Great Trails
A fireside chat and a waterfall hike: celebrating women's empowerment and natural wonders
Date: October 13-14, 2023
By Yaviri Escalera
Having the privilege of attending two Culture Queen events on October 13 and 14, 2023, I was fortunate to see firsthand how they profoundly touched the lives of those who attended. From an intimate fireside chat to an awe-inspiring hike, these gatherings left a lasting mark on the hearts and souls of the participants.
Fireside chat
On a crisp and golden October evening, women from all walks of life gathered in the cozy home of Natalia Spittle, a Culture Queen member, for a fireside chat that would leave a lasting impression. Hosted by Natalia and featuring a conversation about Jennifer Everett’s inspirational book, "I Choose Me," the event was a testament to the power of sisterhood and self-discovery.
Jennifer, the founder of Culture Queens, a community dedicated to engaging women in meaningful conversations and activities that nurture self-growth and stronger bonds, was the guest of honor. With her effervescent spirit and steadfast commitment to women's empowerment, she made this gathering an unforgettable experience.
As 11 of us settled in by the crackling fire, the evening unfolded with heartfelt conversations about the book's themes of self-love, personal growth and the importance of prioritizing one's own needs. The atmosphere was welcoming, creating an open exchange of stories and experiences. It was authentic, unfiltered and filled with genuine emotions and candid discussions.
The highlight of the evening was when Jennifer shared her journey of self-discovery and the inspiration behind "I Choose Me." Her stories resonated, sparking a renewed sense of purpose and self-determination.
Host Natalia and Yaviri
At the end of the chat, Jennifer asked each one of us to dig deep into our hearts and write down what we wanted to release and free ourselves from. With pens in hand and resolute hearts, we wrote down our burdens on those small pieces of paper. And then, one by one, we watched as our innermost struggles turned into ashes, dancing away in the flames, leaving us with a profound sense of liberation.
After the fireside chat, I and the other women felt a reaffirmed connection with ourselves and each other. This gathering was not just about discussing a book; it was about forming lasting bonds and supporting each other on their journeys of self-love and growth.
Hiking adventure
The following day brought a different kind of adventure. Seven women, including Jennifer and me, along with the talented photographer Christian Callazo from Rockingham, NC, set out on a hike to two breathtaking waterfalls in the heart of the Cherokee Indian Reservation: Mingo Falls and Soco Falls.
Soco Falls
The day began with a thick veil of fog that shrouded our surroundings as we approached the first waterfall. It was as though nature itself was drawing a curtain around this waterfall, creating an air of mystery and anticipation. The sound of cascading water grew louder with each step.
Soco Falls didn’t disappoint. Suddenly, the fog began to thin. The sight that greeted us was nothing short of magical. The double waterfall tumbled down a rock face into a serene pool of water below. The falls are tucked away from the world, offering a sense of seclusion and serenity.
The fog served as a reminder that life often takes us along uncertain, obscure paths. We may not always see clearly, but we press on with hope. Just as the fog unveiled the hidden beauty of Soco Falls, life can surprise us with moments of profound beauty amid uncertainty.
As we approached Mingo Falls, the fog cleared, and the trail and falls were brilliantly illuminated by the sunlight, casting a stunning radiance. The sheer force and elegance of the 120-foot waterfall took our breath away. It was a sight to behold, and as some of us stood on the bridge, others ventured to the base, where the cool mist enveloped us, creating a sense of wonder and awe.
The hikes were as much about the journey as they were about the destination.
The clear, sunny day reminded me that life can change and with each change comes a new kind of adventure. It's a reminder that both the mysterious and the clear moments in life contribute to our personal growth and the richness of our experiences.
The ride from Soco Falls to Mingo Falls wasn't just about seeing stunning waterfalls; it mirrored life's ups and downs. It reminded us to embrace every phase, whether uncertain or radiant, as each has its unique beauty. Just as these falls vary, life's diversity enriches our souls and deepens our love for the world.
Mingo Falls
After a day filled with natural beauty and adventure, we headed to Pops Butts on the Creek (Yes, you read that right) for a well-deserved lunch. Pops Butts is a charming restaurant owned by Valgene Hamilton, affectionately known as Uncle Val. Originally from Orange County, NY, Uncle Val relocated to Florida before making the move to Maggie Valley to take over this beloved restaurant.
It's a real family affair, as Valgene Hamilton Jr., who is Uncle Val's son, proudly serves as the owner, and his wife manages it. Notably, our server, Tricia, also happens to be Valgene Jr.'s mother-in-law. They are a big family who make sure you feel like family when you go and dine with them.
The success of this memorable event would not have been possible without the support of sponsors like Great Trails NC and Doc Hills Family Care, who supplied the means to create these unforgettable moments.
As the sun set on the day, we left with a sense of physical satisfaction, with newfound friendships and a deeper connection to the world around us. This fireside chat and waterfall hike were more than just events; they were experiences that inspired growth, self-love, and the beauty of the natural world. In the embrace of sisterhood and the wonders of nature, we discovered the importance of choosing ourselves and cherishing the moments that make life truly meaningful.
Chris Callozo captures the Culture Queens celebrating the inaugural Great Trails State Day.
If you’d like to sponsor an event and/or plan an outing for your group, please contact Jennifer at jeverett@cltqueens.org to discuss collaboration opportunities.
