Mountain Stores have more to offer

Should anyone doubt the value of locally owned and operated stores and shops, just take a few minutes to visit City Lights Bookstore in Sylva or The Compleat Naturalist in Asheville. Yes, they both have "stuff" for sale and you can probably even find some the same stuff at chain stores or online dealers. But, like most of the mountain shops,  you'll also find unique products by, about and for the local community. And even more important, you'll find local folks who truly know their "stuff" and share their expertise with both neighbors and visitors on a regular basis. They are making sure the good old days are still with us and the small mountain towns remain an oasis to think, commune and learn.

The Complete Naturalist is hosting a FREE party, Friday July 15, 6:30-8:00 PM. Celebrate the end of the week with drinks and snacks. This week the Naturalist Meetup welcomes Dr. Tim Spira, author of the new book, Wildflowers & Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains & Piedmont. This book was the Naturalist's top seller at the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Smokies. Come and meet Tim and mingle with other naturalists - a fun way to kick off a summer weekend! Join the new Compleat Naturalist Meetup Group to be notified of upcoming events. Meet other nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, naturalists, and similarly inquisitive minds.

Stop by and stay for the whole time or leave when you wish. Please RSVP if you plan to attend so that the refreshments can be planned: Laura@compleatnaturalist.com. A portion of our proceeds goes to support the non-profit group, Discover Life in America (DLIA), which oversees the project that is helping the Great Smoky Mountains National Park manage its resources and tell its story through science. The Compleat Naturalist is located at 2 Brook Street in Historic Biltmore Village, Asheville NC.

         

City Lights Bookstore is hosting Hillbilly Tales from the Smoky Mountains on July 15th at 7:00 PM. Whittier resident and author, Patricia Graham, will be at City Lights to read from her book, Hillbilly Tales from the Smoky Mountains. The book includes several short stories based on the folklore of the Appalachian mountains.

Before the time of cell-phones, computers and television, family members would gather on the front porch and conjure stories through oral traditions. This endearing book offers hillbilly sayings and proverbs that go hand-in-hand with mountain medicine. Part two includes The Return to Green Cove, a short but dramatic story written by one of the original descendants of the Crowe family, Ms. Verna Humphrey. Facing the end of the Civil War, poverty and death take their toll on Charlotte, a young girl struggling to regain her birthright. When a young lawyer enters upon the scene, Charlotte's interpretation of heritage takes on a brand new meaning.

And just for FUN - stop by on Game Night, held every third Monday at 6 PM.   Bring the whole family for brainy games at the bookstore and less brainy games, such as Cornhole, Washers and more at the Cafe. Look for food specials and Kid's meals as well!

City Lights stated mission is: "to share the literature of the Southern Appalachian region with the world, and the world of books with our community." City Lights Bookstore is located at 3 East Jackson St. in Sylva NC.