The very best part of writing the Good News posts for Flat Rock Together is the opportunity to learn more about the most interesting people, places, and events in Flat Rock. It’s hard not to believe that our little Village has one of the highest per-capita rates of interesting stories anywhere in the country. Clearly, there is something about Flat Rock that attracts people of exceptional creativity, remarkable experience, and impressive determination to succeed in their chosen endeavors.

Here is a look back at five of our favorite stories from 2020 that touched our hearts and made us smile.

The Apples of their Eyes.

This is the heart-warming story of Lindsay and David Butler, owners of Sky Top Orchards. The Butlers landed atop Pinnacle mountains as two kids straight out of college and now, nearly 50 years later, they are the owner/operators of one of the most iconic apple orchards in Western North Carolina. Theirs is a story of dogged determination combined with creativity often born of necessity. We will never forget seeing tears well up in their eyes as they looked back at raising a family and growing a business in one of the most beautiful places in Henderson County. Read their story here.

Warm Words Dipped in Wonder

When we think back on the interesting people we met in 2020, our time with Tim Jones - poet, photographer, and Episcopal Rector - will be an experience that we will always remember. Warm Words Dipped in Wonder tells Tim’s amazing story. As a baby, Tim came home from Pardee Hospital to one of Flat Rock’s most iconic homes where his father served as the caretaker. He eventually spent his boyhood in East Flat Rock where he could roam the undeveloped woods around Highland Lake and where he developed a passion for words, the natural world, and the miracle of all creation. His story here.

Treasuring our Heritage - One Bite at a Time

Bringing home the bronze medal for 2020, Treasuring our Heritage - One Bite at a Time tells the story of Flat Rock’s newest and fastest-growing business. Like millions of Americans, Jessica Owenby was furloughed from her job as an office manager due to the COVID-19 crisis. For most people, hers would be one more story of hardship and loss during difficult times. Jessica, however, looked beyond the adversity and saw opportunity. This is a beautiful story of a business model built on a devotion to family traditions. Story here.

The Breakfast Club with Mark and Paige

For sheer joy and fun, The Breakfast Club with Mark and Paige, was far and away our favorite story of 2020. Paige Posey and Mark Warwick’s morning show at WTZQ is a magical combination of old time radio, local flavor, and two charismatic personalties that make early mornings during the work week feel like a party with old friends. We got to spend an entire morning with this dynamic duo and it was the fastest, happiest four hours of our year. As an added plus, we learned an alternative definition of “macabre” that will make us laugh every time we hear that word for the rest of our lives. Story here.

Love Letter to Flat Rock Playhouse

Perhaps there was no Flat Rock story in 2020 more important - or more dramatic - than the painful decision by Flat Rock Playhouse to shutter their 2020 season. A year that started with such promise and optimism came to a heart-breaking end long before the final curtain should have closed on the Leiman Mainstage. By chance, we were present at the final photo for the Playhouse crew and staff. Our Love Letter to Flat Rock Playhouse was inspired by the poignancy of that surreal afternoon unlike any other in the history of Flat Rock’s most iconic organization. Story here.

To be honest, we have a lot of misgivings about a list of “favorites.” In reality, every story we wrote this year was a chance to connect with the wonderful people, places, and events that make Flat Rock such a special place to live. We are very grateful to everyone who allowed us to share their stories. Those stories represent the tapestry of Flat Rock’s unique and enduring charm.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the blog in 2020. We look forward to another wonderful and fascinating year in 2021. Can’t wait to share your stories.