answers, but one observation surfaces almost immediately. Bill says exactly what he thinks. “If you don’t want the truth, don’t ask me if the dress makes your butt look big.” That one sentence tells you almost everything you need to know. People often describe Bill as opinionated, stubborn, and unwilling to back away from an argument. Yet many of those same people count him among their closest friends. Spend any time in Tryon, and it becomes obvious that Bill has built an unusually large circle of loyal friends. That doesn’t happen by accident. Whether discussing town government, cigarette smoking, construction projects, local history, or the price of groceries, Bill

An anvil, hammer and tongs remain the timeless tools at the heart of every blacksmith’s shop.

SEPTEMBER 2026

Bill and April Sprinkle have built a life centered on craftsmanship, friendship and community.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

is the same person whether he’s standing in Town Hall or around a backyard fire. You’ll know exactly where he stands. Born in Spartanburg, Bill spent much of his childhood moving from one community to another as his father, a World War II veteran working in chemical sales, pursued new opportunities. Atlanta, Charleston, Charlotte and several other communities became home before another move followed. “My parents were the early house flippers. I never got to go to the same school twice.” Those constant moves were especially difficult because Bill was dyslexic. “Between bussing and moving and house flipping, I never got to go to the same school twice, and I was dyslexic. It’s probably not the best thing you could have.” The experience helped shape the independent streak that still defines him today. When Bill arrived in Tryon in 1982 to work for Tryon Processing, he found something he hadn’t experienced elsewhere. “This had everything you wanted.” Even then, Tryon was home to painters, sculptors, musicians, writers and craftsmen. Bill never really left. Like many important turns in his life, becoming a blacksmith wasn’t planned. “I’d never seen an anvil except in cartoons.” The journey began because his late wife, Kathleen, was a gifted commercial artist who later created decorative ceramic tile artwork. She needed display tables for art shows, so Bill built them. One project led to another. Curiosity became a hobby, the hobby became a business, and, more than three decades later, the forge is still burning. Spend an afternoon inside Bill’s shop, and you quickly realize this isn’t manufacturing. It’s craftsmanship. The steady rhythm of hammer striking hot steel echoes through the building as gates, railings, furniture and decorative ironwork slowly emerge from glowing metal. Nothing happens quickly. Iron refuses to be rushed. Although Bill resists calling himself an artist, it’s difficult to spend time around him without recognizing an artistic eye. “I think the art world doesn’t consider blacksmithing. We’re basically a craft. But you’ve got to remember, no artist can make art if it wasn’t for blacksmiths. We make all their tools.” Walk through Bill’s home, and that appreciation becomes obvious. Original paintings, handcrafted furniture, sculptures and unusual antiques fill the rooms. One of the most fascinating pieces is a table built from steel salvaged from Charleston’s old Cooper River Bridge.

Twisting red-hot steel into shape using centuries-old blacksmithing techniques.

Shaping heated steel beneath a century-old mechanical power hammer.

Heating hand-forged steel on the anvil, where skill and timing shape every piece.

Almost nothing has been collected because it was expensive. Everything has a story. Much of Bill’s appreciation for art came from Kathleen. “She could draw anything, and she could draw it in 30 seconds.” He still speaks with admiration about her remarkable talent, but she also unknowingly introduced him to the profession that would define the rest of his life. There seems to be a common

thread running through Bill Crowell’s life. He has a habit of stepping toward things many people would walk away from. Sometimes those things are made of iron. Sometimes they’re businesses. Sometimes they’re pieces of Tryon’s history. One of the best examples was the Tryon Theatre. Bill and his wife at the time purchased the historic theater despite knowing very little about the movie business. For nearly three years they operated the theater, learning the

Using a century-old mechanical power hammer to forge custom ironwork.

SEPTEMBER 2026

The completed gate showcases Bill Crowell’s ability to transform steel into functional art.

Steel glows inside the gas forge before moving to the anvil for shaping.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Specialized hammers, tongs and forging tools reflect decades of blacksmithing experience.

business as they went. Then technology changed everything. “Oh, my God. The VCR just about destroyed the whole movie theater industry.” Eventually Bill sold the theater, but not before helping preserve another chapter in the history of one of Tryon’s best-known landmarks. That same entrepreneurial spirit surfaced again with co-owning a local hardware store. “I didn’t want to leave town.” Those six words explain much of Bill Crowell’s life. While many people build careers by moving from one opportunity to another, Bill chose to build opportunities around the place where he wanted to live. As the textile industry declined across the Carolinas, he adapted by working in the forklift industry while continuing to grow

his custom iron business. “I had to come up with something to do.” That practical outlook continues to shape the way Bill approaches both his work and his community. Although Bill insists he isn’t much of a reader, spend an afternoon with him, and you’ll quickly discover an extraordinary memory for local history. Ask about an old building downtown and he’ll tell you who owned it. Mention a long-forgotten business and he’ll likely remember the people behind it. Bring up Tryon’s past and the conversation can travel effortlessly from the railroad to horse country, from old merchants to town politics. “I wish I could remember dates. I know something happened sometime during the seventeen hundreds, but don’t ask me exactly when.”

The front of Saluda Forge welcomes visitors to Bill Crowell’s working blacksmith shop.

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A hillside view of Saluda Forge, where Bill Crowell has spent more than three decades creating handcrafted ironwork.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

The dates may escape him. The stories do not. Over the years Bill has quietly collected the memories of longtime residents, assembling an impressive understanding of the town’s history. One of his favorite stories involves Tryon’s colorful past as the nearest legal source of liquor for much of the surrounding region. “We were the only wet town. All roads led to Tryon because of the ABC store.” He enjoys pointing out that revenue from those sales helped finance public projects, including construction of the old high school. “Tryon was built on alcohol.” Whether every listener agrees with all of Bill’s conclusions is almost beside the point. He has a gift for making people curious about the place they call home. That same concern for the community eventually led him into public service. Bill was appointed to the Tryon Town Council after a vacancy occurred and has spent years helping shape decisions affecting the town he chose to call home. Ask Bill what the council’s most important responsibility is and the answer comes without hesitation. “Our biggest job is making sure we’ve got a qualified town manager. Somebody who can budget, write grants and keep the town moving in the right direction.”

For Bill, good government is also about responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. “We try to fix everything without having to raise taxes too much.” Politics, as Bill sees it, isn’t about party labels. “If I’m for something, I’ll fight for it. If I’m against something, I’ll fight against it. You’ll know exactly where I stand.” Anyone who has attended a Town Council meeting knows that’s true. Bill has never been afraid to cast the lone dissenting vote when experience tells him another direction would better serve the town. Before taking that position publicly, however, he’ll often explain his reasoning privately to fellow council members. He isn’t interested in winning popularity contests. He’s interested in what he believes is the right decision. Away from Town Hall, another side of Bill quickly appears. Perched on a hillside overlooking Tryon, the home he shares with April Sprinkle reflects many of the same values that define his life. April brings a quiet balance to Bill’s larger-than-life personality. Thoughtful, creative and hardworking, she understands him in a way few people can. She has also learned that trying to soften one of Bill’s opinions is generally an impossible assignment. Together they have built a life centered less on possessions than experiences. If they aren’t working around the house, they’re often

An unfinished ornamental gate reveals Bill Crowell’s creative process before final assembly.

SEPTEMBER 2026

traveling in their camper, visiting museums, exploring historic sites, or planning another adventure. His curiosity reveals itself in the smallest things. Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than at the gatherings Bill and April host throughout the year. There may be a Christmas party, an oyster roast or a hotdog cookout, but the purpose is always the same—bringing people together. Recently, Bill asked guests not to bring food because there was always far more than anyone could eat. Instead, he suggested they drop donations to the local humane society into a fishbowl. That simple request says as much about Bill as any biography ever could. His generosity rarely arrives with fanfare. It appears quietly—making sure there’s gluten-free food available for a guest who needs it, supporting local artists by purchasing their work or loading a truck with discarded oyster shells and hauling them back to the South Carolina coast, where they’ll help restore oyster reefs for future generations. As I think back to that conversation about the little beach house on the Isle of Palms, I realize the coincidence wasn’t really the story. It was simply the beginning of a friendship that allowed me to know Bill beyond the public image. Yes, he can be opinionated. And yes, he occasionally leaves people shaking their heads. Spend enough time with Bill Crowell, however, and another picture begins to emerge. You’ll find a man who has spent decades preserving pieces of Tryon’s history, supporting artists, serving his community, welcoming friends into his home and practicing one of the world’s oldest trades with remarkable skill. More importantly, you’ll discover someone whose friendships have been forged with the same patience, honesty and durability as the iron he shapes every day. When the forge cools, the council meeting adjourns and the workday comes to an end, Bill is usually right where he wants to be—standing in his backyard or soaking in his tiny, homemade pool with April, surrounded by friends, telling another story as laughter drifts across the hillside overlooking Tryon. For a man who has spent a lifetime shaping iron, that may be his finest work of all 20

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Friends and neighbors gather beneath a canopy during one of Bill and April Crowell’s backyard cookouts, where community is always on the menu.

Longtime friends gather outside Saluda Forge, where fellowship is as much a tradition as blacksmithing.

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Favorites of the

Foothills 2026 Reader’s Choice Awards

32 22

fter thousands of ballots were cast in our annual Favorites of the Foothills Reader’s Choice Awards, in which you, the readers, chose your favorite local businesses, individuals, and organizations, the results are in! Please join us in congratulating and celebrating the winners of Favorites of the Foothills! This year’s awards were sponsored by Tryon International, El Campasino, and JB Trees

LIFEININOUR OURFOOTHILLS FOOTHILLS LIFE

SEPTEMBER 2026

THANK YOU,

FOOTHILLS! We are honored to be voted

Favorite Insurance Agency in the Foothills! Your trust and support mean more to us than words can say. We are incredibly grateful to serve this wonderful community and look forward to protecting what matters most to you for many years to come.

DUSENBURY INSURANCE AGENCY 951 S Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782

(828) 859-9187 24

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

E ducation

Polk County Schools was chosen as favorite place to work, and had numerous teachers recognized in our annual readers_ choice awards.

Favorite Principal First Place: Adam Giles - Polk Central Elementary Second Place: Kegan Flynn - Landrum High School Runner Up: Erika Stronach - Saluda Elementary School Favorite Elementary School Teacher First Place: Ansley Lynch- Polk Central Elementary School Second Place: Wendi Owens - Tryon Elementary School Runner Up: Dawn Green - OP Earle Elementary School Favorite High School Teacher First Place: Billy Alm - Polk County High School Second Place: Chauncey Barber - Polk County High School Runner Up: Jessie Hyder - Landrum High School

Thank You for Voting

CARRI BASS As

YOUR FAVORITE

PHOTOGRAPHER IN THE FOOTHILLS!

Favorite Middle School Teacher First Place: James Festa - Landrum Middle School Second Place: Jared Searcy - Polk County Middle School Runner Up: Leslie Rhinehart - Polk County Middle School Located at 92 Pacolet St., Tryon carribass.com

SEPTEMBER 2026

Food & Dri n k

Newman’s Restaurant in Saluda was named Favorite Fine Dining

Favorite Asian Food First Place: Soulisa’s Fine Thai Dining Second Place: Naruto Sushi Bar and Ramen Runner Up: Joy Wok II Favorite Bakery/Sweets First Place: All Good Things Bakery Second Place: Third Space Coffee and Bakery Runner Up: Martha’s Amish Bakery

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Favorite Coffee Shop First Place: Openroad Coffee Roastery Second Place: Third Space Coffee and Bakery Runner Up: Buck ‘N Brew Coffee & Ice Cream Favorite Fast Food First Place: Bojangles Second Place: Della’s Street Tacos Runner Up: Zaxby’s

Favorite Fine Dining First Place: Newman’s Restaurant at Orchard Inn Second Place: Southside Smokehouse & Grille Runner Up: The Hare and Hound Favorite Kids Menu First Place: Southside Smokehouse & Grille Second Place: Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery Runner Up: Green River BBQ Favorite Mexican Food First Place: El Campesino Mexican Grill & Bar Second Place: Don Bigotes 2 Runner Up: Saluda Mexican Grill Favorite Place for a Burger First Place: Southside Smokehouse & Grille Second Place: Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery Runner Up: Green River BBQ Favorite Place for a Chicken Sandwich First Place: Green River BBQ Second Place: Southside Smokehouse & Grille Runner Up: The Hare and Hound Favorite Place for an Appetizer First Place: Southside Smokehouse & Grille Second Place: Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery Runner Up: Green River BBQ

Thank You, Voters For once again selecting Nelon-Cole Pest Control as a Favorite of the Foothills!

TERMITE & PEST CONTROL Best Pest Control Service

Favorite Place for Breakfast First Place: Southern Manners Second Place: Blue Moon Tryon Runner Up: Nana’s Kitchen Favorite Place for French Fries First Place: The Dog House Second Place: Southside Smokehouse & Grille Runner Up: Green River BBQ Favorite Place for Hot Dogs First Place: The Dog House Second Place: Ruger’s Grill Runner Up: Calvert’s Kitchen Favorite Place for Ice Cream First Place: Crossroads Ice Cream & Coffee Second Place: Blue Moon Tryon Runner Up: Strawberry Hill USA

828-894-2211 www.NelonCole.com

Take $25 off any NEW service with promo code “FOOTHILLS“ expires 10-31-26

SEPTEMBER 2026

Openroad Coffee Roastery was chosen as Favorite Coffee Shop by our readers

Favorite Place for Lunch First Place: Southside Smokehouse & Grille Second Place: Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery Runner Up: Green River BBQ

Favorite Place for Pizza First Place: Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery Second Place: Side Street Pizza & Pasta Runner Up: The Brick Pizzeria

Favorite Place for Mixed Drinks First Place: Southside Smokehouse Second Place: Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery Runner Up: Green River BBQ

Favorite Place for Seafood First Place: 2 Tides Seafood Landrum Second Place: Bowen’s Landing Runner Up: The Hare and Hound

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Congratulations to

Adam Giles Named Favorite Principal of the Foothills! Polk Central Elementary School

Ansley Lynch Named Favorite Elementary School Teacher of the Foothills! Polk Central Elementary School

Billy Alm Named Favorite High School Teacher of the Foothills! Polk Central Elementary School

Polk County Schools Named Favorite Place to Work in the Foothills with 51 or more employees Polk County Schools is consistently ranked among the best school districts in the state!

Polk County Schools especially thanks the community for voting and for its support!

Doing What’s Right for Students

125 E. Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722 Phone: 828-894-3051 Fax: 828-894-8153 SEPTEMBER 2026

Iron Key Brewing Company was once again chosen as Favorite Restaurant in Columbus by our readers.

Favorite Place for Steak First Place: Legends Grille at Tryon Resort Second Place: Southside Smokehouse & Grille Runner Up: The Hare and Hound

Favorite Restaurant In Columbus First Place: Iron Key Brewing Company Second Place: Mountain View BBQ & Deli Runner Up: El Campesino Mexican Grill & Bar

Favorite Place for Wings First Place: Side Street Pizza & Pasta Second Place: Southside Smokehouse & Grille Runner Up: Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery

Favorite Restaurant In Landrum First Place: Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery Second Place: Southside Smokehouse & Grille Runner Up: Hare & Hound

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

SEPTEMBER 2026

Favorite Restaurant in Saluda First Place: Green River BBQ Second Place: Purple Onion Runner Up: Ward’s Grill Favorite Restaurant In Tryon First Place: Side Street Pizza & Pasta Second Place: Don Bigotes 2 Runner Up: Blue Moon Tryon Favorite Vineyard/Winery First Place: Parker-Binns Vineyard Second Place: Mountain Brook Vineyards Runner Up: Overmountain Vineyards

Parker-Binns Vineyard was once again chosen as a local favorite

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US FAVORITE ACUPUNCTURIST THREE YEARS IN A ROW!

HEARTS ARE FULL! OUR Thank you for voting eARThly Minds Gallery AS

FAVORITE ART GALLERY IN THE FOOTHILLS

We are grateful for our artists, our community and everyone who continues to support this wonderfully creative little space!

Where art, nature & inspiration meet 19 pearsons falls rd, saluda nc 28773

828-769-9063

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY AND OUT CLIENTS!

828.817.9883

cloveracupuncture.com

SEPTEMBER 2026

VIBRANTLY

Glen, top pick

DISCOVER WHAT MOVES YOU. An elevated lifestyle. An unforgettable location. A celebrated Senior Living Community. AboutActs.com/Foothills | (866) 531-6613

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

VOTED THE FAVORITE ICE CREAM OF THE FOOTHILLS 2026!

30+ flavors of Hershey’s ice cream! Scan to view our breakfast, coffee, ice cream, and pizza menus

82 HWY 9 North Mill Spring, NC 28756 (828) 894-0119 SEPTEMBER 2026

Li festyle & E nte rtai n m e nt Favorite Campground First Place: Emberglow Second Place: Silver Creek Campground Runner Up: Orchard Lake Campground

Favorite Live Music Venue First Place: Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery Second Place: Rogers Park / Summer Tracks Runner Up: Mirrorball Gallery + Lounge

Favorite Farmers Market First Place: Landrum Farmers Market Second Place: Polk County Farmers Market Runner Up: Saluda Tailgate Market

Favorite Local Festival or Event First Place: Hogback Mountain Day Second Place: Tryon Beer Fest Runner Up: Saluda Arts Festival

Favorite Golf Course First Place: Links O’ Tryon Second Place: Tryon Country Club Runner Up: Meadowbrook Golf Course

Favorite Museum First Place: Polk County Historical Museum Second Place: Saluda Depot Museum Runner Up: Tryon History Museum

Favorite House of Worship First Place: The Well Second Place: Holy Cross Episcopal Church Runner Up: First Baptist Church of Tryon

Favorite Place to Hike First Place: Pearson’s Falls and Glen Second Place: Adawehi Trail Runner Up: Little Bradley Falls

THANK YOU,

FOOTHILLS! Voted Favorite Winery of the Foothills

As Parker-Binns Vineyard continues to grow, so does our culinary experience. After years of building Relish, Eric has chosen to transition into a new chapter— bringing his passion and creativity exclusively to Parker-Binns Vineyard. While the Relish name is transitioning,

That honor never gets old. To every guest who has shared a bottle of wine, celebrated life’s milestones, enjoyed live music, gathered with family and friends, or simply made us part of your traditions—thank you.

8 Years in a Row! A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS

For the eighth consecutive year, you’ve voted Parker-Binns Vineyard your Favorite Winery of the Foothills.

This recognition belongs to all of you, and we are incredibly grateful.

This September

KITCHEN OPEN WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY INTRODUCING OUR MONTHLY SUPPER CLUB MORE WINE PAIRING DINNERS

Eric isn’t going anywhere.

He’ll continue creating the exceptional food and memorable dining experiences you’ve come to know and love—now with his full focus dedicated to Parker-Binns.

The Chef You Know. The Food You Love. AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER.

CHEF-INSPIRED SEASONAL MENUS NEW WEEKLY SPECIALS EVEN MORE REASONS TO GATHER AT PARKER-BINNS

FROM ALL OF US AT PARKER-BINNS VINEYARD, THANK YOU FOR MAKING US PART OF YOUR LIVES AND FOR VOTING US YOUR FAVORITE WINERY OF THE FOOTHILLS FOR EIGHT CONSECUTIVE YEARS. WE CAN’T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU INTO THIS EXCITING NEW CHAPTER. SEE YOU AT THE TABLE—AND IN THE VINEYARD!

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Recently reopened, Pearson's Falls and Glen was chosen as Favorite Place to Hike in the Foothills

SEPTEMBER 2026

M e dical & H ealth Se rvices

Clover Acupuncture and Wellness was named Favorite Acupuncture/Wellness Office in the Foothills

Favorite Acupuncture / Wellness Office First Place: Clover Acupuncture and Wellness Second Place: Be Light Healing Runner Up: Adawehi Wellness Center Favorite Chiropractic Office First Place: AlignLife Chiropractic Second Place: Adawehi Wellness Center Runner Up: Fagan Chiropractic Thank you

for voting Newman’s as the Favorite Togarashi Seared Tuna with Avacado Cream Cheese, Place for Green Apple Sashimi, Cilantro Oil, Fine Dining.

House Pickled Ginger, and Wasabi Cracker

ewman’s Restaurant at the Orchard Inn... a romantic venue with amazing mountain views and elegant, inventive cuisine.

828-749-5471 Saluda, NC orchardinn.com

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Favorite Dental Office First Place: Wood Creek Dental Second Place: Columbus Family Dental Runner Up: Tryon Family Dentistry Favorite Doctor’s Office First Place: Medical Group of the Carolinas Family Medicine - Landrum Second Place: AdventHealth Multi-Specialty Clinic Foothills Runner Up: Hopscotch Primary Care

Favorite Massage / Spa Center First Place: Vibes Massage and Spa Second Place: Wildflower Wellness Runner Up: Tryon Therapeutic Massage

100%

Favorite Veterinary Hospital First Place: Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital Second Place: All Seasons Veterinary Hospital Runner Up: God's Creatures Animal Hospital

Blu

Proud to support the neighborhood 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 me as your Favorite Insurance Agent in the Foothills! 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.®� State Farm, Bloomington, IL

Le m

Fresh Roaste d

Favorite Retirement Community First Place: Tryon Estates Second Place: White Oak Village Runner Up: Autumn Care of Saluda

Coffee

Favorite Pharmacy First Place: Landrum Drug Co. Second Place: CVS-Columbus Runner Up: Foothills Pharmacy

Sc on

Thank you for voting Openroad best in the foothills

Coffee & handcrafted food. Hours of business 6:30am - 7pm openroadcoffeeroastery.com 915 W Mills Street, Columbus, NC 28722 OPENROAD COFFEE ROASTERY SEPTEMBER 2026

Places to Work

Favorite Place to Work (1-10 Employees) First Place: Alignlife of Tryon Second Place: Vibes Massage and Spa Runner Up: Wildflower Wellness

Favorite Place to Work (26-50 Employees) First Place: Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital Second Place: Southside Smokehouse & Grille Runner Up: ALDI

Favorite Place to Work (11-25 Employees) First Place: Green River BBQ Second Place: Red Mountain Hardware & Lumber Runner Up: Tim Edwards Farm & Landscaping Supply

Favorite Place to Work (51+ Employees) First Place: Polk County Schools Second Place: Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery Runner Up: Spartanburg County School District One

Thank You

for Voting for us as your Favorite Electricians in the Foothills FOUR years in a row!

Voting us your Favorite Electricians in the Foothills the last 3 years!

Call today for a FREE virtual estimate.

2026

Russ Melton, Peyton Odel, Cameron Blackwell, Logan Byrd, Jim Becker, Caelan Gaul, Mark Hallowell, Jacob Pittman, Anthony Adame, Jennifer Hamrick, Zak Kulgavyy, (not pictured) Melissa Marshburn

Call today for a FREE virtual estimate.

Performance in Power 40

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

828-348-0977 288 E. Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722 www.beckerelectric.biz

Thank You for Voting for Us as Your Favorite HVAC Service Provider in the Foothills!

“Where comfort is ALWAYS in season.”

828.863.4966 | 864.580.1601 SEPTEMBER 2026

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

SEPTEMBER 2026

Professionals Favorite Chiropractor First Place: Dr. Clay Baker - AlignLife of Tryon Second Place: Dr. L. Fagan - Fagan Chiropractic Runner Up: Dr. Hunter Bigler - Radix Family Chiropractic

Favorite Hairstylist First Place: Tristin Dotson - Haven Salon Second Place: Tammy Swain - Main Street Salon Runner Up: Pam Tessnear - Tangles & Toes

Favorite Dentist First Place: Dr. Levi Hunt - Wood Creek Dental Second Place: Dr. Shane Van Oostendorp - Columbus Family Dental Runner Up: Dr. Philip Hunt - Wood Creek Dental

Favorite Home Builder or Contractor First Place: Highland Construction and Design Second Place: Tryon Builders Runner Up: Junge Construction

Favorite Doctor First Place: Dr. Jeffrey Viar - AdventHealth Second Place: Dr. Todd Walter - Medical Group of the Carolinas Runner Up: Dr. Erin Nash - Medical Group of the Carolinas

Favorite Insurance Agent First Place: Tiffany Freel - State Farm Insurance Second Place: Renae Dusenbury-Waldman - Dusenbury Insurance Runner Up: Kameron Kerr - Farm Bureau

Favorite Electrician First Place: Becker Electric Second Place: Danny Willis Electric Runner Up: Blackwell Electrical

Favorite Law Enforcement Officer First Place: Tim Wright - PCSO Second Place: Ben Page - PCSO Runner Up: Amy Ferguson Smith - PCSO Favorite Mechanic First Place: Nick Kniffin - Stott’s Ford Second Place: Jimmy Ross - Jimmy Ross Garage Runner Up: Daniel Boles - Daniel Boles Automotive Favorite Minister First Place: Brannon Poore - The Well Second Place: Mark Bishop - First Baptist Church of Landrum Runner Up: Will Bryant - Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Favorite Photographer First Place: Carri Bass - Carri Bass Photo & Art Gallery Second Place: Lindy Buss - Lindy Buss Photography Runner Up: Austin Painter - Moments the Studio Favorite Real Estate Agent First Place: Stewart Cameron - Tryon Foothills Realty Second Place: Kelly Quantrille - Real Runner Up: Sandy Clayton - The Clayton Group Favorite Server First Place: Natalie Watts - Stubborn Mule Second Place: Amanda Belue - Southside Smokehouse Runner Up: Christy Waters - Nana’s Kitchen

131 W US-176, Saluda, NC 28773 (828) 749-9892 44

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Favorite Veterinarian First Place: Dr. Stephen Etter - Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital Second Place: Nick Buchanan - Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital Runner Up: Dr. Chumbler - All Seasons Veterinary Hospital

You Voted. We’re Honored. Hope Won.

Matt Padula of Highland Design & Construction, winners of this year's Favorite Home Builder in the Foothills.

Thanks to your votes, Steps to Hope has been named the 2026 Favorite Service Organization! Your support reminds us just how strongly our community believes in our mission and those we serve. Thank you for choosing hope. Thank you for choosing Steps to Hope.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center Serving Polk County, NC & Upstate SC

828.894.2340 | stepstohope.org SEPTEMBER 2026

Se rvice & Retai l Favorite Aesthetician First Place: Vibes Massage and Spa Second Place: Jay & Co. Skin Studio Runner Up: 202 Salon and Spa Favorite Antique Store First Place: Tryon Antique Mall Second Place: Architectural Warehouse Runner Up: Old Mill Market Square Favorite Art Gallery First Place: eArthly Minds Gallery & Gift Shop Second Place: Mirrorball Gallery + Lounge Runner Up: Tryon Painters & Sculptors

Tryon Antique Mall was voted as Favorite Antique Store in this year's contest.

Thank you so much for voting us the Favorite Massage & Spa Center of the Foothills three years in a row as well as Favorite Esthetician for the first time this year!

Favorite Auto Parts Store First Place: Advance Auto Parts Second Place: CarQuest Runner Up: O’Reilly Auto Parts

Thank you for voting us Favorite Bakery & Sweets, once again! 289 S Trade St, Ste A, Tryon, NC 28782

828-440-1018 46

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

EL CAMPESINO First, thanks to God for everything. We are blessed to be a part of this community and grateful to be voted best Mexican Food! Thank you so much to Polk County and the surrounding areas for all of your support. God is good all the time.

Your Favorite 7 Years In A Row! 828-894-0541

205 E. Mills Street, Columbus, NC 28722 SEPTEMBER 2026

Custom Homes | Renovations | Equestrian We are truly honored to be named Favorite Contractor/Builder in the Foothills for the fourth consecutive year. This recognition means a great deal to us and is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and craftsmanship our team brings to every project. At Highland Design and Construction, our commitment has always been about more than simply building homes. We founded this company with a desire to create beautiful, lasting spaces while building relationships with the people and communities we are privileged to serve. Providing our clients with exceptional service and an experience worthy of their trust remains our highest priority. We are also incredibly grateful for the talented subcontractors, suppliers, real estate professionals, local officials, and many others who work alongside us. The quality of our work would not be possible without the skill, dedication, and partnership of these individuals. Most of all, we want to thank our clients, friends, neighbors, and everyone who voted for Highland Design and Construction. Your continued confidence in our family and our company is something we never take for granted. Receiving this honor for the fourth year in a row is both humbling and encouraging. We are grateful for what we have been able to build together, and we look forward to serving the Foothills for many years to come. Thank you for allowing us to continue Building a Legacy — from our family to yours. Sincerely, Highland Design and Construction

118 N. Trade Ave. Landrum, SC Hdcllc.net | 864.401.2355 48

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Favorite Bank First Place: HomeTrust Bank - Tryon Second Place: First Citizens Bank - Columbus Runner Up: State Employees Credit Union Favorite Feed Store First Place: The Hay Rack Second Place: Tractor Supply Runner Up: Tim Edwards Farm & Landscaping Supply Favorite Financial Planner First Place: Katheryn Gordon - Ashworth Financial Second Place: Mike Ashworth - Ashworth Financial Runner Up: Stephanie Winterrowd - Edward Jones Favorite Floral Shop First Place: Sweet Grass Floral Studio Second Place: Moonchild Flower Farm Runner Up: Preston K Flowers Favorite Garden Center First Place: Down to Earth Garden Center Second Place: Avery Creek Nursery Runner Up: Tim Edwards Landscaping

Thank you for choosing us as your Favorite Hair Salon in the Foothills and voting Tristan Dotson your Favorite Hairstylist in the Foothills!

THANK YOU, FOOTHILLS! We are honored to once again be voted :

Favorite Chiropractic office Favorite Chiropractor - Clay Baker Favorite Place to work (1-10 employees) We are truly humbled and blessed by the continued support of our wonderful community. DR. CLAY BAKER | 828.859.5055 | 1053 S TRADE ST. TRYON, NC

(864) 529-2505 120 North Trade St., Tryon SEPTEMBER 2026

thank you, FOOTHILLS! you did it favorite place for pizza favorite live music favorite server Natalie WaTTS

favorite new business (UNDER A YEAR OLD)

favorite restaurant in landrum

WE COULDNT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU! N o w o p e n 7 d ay s a w e e k ! (864) 457-1117 50

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

501 N Howard Ave., Landrum, SC 29356

Green River Adventures was named Favorite Outdoor Recreation Company

Thank You

For Voting Wild Petunias as your Favorite Gift Shop in the Foothills!

Favorite Gift Shop First Place: Wild Petunias Second Place: The Nest at Missildines Runner Up: Tryon Antique Mall & Marketplace Favorite Gym / Fitness Center First Place: Tryon Health and Fitness Club Second Place: My Gym and Fitness Center Runner Up: Crossfit Krypton Carolinas Favorite Hair Salon First Place: Haven Salon + Boutique Second Place: Salon 3:15 Runner Up: Tangles & Toes Hair and Nail Salon Favorite HVAC Service Provider First Place: Price Services Heating and Air Second Place: Barton Brothers Runner Up: Supreme Heating & Air Conditioning Inc Favorite Insurance Agency First Place: Dusenbury Insurance Second Place: State Farm Insurance Agent Runner Up: NC Farm Bureau Insurance Favorite Landscaping Company First Place: Kropp’s Land Management Second Place: JB Trees and Scapes Runner Up: Tim Edwards Farm & Landscaping Supply SEPTEMBER 2026

2026 Favorite Antique Mall in our area!

To all the voters, we are eternally grateful. We are so thankful for our incredible staff and dealers for their help and making our business worthy of such an award. April 2025 marked 10 years of Business. This recognition shows these years of hard work have been recognized by our community. We have been blessed beyond measure by our loyal customers and are looking forward to many more years serving our community.

1005 South Trade Street, Tryon, NC 828- 859-2756 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Mall & Marketplace

Favorite New Business First Place: Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery Second Place: Vibes Fizzy Pop Shop Runner Up: Earth and Soul Adventures

Favorite Place for Tires First Place: Dill’s Tire Second Place: Pierce Tire and Service Center Runner Up: Stott’s Ford

Favorite Non-Profit First Place: Thermal Belt Outreach Second Place: Foothills Humane Society Runner Up: Steps to Hope

Favorite Real Estate Agency First Place: New View Realty Second Place: The Clayton Group at Real Broker Runner Up: SCNC Realty

Favorite Outdoor Recreation Company First Place: Green River Adventures Second Place: Saluda Outfitters Runner Up: The Vault by Marthaler

Favorite Self Storage Company First Place: Keystone Storage Second Place: Searcy Automotive and Storage Runner Up: Foothills Storage LLC

Favorite Pest Control Service Provider First Place: Nelon-Cole Termite and Pest Control Second Place: Ladybug Pest Solutions Runner Up: Terminex

Favorite Service Organization First Place: Steps to Hope Second Place: Polk County Community Foundation Runner Up: The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run

Favorite Place for an Oil Change First Place: Stott’s Ford Second Place: Landrum Lube Runner Up: Pierce Tire and Service Center

Favorite Tree Service First Place: JB Trees Second Place: Expert Tree Solutions Runner Up: Epperson Tree Service

SEPTEMBER 2026

El Campesino Mexican Grill & Bar A Family Legacy, Served Daily in the Foothills

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Story by Storme Smith, photos by Storme Smith & courtesy of El Campesino

or Miguel Roman, the story of El Campesino Mexican Grill & Bar in Columbus is a story of family, hard work and learning the restaurant business from the ground up. Today, El Campesino, located at 205 E. Mills St., is a familiar gathering place in the Foothills, but Roman’s path to becoming a restaurant owner was anything but a straight line. His career took him through different restaurants and different roles before eventually putting him in the kitchen himself, where he learned one of the most important lessons of his career: If you own a restaurant, you need to be ready to do whatever needs to be done.

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Come find your perfect holiday gift! Sign up for our newsletter

157 N Trade St. Tryon Nc earthandsouadventures@gmail.com Ph: 704-819-3054 earthandsouladventures.com

Email: earthandsouladventures@gmail.com Phone: 704-819-3054 157 N Trade Street, Tryon, NC Earthandsouladventures.com Call or email for appointment SEPTEMBER 2026

Roman’s family has deep roots in both farming and the restaurant business. His father, Adolfo Roman, was a farmer who also worked for restaurants in the area, and that family history eventually inspired the name of his son’s restaurant. “El Campesino” refers to a farmer — a fitting name for a restaurant whose owner comes from a farming family. For Roman, the name is more than a business identity. It is a connection to his family’s roots and to the work his father did. Roman’s own career in restaurants began in Atlanta, where he worked in an Italian restaurant. Although the restaurants he would eventually own would focus on Mexican cuisine, those early years gave him an opportunity to learn the industry from another perspective. He learned the pace of restaurant work, the importance of customer service, and the many moving parts required to keep a restaurant operating. When his father moved to South Carolina and began working for a restaurant company, Roman followed him into the business. He worked in Mauldin at El Jalisco, continuing to gain experience and learning more about the business from the inside. Eventually, Roman’s career brought him to the Tryon area, where he worked as a manager.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Miguel and Bridget Roman

Those years taught him more than how to oversee a dining room. Roman began to understand that a successful restaurant owner needs to know what is happening in every part of the operation — from the front of the house to the kitchen. He learned that lesson firsthand when a restaurant he was managing found itself short on cooks. “I had to step into the kitchen and learn to cook,” Roman said. It turned out to be a defining moment. Roman realized that if he was going to build a career in the restaurant business, he could not simply depend on someone else to know how to do every job. He needed to understand the work himself. That philosophy continues to shape the way he operates El Campesino today. Roman has an experienced team around him, but he is still willing to step behind the counter or into the kitchen when needed. He believes an owner should understand the work his employees are doing and be prepared to work alongside them when the situation calls for it. “If you want to get in this business, you better get in the kitchen,” Roman said. It is advice earned through experience. Roman has seen the unpredictable side of the restaurant business and understands that employees can leave, kitchens can get busy, and problems can arise without warning.

We are honored to be a part of the Tryon market and the Foothills of Polk County! Business Commercial Personal Mortgage

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SEPTEMBER 2026

Knowing how to cook, manage the dining room and keep the operation moving gives an owner another level of confidence when those challenges arise. Roman’s move into restaurant ownership began on a much smaller scale. Before El Campesino became the Columbus restaurant customers know today, Roman operated a Mexican store in the building on East Mills Street. The operation was modest, but customers began encouraging him to turn the location into a restaurant. There was one problem: The building was not ready. Roman and his team had to transform the space, creating a kitchen and restaurant essentially from the ground up. “We had to build everything,” Roman said. The project meant tearing down existing walls and structures and rebuilding the interior to accommodate a restaurant. It was an old building, and turning it into a functioning restaurant required a significant investment of time, work and effort. For Roman, however, the challenge was part of the appeal. He was building something of his own. Over the years, Roman expanded his restaurant ventures to several communities, including Forest City and Lake Lure, as the names and ownership arrangements of the various businesses evolved. His El Lago location in Lake Lure remains in operation today. Through all of those experiences, Roman continued developing his approach to food and hospitality. The menu at El Campesino reflects years spent not only managing restaurants but learning how to cook. Roman developed dishes and combinations based on his experience in the industry and his understanding of what customers enjoy. That hands-on knowledge gave him another perspective on the food. Rather than simply managing a kitchen, he could develop ideas himself and understand the work involved in bringing those ideas to the table. The result is a menu centered on familiar Mexican favorites, including tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and a variety of combination plates. The restaurant’s salsa bar has also become a popular part of the El Campesino experience. But for Roman, a restaurant is about much more than what comes out of the kitchen. It is a family business. His wife, Angela Bridget Roman, is involved in the operation, and their son has begun helping at the restaurant. His daughters have also worked in the family business. That family involvement is especially meaningful to Roman because so much of his own career was built by learning through experience. His brother, Israel, is also part of the restaurant industry and owns El Surreno in Tryon, extending the family’s restaurant tradition into another Foothills community. At El Campesino, Roman employs about 10 people.

The dining room before opening.

SEPTEMBER 2026

The kitchen is always clean and well organized.

Secure Your Legacy. Helping you plan with confidence and protect what matters most.

Thank You, Foothills! We are truly honored that The Well was voted:

Favorite Place of Worship and Favorite Pastor- Pastor Brannon Poore Thank you to everyone who voted and to our wonderful church family for the love and support you continually show. At The Well, there’s always a place for you. We invite you to come as you are, worship with us, and experience a community where faith, love, and fellowship grow together. We are blessed to serve this community— and even more blessed to call it home.

Come as you are. You are welcome here.

(828) 894-3541 60 Walker St. Columbus, NC 28722 FeaganHarrelson.com

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Service Times - Sunday, 10:22am 395 W Rutherford St, Landrum, SC 29356 life@thewell-landrum.com

Several employees have been with him for years, providing a sense of consistency that can make a difference in the restaurant business. For customers, familiar faces can become just as important as familiar food. Roman credits his front-of-the-house and kitchen staff as an important part of El Campesino’s success. Their experience and dedication allow the restaurant to maintain the welcoming atmosphere that customers have come to expect. Roman remains closely involved in the dayto-day operation rather than simply managing from a distance. That hands-on approach is central to the way he runs his business. After decades in the restaurant industry, he knows that success is built not only on recipes and menus but on people, consistency and a willingness to work. His connection to Columbus has also grown stronger over the years. Roman credits the community for embracing El Campesino and helping the restaurant establish itself as a local favorite.

“The town of Columbus and the people of Polk County have been really big supporters,” Roman said. That support has become a two-way relationship. El Campesino has supported local schools, charitable organizations and community events, including serving as the main sponsor for Columbus’ 2026 Fourth of July Festival. For Roman, giving back is part of being a business owner in a community that has given his family and his restaurant its support. That relationship is one reason El Campesino has become more than simply a place to stop for lunch or dinner. It has become part of the community’s everyday landscape. The restaurant’s story reaches well beyond its dining room. It is the story of a farmer’s son who followed his family into the restaurant business, a young restaurant worker who learned to cook because circumstances demanded it, and an entrepreneur who looked at an old building in Columbus and saw the potential for something new.

SEPTEMBER 2026

Jacksons Grove UMC Come find your home church, in the wildwoods All are welcome COME AS YOU ARE 2842 N Pacolet Rd, Landrum

864-510-3199

Sunday school - 8:30 am Traditional service - 9:30 am

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

TURN YOUR UNNEEDED ITEMS INTO HOUSING HOPE

It is also a story about family — from his father, Adolfo, and the farming roots behind the restaurant’s name to his brother Israel’s restaurant in Tryon and the family members who have worked alongside him. And it is a story about the people who have helped make El Campesino what it is today. After years in the restaurant industry, Roman has built more than a place to eat. He has built a business that reflects his family’s history, provides jobs in the community and gives customers a place to gather.

Help local families build safe, affordable housing. Donate to Habitat ReStore and make a real difference — right here in our community.

Henderson County & Thermal Belt

When you donate to Habitat ReStore, you help local families build strength, stability, and a place to call home.

We accept gently used furniture, appliances, cabinets, art, tools, building materials, home goods, and more!

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Call today to schedule a free pickup!

(864) 457-2666 w w w. t h e rm a l b e l t h a b i t a t . o rg

Habitat Restore 132 N. Trade Ave., Landrum

• Live Music • Brews, Pizza & much more

Order online

(864) 457-1117 • stubbornmulebrewing.com 501 N Howard Ave., Landrum, SC 29356 NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Sunday - Thursday: 11am-9pm Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm

SEPTEMBER 2026

Today, when guests walk through the doors of El Campesino, they are stepping into the result of decades of experience — a restaurant built through hard work, family involvement and a willingness to take on whatever came next. Visit El Campesino today, and find out why they’ve been voted by our readers as a Favorite of the Foothills, year after year. They are open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 9:30 pm.

To learn more, visit elcampesinomexicangrillandbar.com.

Miguel Roman, owner of El Campesino Mexican Grill & Bar in Columbus

Thank You, Voters,

For Choosing Kropp’s Land Management As Your Favorite Landscaping Company In The Foothills!

Serving Columbus, Landrum, Tryon and surrounding areas Landscaping, Hardscaping, Lawn Maintenance Residential - Commercial - Industrial 64

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Y’all Did It Again! You voted JB Trees the #1 Tree Service in the Foothills for the 6th year in a row!

We can’t thank our community enough for continuing to choose and support our family-owned business. Every recommendation, every call, and every vote helps us continue doing what we love—providing honest, professional work at a reasonable price for the people and communities we call home. From expert tree service and forestry mulching to landscaping, hardscaping, and outdoor construction, we’re here to help you get the job done right. Thank you for trusting us year after year.

Let us show you the JB way! Call today to schedule your free estimate!

864-497-8511 www.JBTreesLLC.com

SEPTEMBER 2026

Good Fortune By Pebbles

hen he stepped cautiously off the horse trailer, the dark, thin colt was visibly shaking. A skinny five-year-old gray Welsh-cross mare accompanied him. We saved her on St. Patrick’s Day. The black colt, with a strikingly handsome blazed face, was purchased days later from a different kill pen. He was described as a fine two-year-old Shire-cross when he ran through the Bowie, Texas Livestock Auction. Unfortunately, a kill buyer there was the highest bidder. Shires are not often seen at horse auctions. It was our good fortune to find him in time. Known for their calm, gentle disposition, Shire horses are considered a rare and endangered breed. Their population has declined, particularly after World War II, as these working draft horses were no longer in demand. Currently, estimates suggest that there are fewer than 2,000 Shire horses worldwide. Shires originated in England and were historically used for heavy farm work and towing barges. Their size and strength were enhanced by the influence of Flemish stallions imported in the 16th century. “What should we call him?” I asked my mistress,

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Heather Freeman, as he reluctantly entered his new pasture. This was HERD Rescue’s first Shire horse. Naming a horse is important. I believe that what we choose to name each equine does impact their future. Naming the young gray mare was an easy choice. I thought Shamrock was just perfect. We will forever remember the day we saved her. Although Welsh in heritage, she has the luck of the Irish. HERD bought her when no one else showed any interest in saving her life. The shamrock is associated with the legend of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is a medicinal plant in the clover family, celebrated as a symbol of good fortune. I needed to do a little research and brush up my knowledge concerning Welsh ponies; after all, I could have some of that breed in my bloodline. The Welsh pony is a breed of small horse, popular as a child’s mount. It is a hardy breed popular in the Welsh mountains, originally developed to work in coal mines. A saddle type was developed by introducing Thoroughbred and Arabian blood. They are refined and intelligent, with considerable spirit and good disposition. In 1884, the first Welsh ponies were imported to the United States, and in 1906 the Welsh Pony Society of America was established.

Proudly serving the community we call home

Volunteer Dustin Giortz with Squire teaching him groundwork

SEPTEMBER 2026

Handsome Squire begging for attention 68

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Squire the Shire on arrival at HERD

With over 500 rented spaces, the Tryon Antique Mall & Marketplace makes the perfect shopping experience. We are a one stop shop for all! We offer vintage, antique, and primitive items, and much more! Some of the retailers available in the mall include Wet-It, Danica Designs, RADA, Umgee, Smoky Mountain Roasters, and Skinny Syrups, along with many more!

SEPTEMBER 2026

Squire’s first ride with Kevin Carey

I’ve been living with fibromyalgia for years. Can acupuncture really help?

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

If I had to guess, I believe our Shamrock is a cross between a Welsh and an Arabian. All we knew from her auction description was that she was used as a broodmare. When she trotted around her new pasture, she floated with the most amazing movement; her tail and her dishshaped head held high, looking regal. The Shire colt followed Shamrock, sticking close to her. A dark shadow of a horse, keeping up with the elegant little mare. He was fearful of human touch and would quickly jerk his head and move backward when Heather tried to lead him into his feeding pen. We soon discovered he had a large hematoma on his neck. When we purchased him, this blemish had been hidden from view by his long mane. Our veterinarian examined it and determined that the colt had been given a shot very forcefully into his neck. A lump the size of an orange had developed where the horse had been jabbed hard with the needle. Based on his personality on arrival, the wound was likely the result of a sedative drug he was given to be docile for his auction appearance.

For many people, the answer is yes. Fibromyalgia is a complex condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, poor sleep, headaches, brain fog, and increased sensitivity to pain. Because there isn’t a single cause, treatment often requires a comprehensive approach. Acupuncture has become an increasingly popular option because it addresses many of the underlying factors that contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms—without relying solely on medication. Here’s how acupuncture can help: • Lowers Pain Sensitivity: Fibromyalgia causes the nervous system to become overly sensitive to pain. Acupuncture helps regulate pain pathways while stimulating the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals, making the body less reactive to painful stimuli. • Calms the Nervous System: Many people with fibromyalgia feel like they’re constantly “stuck” in a fight-or-flight state. Acupuncture shifts the body into a more relaxed, restorative mode, allowing the body to recover more effectively. • Improves Sleep Quality: Restful sleep is essential for managing fibromyalgia, yet it is often one of the biggest challenges. Acupuncture promotes deeper, more restorative sleep, which can lead to noticeable improvements in pain, energy, and

mental clarity. • Relieves Muscle Tension: Tight, tender muscles and painful trigger points are common in fibromyalgia. Acupuncture helps relax these areas, improve circulation, and reduce stiffness throughout the body. • Boosts Energy and Overall Well-Being: By improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy nervous system function, many patients report increased energy, better mood, and an improved quality of life after a series of treatments. Fibromyalgia affects every person differently, which is why treatment should never be “one-size-fits-all.” In Chinese Medicine, each treatment is tailored to your unique pattern of symptoms. Acupuncture is often combined with nutritional guidance, lifestyle recommendations, and herbal medicine to create a personalized plan.

Squire at age three doing obstacle work with volunteer Michelle Grogan

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Treating it was no easy task. Heather had to massage the lump daily with DMSO to reduce the inflammation. It was during the first week of getting to know these two horses that the right name popped into my head for the Shire. I proposed, “Let’s name him Squire the Shire!” In the Middle Ages, a squire was the armor-bearer for a knight. Boys served a knight by doing simple but important tasks, such as saddling a horse and caring for the knight’s weapons. The word also means a man, or a horse in our case, of high social standing who owns and lives on an estate, or a ranch perhaps, in a rural area. As a verb, it refers to escorting a woman around by accompanying her, and our black colt certainly was never a stone’s throw away from Shamrock. Squire the Shire became his official name here in HERD rescue. Squire adopted by Lauren Bedford Wintz

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Volunteer Karina Giortz with Shamrock

SEPTEMBER 2026

Shamrock at arrival to HERD

Two years rolled by quickly. Squire became considerably taller than Shamrock. These horses transformed into friendly, beautiful equines. They seek human touch. Both Shamrock and Squire are lovely movers. We have consistently posted videos of their groundwork training on social media, generating considerable interest from potential adopters. Volunteer Karina Giortz is smitten with Shamrock. She devotes three days a week to training her in liberty work. The two athletes dance together in the round pen and playground of obstacles for horses. I will not be surprised if Karina adopts Shamrock, as the two are devoted to one another.

HERES TO SERVING THE FOOTHILLS WITH PRIDE - TODAY & EVERYDAY!

Discover the care that made us a Foothills favorite 5 years running! Personalized chiropractic care to help you move better, feel better, and live well.

(828) 749-9892 131 US-176 SALUDA, NC 28773

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

The power to heal is in you DR. CLAY BAKER | 828.859.5055 1053 S TRADE ST. TRYON, NC

Squire recently departed HERD’s ranch, traveling to Kevin Carey in Silver City, N.C., for his under-saddle training. Kevin was highly recommended to us for his patient skills in starting young horses. After two months of training, Squire was ready to move on to our foster trainer Beth Harrill. She has placed many horses, finding great homes for HERD over the last seven years. Squire was at Beth’s farm less than a week when an accomplished rider, Lauren Bedford Wintz, came to see him. She was so impressed with his nice disposition and athleticism that she purchased him immediately. Squire moved only a few miles away to her farm in Locust, N.C. Lauren is thrilled with this special horse. She plans to trail ride and compete with him in the green hunter division. One thing is clear to me. Shamrock is Squire the Shire’s lucky charm. She has brought him good fortune since he joined her on the trailer bound for HERD.

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SEPTEMBER 2026

QUICK BITES

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Rice is enjoyed in just about every corner of the globe. It can be a healthy component of a balanced diet and is especially beneficial for people who cannot enjoy other grains due to dietary intolerances. While many people think of rice as a side dish for meat or fish, it takes center stage in this colorful and flavorful Southwestern Rice Salad with Black Beans.

Southwestern Rice Salad With Black Beans Serves 4 For the salad • 1 cup white long-grain rice, rinsed • 3/4 cup canned sweet corn, drained • 1 3/4 cups canned black beans, drained • 2 cups grape tomatoes, rinsed and halved • 4 green onions, rinsed, trimmed and sliced Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper For the dressing • Juice of 1 lime • 4 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 red chili pepper, trimmed, seeded and finely diced • 1 small handful fresh cilantro, chopped To serve 1 lime, cut into wedges In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the rice. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from the heat and let cool, still covered. Once the rice has cooled, rinse the sweet corn and black beans in cold water

and drain thoroughly. Fluff the rice with a fork, then combine it with the sweet corn, black beans, tomatoes and green onions in a large serving bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until the salt has dissolved. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until incorporated. Stir in the diced chili pepper and chopped cilantro. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

SEPTEMBER 2026

QUICK BITES

Polvorones With Chocolate Glaze and Sesame Seeds

Millions of people can trace their heritage to Spain or another Spanish-speaking country. The customs unique to Hispanic cultures contribute to the rich tapestry of communities around the world, and food is one of the easiest ways people share their heritage with others. Recipes passed down through generations help bring families and friends together. These traditional polvorones, finished with a rich chocolate glaze and sesame seeds, are a delicious treat any time of year. Makes about 28 cookies For the cookies • 1/3 cup ground pecans • 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed • 1/2 cup lard, cold and cubed • 1 large egg For the glaze • 1/4 cup cocoa powder • 3 tablespoons water • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup • 2 tablespoons butter • 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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gallery hours

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PAINTING, SCULPTURE AND MORE!

Wednesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rev. Dr. Allan Purtill, Pastor

supported by:

78 N Trade Street Tryon, NC 28782

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Sunday Worship • 10:30 a.m. 430 Harmon Field Road

All are welcome!

Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tryon Presbyterian Church

Streaming Live on Facebook www.facebook.com/TryonPresbyterianChurch

www.tryonpresbyterian.org

AC H

R EA O

spacing them apart. Flatten each slightly with your fingers. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. To make the glaze, combine the cocoa powder, water, corn syrup and butter in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled polvorones and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Let the glaze set before serving.

To decorate 2 tablespoons sesame seeds Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pecans and confectioners’ sugar. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the butter and lard, working them into the flour until the mixture forms a coarse, crumbly dough. Add the pecan and sugar mixture to the dough and work it in with your hands. Add the egg and mix until the dough comes together into a ball. Using floured hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets,

October 10, 2026 Join the Race

8K Ache, 2 mile Ouch and 1mile Kid’s Run

www.TheHospitalFoundation.org

The Courtyards

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SEPTEMBER 2026

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Marketplace Foothills Magazine • 828.859.9151

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0302 Serving Nice Guys Columbus, Tryon, Yard Clean Up and Hendersonville Serving Foothill Mountain Area: Lake Pointe Tree Trimming, Landing, A Brush Pile GOCO Century Park Burning, Hauling, Contracting Community. Lake Shrubbery, WeedTrusted.Reliable. Pointe Landing is eating, Weed and Local. residential not just a great Brush Spraying, upgrades, repairs place to live, but Garage/Shed/ Home for Sale and restorations. a great place to Barn Clean Out. One-of-a-kind Serving Western work as well! Competitive Prices sanctuary situated NC and Upsate SC. We are currently Hourly or By the on 21 secluded Based out of Tryon looking for nursing Job! Call The Nice acres with pond. NC Call GOCOstaff including Guys Today! Ask 5,200 suare foot The Contractor You CNAs, RNs and for Charles 864gated estate. Can Trust. 828LPNs, offering 285-8486 $1,850,000 899-7290 competitive pay Lane Robbat and benefits. Visit Philco’s Pressure 828.817.4663 GOOD BY www.centurypa. Washing Get STUMPS Stump com today to all the Mold, DILL PLUMBING Removal Quantity explore available Mildew, & Specializing in Discounts on positions and Oxidation off small repairs, Water 50+ Stumps! As apply online! Or your house! Heaters, Well low as $10 each! stop by out facility •Clean Vinyl Pumps. Serving Call for pricing. to fill out a paper Siding •Driveways Polk County for 34 Fully insured. Free application. •Sidewalks •Stain Years Licensed and Quotes! Call Ron & Seal Decks & Insured NC & SC at 828-447-8775 LAWSON More! Liability & 828-817-1327 PAINTING Workers Comp 31 HANDYMAN Residential years Experience DIXON AC & SERVICES Painting •Interior Call To Clean HEATING • Your SPECIALIZING IN & Exterior •Ceiling Today! Phil Tolleson HVAC Service & DECKS, PAINTING, Texturing •Light 864-599-1978 or Repair Expert • CARPENTRY, Carpentry Free 864-304-8463 Serving the Tryon AND HOME Estimates Please area for 30+ years. MAINTENANCE. Call: 864-494POLK COUNTY Call (828)863-0555 “1 CALL DOES IT 3397 SCHOOLS Visit ALL.” CALL CHRIS https://polkschools. Epperson’s AT (828)388-2503 Manuel Flores org/personnel/ to Tree Service • Construction apply Or Call:828Complete Tree HOME •Stucco •Block 894-1001 Service •Dangerous IMPROVEMENT •Brick •Tile removals •View PAINTING •Concrete •Stone $10 Off Fall Cutting •Lot FLOORING AND Work 864-361Preventative Clearing •Tree MORE! CALL 1794 Maintenance (Reg Trimming •Crane TODAY 828-999$75) Rutherford

Heating and Air 828-287-2240 ALL types of plumbing repairs • Installations • Emergency plumbing issues • Driveway repairs | Call David Cothran 864-266-8267 STEPS TO HOPE Thrift Barn • • Landrum, SC • FT Donation Assistant FT Donation Assistant/Driver Duties include but not limited to: •Greet donors, accept donations, provide tax receipts •Sort/separate donations •Unload truck after pickups •High School diploma/equivalent •Ability to stand for long periods & lift heavy items •Backup Driver must have valid driver’s license PTO, Healthcare Benefits included. Send resume to retail@ stepstohope.org

SEPTEMBER 2026

ADVERTISER INDEX AdventHealth Polk 3 AlignLife of Tryon 49, 74 All Good Things 46 Ashworth Financial 31, 83 Becker Electric 40 Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital 45 Bowen Insurance and Financial 80 Brooks Tavern 42 Caregiver Connection 16 Carri Bass Photography 25 Carruth Furniture 69 Cason Builders 76 Clayton Tile 2 Clover Acupuncture 32, 70 Congregational Church of Tryon 18 Creekside Aesthetics 71 Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream 35 Dr. Jonathan Lowry 61 Dusenbury Insurance 17, 24 Earth and Soul Adventures 55 eArthly Minds Gallery 32 EASE 17 El Campasino Mexican Grill and Bar 47 Feagan Harrelson Law Firm 60

FENCE Foothills Amish Furniture Globetreks Green River BBQ Grindstaff's Interiors Habitat for Humanity Haven Salon + Boutique Highland Design & Construction HomeTrust Bank Iron Key Brewing Co. Isothermal Community College Jacksons Grove UMC JB Trees Junge Construction Keystone Storage Kropp's Land Management Missi & Co. Nelon-Cole Pest Control New View Realty Newman’s Restaurant Noble Barn Co. Openroad Coffee Roastery Parker-Binns Vineyard Penny Insurance

80 7 21 44, 74 76 63 49 48, 77 57 53 80 62 65, 71 19 33 64 75 27 4 38 56 39 36 18

Polk County Schools 29 Price Services HVAC 41 Prince Gas Company 67 Red Bell Run 75 Rosecrest 79 Rutherford Regional Health System 80 State Farm 39 Steps to Hope 45 Strauss Attorneys 55 Stubborn Mule Restaurant and Brewery 50, 63 The Hospital Foundation 79 The Well 60 Tryon Antique Mall 52, 69 Tryon Builders 9 Tryon Concert Association 58 Tryon Estates 34 Tryon Fine Arts Center 84 Tryon Garden Club 10 Tryon International 82 Tryon Painters & Sculptors 78 Tryon Presbyterian Church 78 Vibes Massage and Spa 46 White Oak Village 72 Wild Petunias 51

Drink, Dine, Dance & Play…

All Under the Same Roof.

You’ll find more than just great food at the NEW Silver Spoon Saloon. From the 12oz Cowboy Ribeye and handcrafted cocktails to live music, line dancing, duckpin bowling, and trivia nights!

Come see what’s new at the Silver Spoon Saloon - right here at Tryon International (828) 863-1121 25 International Boulevard, Mill Spring, NC 28756

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Your Path to Financial Planning Elevate your financial journey with sound planning strategies crafted just for you. From retirement dreams to investment goals, we're here to guide you toward a sound and prosperous future. Your financial journey begins with Ashworth Financial Group.

CONTACT US TODAY Mike Ashworth, CFP Katheryn Gordon, Financial Advisor Bryson Shook, Financial Advisor Financial advice delivered with care, kindness and empathy 493 South Trade Street Tryon, NC 28782 (800) 859-5537

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